The post of Senior Staff Officer is a middle management grade in the Westmeath County Council. The Senior Staff Officer will be an effective team leader with responsibility for organisation and management of a section or sections work, including the management of staff. The Senior Staff Officer is responsible for ensuring that the goals set out in the Directorate and Team business plans become operational actions.

Duties:

Duties may include the following:
 

• Responsiblity for the management and administration of a section or sections within the Council, including the management and supervision of staff.
• To support their line manager to ensure work programmes are implemented to deliver on the Council’s corporate and operational objectives, including planning and prioritising work and allocating resources.
• To develop and maintain productive working relationships, including providing information and assistance when required.
  • Support employees and foster a cooperative working environment to deliver a  high standard of services.
• To be the key point of contact and liaison on all operational matters for the section(s) for which they are responsible.
• To provide support and administrative assistance in the delivery of projects as required.
• To be involved in the day-to-day financial management of capital and operational expenditure in the section(s).
• To identify opportunities for improvements in service delivery within the relevant area of responsibility.
• Capacity to manage and deal with conflicting demands within prescribed timelines and deadlines
• To implement change management initiatives within the relevant area of responsibility.
• To research, analyse and communicate information on specific issues and policies as appropriate, including compiling, preparing and presenting reports, presentations, correspondence etc.
• To represent the local authority on committees and at meetings and to report on progress in his or her respective section or department as required
• To manage the performance and development of employees through the use of performance management development system. 
• To manage and supervise employees in supporting roles, including assigning and scheduling duties and workload, providing on-going support and handling day to day issues.
• To ensure compliance with all organisational policies and procedures within their area of responsibility and to provide assistance in the understanding and interpretation of policies and procedures to employees in their area of responsibility and to customers and other stakeholders as appropriate.
• To participate in corporate management activities and responsibilities appropriate to the grade.
• To be in compliance with Health and Safety legislative requirements, policies and procedures and safe systems of work.
• To deputise for the line manager or equivalent as required.
• To undertake any other duties of a similar level and responsibility, as may be required, or assigned, from time to time.