Executive Solicitor

SECTION 1: THE ROLE Applications are currently being sought from suitably qualified Solicitors who wish to be considered for inclusion on a panel from which temporary and permanent vacancies for Executive Solicitor may be filled. Cork County Council’s Legal Department provides legal services and advice in PropertyBased Services, Code Enforcement, Judicial Review, Debt Collection, and General Law Advisory Services. Property Based Services Conveyancing services are provided to the Property & Housing Departments, and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII). These services typically involve the buying, selling and letting of residential and commercial properties, as well as land acquisition for major road schemes. Two thirds of the County Council’s legal staff are involved in property-based services, largely on a full-time basis.

Code Enforcement Cork County Council is charged with the enforcement of various regulatory codes under EU Directives, primary and secondary legislation. These codes typically involve the following: • Animals; • Building Control; • Environmental issues (including waste management, litter and air pollution); • Dangerous structures and derelict sites; • Fire Safety; • Housing/landlords and tenants; • Parking; and • Planning.

Judicial Review This work is largely undertaken by Senior Executive Solicitor and Executive Solicitors.

Debt Collection Financial recovery services are supplied to divisional collection offices and to the Finance Department. File preparation and advocacy services are provided by solicitors to the Rates and Finance departments.

Advisory Services Advisory services are furnished to all Council departments under the direction of the Law Agent (County Solicitor). SECTION 2: DUTIES The duties of the post are to give to the local authority and to any other authority or body under the general direction and control of the Chief Executive, or any other body that the local authority is providing legal services to, such appropriate legal services as may be required. The duties will be consistent with the provision and management of legal services that are responsive to the changing requirements of the client Departments within Cork County Council. The holder of the post will, if required, act for an officer of a higher grade.

SECTION 3: ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA / QUALIFICATIONS 1. Character Each candidate must be of good character. 2. Health Each candidate must be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service. 3. Education, Training, Experience etc. Each candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms – a) have been admitted and enrolled as a Solicitor in the State; b) have at least three years’ satisfactory experience as a Solicitor, including adequate experience of conveyancing and court work, after admission and enrolment as a Solicitor; c) possess a high standard of professional training and experience. 4. Age Age restrictions shall only apply to a candidate where he/she is not classified as a new entrant within the meaning of the Public Services Superannuation Act, 2004. A candidate who is not classified as a new entrant must be under 70 years of age. 5. Transport When required to do so, holders of the office shall hold a full driving licence for Class B Vehicles and shall drive a motor car in the course of their duties and for this purpose provide and maintain a car to the satisfaction of the local authority. 6. Required Skillset In the context of the key duties and responsibilities for the post of Executive Solicitor listed above, the ideal candidate will demonstrate the following knowledge, experience, skills and competencies • have a satisfactory knowledge and understanding of public service organisation. • have satisfactory knowledge and understanding of legal and court processes and procedures including experience in some or all of the following:- • District Court prosecutions; • Circuit Court and High Court litigation; • Cases involving the statutory functions and powers of local authorities; • Commercial contracts; • Conveyancing and leasing; • Legal research and advisory work. • Have adequate experience in legal and service management; • Have the ability to motivate, empower and encourage personnel under his/her control to achieve maximum performance and added value; • Have strong interpersonal and communications skills; • Have good knowledge and awareness of local government legislation and regulations, the implications for local government; • Be innovative and have a career record that demonstrates a high level of competence in the management of staff, a customer/client orientation, conceptual and analytical thinking, initiative, while optimising the contribution to the achievement of organisation goals and objectives.

SECTION 4: COMPETENCIES A Competency Based Application form requires you to describe some of your personal achievements to date that demonstrate certain competencies (necessary skills and qualities) required for the position for which you are applying. For each competency, you are given a description of a skill or quality. You are then asked to describe a situation, from your own experience, which you think is the best example of what YOU have done which demonstrates this skill or quality. It is essential that you describe how you demonstrated the skill or quality in question. Therefore, compose your replies carefully in this section and try to structure what you write so that you give specific information about what you have done - for example, do not simply say that “X was successful”, describe exactly what you did and how you demonstrated the skill or quality in question.

For each example please include the following: a) the nature of the task, problem or objective; b) what you actually did and how you demonstrated the skill or quality (and, where appropriate, the date you demonstrated it) c) the outcome or result of the situation and your estimate of the proportion of credit you can claim for the outcome. The information you present in your application may form part of a shortlisting process and may also be used to help structure your interview, should you be invited to one. A shortlisting process may be applied based on TWO or more of the competencies and on other information you provide in your application form. Please note that, should you be called to interview, the board may look for additional examples of where you demonstrated the Knowledge, Experience, Skills and Competencies required for this post, so you should think of a number of examples of where you demonstrated each of the skills. A candidate must possess the following competencies:- Team Leadership

• Works with the team to facilitate high performance, developing clear and realistic objectives and addressing performance issues if they arise. • Provides clear information and advice as to what is required of the team. • Strives to develop and implement new ways of working effectively to meet objectives. • Leads the team by example, coaching and supporting individuals as required. • Places high importance on staff development, training and maximising skills & capacity of team. • Is flexible and willing to adapt, positively contributing to the implementation of change.

Management and Delivery of Results

• Takes responsibility and is accountable for the delivery of agreed objectives. • Successfully manages a range of different projects and work activities at the same time. • Structures and organises their own work and others work effectively. • Is logical and pragmatic in approach, delivering the best possible results with the resources available. • Delegates work effectively, providing clear information and evidence as to what is required. • Proactively identifies areas for improvement and develops practical suggestions for their implementation. • Demonstrates enthusiasm for new developments/changing work practices and strives to implement these changes effectively. • Applies appropriate systems/processes to enable quality checking of all activities and outputs. • Practices and promotes a strong focus on delivering high quality customer service, for internal and external customers.

Specialist Knowledge, Expertise and Self Development • Has a clear understanding of the roles, objectives and targets of self and the team and how they fit into the work of the unit and Department/Organisation. • Has a breadth and depth of knowledge of Department and Governmental issues and is sensitive to wider political and organisational priorities. • Is considered an expert by stakeholders in own field/area. • Is focused on self development, seeking feedback and opportunities for growth to help carry out the specific requirement of the role.

Interpersonal & Communication Skills • Builds and maintains contact with colleagues and other stakeholders to assist in performing role. • Acts as an effective link between staff and senior management • Encourages open and constructive discussions around work issues. • Projects conviction, gaining buy-in by outlining relevant information and selling benefits. • Treats others with diplomacy, tact, courtesy and respect, even in challenging circumstances.

• Presents information clearly, concisely and confidently when speaking and in writing. • Collaborates and supports colleagues to achieve organisational goals.

SECTION 5: TENURE The position is permanent and fulltime. The post is pensionable. A panel may be formed to fill permanent and temporary vacancies for Executive Solicitor which may arise during the lifetime of the panel. SECTION 6: SALARY The salary scale for the post is: €57,909-€80,498 per annum. €57,909; €60,017; €62,124; €64,235; €66,345; €68,454; €70,565; €72,663; €74,784; €76,887(Maximum), €79,311(1st LSI) (after 3 years satisfactory service on the Maximum), €80,498 (2nd LSI) (after 3 years satisfactory service on the 1st LSI). Applicants should note that entry point to the salary scale will be determined in accordance with Circulars issued by the Department of Housing, Local Government, & Heritage. The rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy. In accordance with Departmental Circular Letter EL 02/2011, a person who is not a serving local authority employee on or after 1st January 2011, will enter the scale at the minimum point. The salary shall be fully inclusive and shall be as determined from time to time. The awarding of increments is subject to satisfactory service. Holders of the office shall pay to the local authority any fees or other monies (other than their inclusive salary) payable to or received by them by virtue of their office or in respect of any services which they are required by or under any enactment to perform.

SECTION 7: LOCATION OF POST The base for working purposes shall be County Hall, Carrigrohane Road, Cork. County Council. Cork County Council reserves the right to assign you to any department, premises or district in use by the Council, now or in the future. Changes in location of employment will not result in payment of disturbance money or compensation. Holders of the office shall reside in the district in which their duties are to be performed or within a reasonable distance thereof. The person appointed will be required to provide him/herself at his/her own expense with the necessary mode of travel to and from work.

SECTION 8: WORKING HOURS The working hours at present provide for a five day, 35 hour working week. A flexible working hours’ system is in operation and may be availed of subject to the terms and conditions of the Flexitime Policy CLICK THE APPLY BUTTON TO GO TO THEIR CAREERS PAGE WHERE YOU CAN CHECK THIS JOB AND ALL OTHER OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE.