PERSON SPECIFICATION

NOTES TO JOB APPLICANTS

1. You must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question, how, and to what extent you meet the required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. You should clearly demonstrate this for both the essential and desirable criteria, where relevant.
2. You must demonstrate how you meet the criteria by the closing date for applications, unless the criteria state otherwise.
3. The stage in the process when the criteria will be measured is outlined in the table below.
4. Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out in Section 1 below, using the information provided by you on your application form.
5. Please note that the Selection Panel reserves the right to shortlist only those applicants that it believes most strongly meet the criteria for the role.
6. In the event of an excessive number of applications, the Selection Panel also reserves the right to apply any desirable criteria as outlined in Section 3 at shortlisting, in which case these will be applied in the order listed. It is important therefore that you also clearly demonstrate on your application form how you meet any desirable criteria.

SECTION 1 – ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

The following are essential criteria which will initially be measured at the shortlisting stage and which may also be further explored during the interview/selection stage. You should therefore make it clear on your application form how, and to what extent you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.

Factor Essential Criteria Method of Assessment Qualifications/ Experience

Hold either (A) or (B):

“A) 5 GCSE’s (Grades A*-C) including English Language and Mathematics, or equivalent or higher level qualifications.

PLUS

1 year’s experience in an administrative/clerical role in a busy office environment.

OR

(B) A minimum of 3 years’ experience in an administrative/clerical role in a busy office environment.

Demonstrable experience of purchasing and supplies administration.

Shortlisting by Application Form Skills / Abilities

• Evidence of proficiency in the use of computer packages, to include use of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook

Shortlisting by Application Form

SECTION 2 – ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

The following are additional essential criteria which will be measured during the interview/selection stage.

Factor Essential Criteria Method of Assessment Knowledge
Evidence of knowledge of:

• The requirements of a Senior Clerical Officer.
• General office administrative processes and records.

Interview

Skills / Abilities

• Proven effective planning and organisational skills and an ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines
• Evidence of a customer focused approach to work
• Demonstrable people management and team skills to successfully motivate and manage others
• Evidence of sound interpersonal and communication skills

Interview

Values Orientation

Evidence of how your experience and approach to work reflect EA’s/the School’s Values/ethos. You will find information about our Values here Interview

SECTION 3 – DESIRABLE CRITERIA

Some or all of the desirable criteria may be applied by the Selection Panel in order to determine a manageable pool of candidates. Desirable criteria will be applied in the order listed. You should make it clear on your application form how, and to what extent you meet the desirable criteria, as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.

Factor Desirable Criteria Method of Assessment
Experience

• Previous experience of working in an administrative role within a school environment
• Experience of operating schools-based computer applications/systems within a school setting (eg C2K SIMS, I-Proc etc).
• Have a minimum of 6 months experience in the management and supervision of staff.

Shortlisting by Application Form

DISCLOSURE OF CRIMINAL BACKGROUND

The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007 defines working directly with children or young people or in specified places as ‘regulated activity’.

In the event that you are recommended for appointed to a post that involves ‘regulated activity’, the Education Authority will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background. Please note that you WILL be expected to meet the cost of an Enhanced Disclosure Certificate. Details of how to make payment will be sent to you at the pre-employment stage.

Further information can be accessed at NI Direct or the Department of Justice.

APPLICANT GUIDANCE NOTES

To view the applicant guidance notes, please click here.

To learn about the many great benefits of joining the Education Authority, click here .

The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer