applicant’s information package

GLEN INNES SEVERN COUNCIL

APPLICANT’S INFORMATION PACKAGE

Vacant Position: Casual Direct Support Worker

Reference Number: ------------

Closing Date: 7 April 2015

ONLY APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED ONLINE ATwww.gisc.nsw.gov.au WILL BE ACCEPTED FOR THIS POSITION

Your information package includes the following:

1. Position Advertisement

2. Selection Criteria

3. Position Description

4. Application Checklist

5. Guide to Applying for Employment with Council

If any of the above items are missing or are incomplete, pleasecontact Helen Stapleton.

Telephone: 02 67302300Facsimile: 02 67323764Email: [email protected]

Casual Positions• Administration / Customer Service• Works Assistants (construction works)• Educator Assistants (Out of School Hours Care)• Direct Support Workers (aged & disability services)• $20.60 to $26.24 per hour (plus casual loading)

Council is seeking suitably qualified persons who are interested in becoming part ofCouncil’s casual employment pool to undertake work across a wide and varied range ofpositions and departments (listed above).

All positions require applicants that have the ability to work unsupervised and in a team;good customer service and oral / written communication skills; ability and willingness toundertake training and learn new skills; a commitment to ethical behaviour in theworkplace and an ability to deal with others fairly and impartially.

Full details of all specific selection criteria for each position and information on how toapply can be located in the information package under the ‘Positions Vacant’ section ofCouncil’s website: www.gisc.nsw.gov.au

Enquiries may be directed to Helen Stapleton on (02) 6730 2303 or [email protected]

Aboriginal applicants requiring further information may also contact Michele Shead on(02) 6730 2430 or email [email protected]

Council is an EEO employer. Women, Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders,people with a disability, and members of racial, ethnic, and ethno-religious minority groupsare encouraged to apply.

Apply by 4:30pm on Tuesday 7 April 2015, following the directions in your package.

Hein Basson – General Manager

Promoting a safe and healthy workplace

Please Note: Failure to adequately address the selection criteria in your application may prevent theSelection Panel from assessing your suitability for the position and may exclude you from furtherconsideration at the short-listing stage. For further information on how to correctly address selectioncriteria, please refer to the enclosed booklet ‘Guide to Applying for Employment

Glen Innes Severn Council Human Resources

Recruitment – Position Selection Criteria

Part A: Vacancy Details

Position Title: Casual Direct Support Worker

Vacancy Ref No: ---------------------- Closing Date: 7 April 2015

Part B: Common Selection Criteria

The Common Selection Criteria apply to all positions and reflect Glen Innes Severn Council’s coreorganisational values or the underpinning knowledge and skills required by all employees. They areregarded as essential selection criteria.

1 Demonstrated ability to work effectively either alone or in a team

2 Strong work ethic and a commitment to high standards of service delivery.

3 Demonstrated ability to solve problems, show initiative and “think outside the square”.

4Ability to respond positively to change and to see change in terms of opportunity rather thanthreat.

5Commitment to ethical behaviour in the workplace and an ability to deal with others fairly andimpartially.

6 Knowledge of and a strong commitment to the principles and practices of workplace safety.

Part C: Essential Position Specific Criteria

7Certificate III or IV in Nursing, Assistant in Nursing, Home and Community Care orCommunity Services (Aged Care Work, Disability Work and / or Community Work) orwillingness to obtain an equivalent qualification.

8Knowledge and understanding of current practices and standards relevant to aged anddisability service provision.

9Demonstrated practical experience in providing direct support to people with highsupport needs.

10Effective oral and written communication skills and the ability to relate to people of allabilities.

11 Cultural awareness and sensitivity.

12 Class C Drivers Licence and current First Aid Certificate.

Part D: Desirable Position Specific Criteria

13

Experience / skills in:• working with people with dementia,• providing oral suctioning,• Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) tube feeding, and / or• chest percussion.

Position Description: Direct Support Worker

Last Reviewed / Updated: 18 March 2015

Approved: ________________ Date: ____________

Position Title:Position Number:Department:Section / Program:Location:Reports To:Grade:Band and Level:Current Status:Salary Range (ph):

Current Occupant:

Prepared By:Prepared Date:

Approved By:Approved Date:

Other Conditions andBenefits:

CHILD-RELATEDEMPLOYMENT

COUNCILCODES and RULES

WORK HEALTH andSAFETY

Direct Support Worker

Community ServicesLife Choices Support ServicesVariousDirect Support7Administrative / Technical / Trades Band, Level 1Casual$23.45 to $25.88 (plus casual loading)

Helen Stapleton, Human Resources Officer (Payroll)18 March 2014

Anna Watt,18 March 2015

This position has been identified as childthe Commission for Children and Young People Act 1998for a Prohibited Person or a Registrable Person to apply for, undertake orremain in, child

The employee who occupies this job must be knowledgeable aboutCouncil's Code of Conduct and other policies and organisation rules thataffect his or her employment. It is a requirement of the job that thesecodes, policies and rules are followed.

The employee who occupies this job must be knowledgeable aboutCouncil's safety policy and procedures as described in the organisation'sWork Health and Safety (WHS) Management Plan. He or she mustcomply with relevant WHS policies and procedures and actthat ensures the health and safety of all persons in the workplace.


March 2015

Approved: ________________ Date: ____________ Supervisor / Employee: ______ ______

Page 1

GLEN INNES SEVERNCOUNCIL

Position Description

Direct Support Worker

Community ServicesLife Choices Support ServicesVarious

Support Services Supervisor

Administrative / Technical / Trades Band, Level 1Casual23.45 to $25.88 (plus casual loading)

Helen Stapleton, Human Resources Officer (Payroll)March 2014

Watt, Director of Corporate and Community ServiceMarch 2015

This position has been identified as child-related employment as defined inCommission for Children and Young People Act 1998

for a Prohibited Person or a Registrable Person to apply for, undertake orremain in, child-related employment.

The employee who occupies this job must be knowledgeable aboutCouncil's Code of Conduct and other policies and organisation rules thataffect his or her employment. It is a requirement of the job that thesecodes, policies and rules are followed.

The employee who occupies this job must be knowledgeable aboutCouncil's safety policy and procedures as described in the organisation'sWork Health and Safety (WHS) Management Plan. He or she mustcomply with relevant WHS policies and procedures and actthat ensures the health and safety of all persons in the workplace.

Employee: ______ ______

GLEN INNES SEVERN

Position Description

Helen Stapleton, Human Resources Officer (Payroll)

Director of Corporate and Community Services

related employment as defined inCommission for Children and Young People Act 1998. It is an offence

for a Prohibited Person or a Registrable Person to apply for, undertake or

The employee who occupies this job must be knowledgeable aboutCouncil's Code of Conduct and other policies and organisation rules thataffect his or her employment. It is a requirement of the job that these

The employee who occupies this job must be knowledgeable aboutCouncil's safety policy and procedures as described in the organisation'sWork Health and Safety (WHS) Management Plan. He or she mustcomply with relevant WHS policies and procedures and act in a mannerthat ensures the health and safety of all persons in the workplace.




Page 2

JOB SUMMARY

Provides direct support to frail aged and disabled clients within Council’s Aged and DisabilityServices, to facilitate quality of life and maximum independence in their own homes, by performingthe following duties.

DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:The duties and responsibilities listed here are considered essential to achieving the primaryobjectives of this job. Other duties consistent with the functions and role of the position may beassigned.

⇒ Works as a team member to ensure the provision of an informed, coordinated and qualityservice to clients.

⇒ Maintains an awareness of policies, procedures, standards and guidelines relevant to area ofresponsibility and ensures their correct implementation, in consultation with the supervisor.

⇒ Implements specific care routines as set out in individual client support plans (within the limitsof the job holder’s skill levels and training), which may include:

• Transferring client(s) in and out of bed, wheelchairs, shower chairs, cars, etc.• Showering or bed sponging.• Teeth cleaning, oral suctioning and other mouth care.• Dressing and grooming.• Feeding, including Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) tube feeding.• Bowel and / or bladder care.• Checking skin for pressure areas and implementing preventative measures.• Assisting with prescribed medications.• Assisting with exercise routines.• Chest percussion if required.

⇒ Provides other home based client care, including in home respite, domestic assistance andcommunity access, to facilitate planned, coordinated assistance for client(s) and inaccordance with training and safety standards.

⇒ Provides support in areas such as promoting and assisting with safe living skills that willenhance the client’s quality of life, in an environment that empowers them and encouragesindependence.

⇒ Reports changes in client needs and circumstances to the program supervisor in a timelymanner and advises the supervisor of any problems or suggestions relating to theimplementation of individual client support plans.

⇒ Maintains a professional relationship with clients, their carers and families and refrains frommaking personal suggestions or giving personal advice on perceived client needs.

⇒ Demonstrates activities such as games, arts, crafts, cooking and computer access to clients,individually or in groups, and instructs and assists clients to participate in activities.




Page 3

⇒ Accompanies and supervises clients during activities, including driving vehicles to transportclients to and from their homes to activity venues when required.

⇒ Sets up equipment and materials at the beginning of activities and packs equipment away atthe end of activities.

⇒ Maintains a sound knowledge of WHS and emergency procedures applying to individualclients, to ensure the health, safety and welfare of clients and other workers, and ensures thatthe program is provided in a manner that ensures safety and support for all involved.

⇒ Maintains records and other documentation in relation to the client as outlined in individualclient care plans.

⇒ Ensures that strict confidentiality is maintained in regard to client records and information.

⇒ Assists the supervisor to identify and address barriers that prevent or limit access to servicesfor special needs groups.

⇒ Assists the supervisor and other service coordinators with the preparation of resources,materials and equipment for educational or recreational activities.

⇒ Assists the supervisor or other service coordinators with administration tasks such as filingand mail outs if required.

⇒ Assists with the preparation and distribution of promotional material such as fliers andnewsletters, to raise and maintain client and community awareness of program activities.

⇒ Participates in continuous quality improvement activities when required.

⇒ Attends group discussions, meetings and workshops as required to fulfill the responsibilities ofthe position.

⇒ Operates a variety of equipment, including vacuum cleaners, washing machines, microwaves,lifters, wheelchairs and telephones.

⇒ Participates in training as required, including maintaining a current first aid certificate andClass C Drivers Licence.

Additional Duties include the following:The duties listed here are not essential for achieving the primary objectives of the job, but do formpart of the job's function. Other duties may be assigned.

⇒ Trains and coaches new or relief staff, to assist them to learn aspects of the job.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.




Page 4

FINANCIAL AUTHORITY

This position has no authority to approve or control expenditure.

PHYSICAL DEMANDSThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by anemployee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodationsmay be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk and hear inan environment with generally low to moderate levels of background noise. He or she is frequentlyrequired to use hands and arms to operate the controls of motor vehicles, computer keyboards andother office equipment.

The employee must frequently lift and move objects up to 10 kilograms in weight and mustoccasionally lift and move objects up to 20 kilograms, using safe lifting techniques. Sufficientpersonal mobility is required to enable the employee to operate motor vehicles, and to providepersonal care to clients in their homes and attend to household cleaning duties on a regular basis.

Specific vision requirements for this job include close vision for reading and writing, plus distancevision, peripheral vision and depth perception adequate for the safe operation of motor vehicles.

WORK ENVIRONMENTThe work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employeeencounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations maybe made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weatherconditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate. There are noother unusual work environment characteristics associated with this job.

SIGNATURES

__________________________ __________________________Employee Name

___________________Date

__________________________ __________________________Supervisor Name

___________________Date




Page 5

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Position Title: Direct Support WorkerPosition Number:Section / Program: Life Choices Support Services

EDUCATION, SKILLS and EXPERIENCETo perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential dutysatisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/orability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilitiesto perform the essential functions.

Education and ExperienceCertificate III or IV in Nursing, Assistant in Nursing, Home and Community Care, CommunityServices (Aged Care Work, Disability Work and / or Community Work) or the equivalent, plus oneto two year’s related experience; or the equivalent combination of education, experience and / ortraining.

Language SkillsAbility to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenanceinstructions, and policy and procedure manuals. Ability to accurately record information in writtenor numerical form and write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to effectively presentinformation in one-on-one and group situations to clients and other employees of the organisation.

Mathematical SkillsAbility to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, commonfractions and decimals.

Reasoning AbilityAbility to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral ordiagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardisedsituations.

Computer SkillsBasic skills in word processing, Internet and email.

Certificates, Licences, RegistrationsThe following licences and/or certificates are an essential requirement for the safe and competentperformance of this job.

⇒ Class C Drivers Licence.⇒ First Aid Certificate.

Other Skills and Abilities

Ability and willingness to work outside normal business hours and to be on call.




Page 6

SELECTION CRITERIAApplicants should carefully address all criteria in their applications. To be recommended forappointment, applicants must demonstrate that they meet the essential criteria, including theCommon Selection Criteria.

COMMON SELECTION CRITERIAThe Common Selection Criteria apply to all positions and reflect Glen Innes Severn Council’s coreorganisational values or the underpinning knowledge and skills required by all employees. Theyare regarded as essential selection criteria.

⇒ Demonstrated ability to work effectively either alone or in a team.⇒ Strong work ethic and a commitment to high standards of service delivery.⇒ Demonstrated ability to solve problems, show initiative and “think outside the square”.⇒ Ability to respond positively to change and to see change in terms of opportunity rather than

threat.⇒ Commitment to ethical behaviour in the workplace and an ability to deal with others fairly and

impartially.⇒ Knowledge of and a strong commitment to the principles and practices of workplace safety.

POSITION SPECIFIC SELECTION CRITERIA

Essential⇒ Certificate III or IV in Nursing, Assistant in Nursing, Home and Community Care or Community

Services (Aged Care Work, Disability Work and / or Community Work) or willingness to obtainan equivalent qualification.

⇒ Knowledge and understanding of current practices and standards relevant to aged anddisability service provision.

⇒ Demonstrated practical experience in providing direct support to people with high supportneeds.

⇒ Effective oral and written communication skills and the ability to relate to people of all abilities.⇒ Cultural awareness and sensitivity.⇒ Class C Drivers Licence and current First Aid Certificate.

Desirable⇒ Experience / skills in:

• working with people with dementia,• providing oral suctioning,• Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) tube feeding, and / or• chest percussion.

Form No:HR 011.1.0

Version No: 1.0Date: April 2011

Review Date:April 2013

Related Documents: Resp Officer:Pay Officer

Glen Innes Severn Council Human Resources

Application Checklist

Before you submit your application, have you:

Carefully read all the contents of the information package?

Carefully read the position description and acquainted yourself fully with theselection criteria?

Completed the online application form at www.gisc.nsw.gov.au?

Uploaded a resume giving full details of your previous employment history?

Provided full details of at least two referees?

Uploaded cover letter, references, certificates, licences and/or qualificationsin support of your application?

Note: You can only upload 2 files (including your resume)

Included your “Working With Children” Check / Application number?

(Note: This item applies to child-related employment only)

Important: If the position you are applying for is child-related employment, failureto provide the Working With Children Check application number with yourapplication will exclude you from consideration at the short-listing stage.

Note: If you are running short of time to submit your application or have anyissues with submitting your application, please speak to the HumanResources contact person nominated in the advertisement before theclosing date. He or she may be able to assist you in this matter.

guide

to

applying for employment

with

GLEN INNESSEVERN COUNCIL

GLEN INNES SEVERN COUNCILEMPLOYMENT GUIDE

Table of Contents

Introduction ................................................................................Page 1

Equal Employment Opportunity......................................................Page 2

Position Description........................................................................... Page 2

The Contact Person.....................................................................Page 2

Introduction to Selection Criteria ............................................. Page 3

The Selection Process....................................................................... Page 3

Child-Related Employment......................................................... Page 4

Selection Criteria.............................................................................. Page 5

Your Interview ....................................................................... Page 6

Reference Checks ...................................................................... Page 7

Pre-Employment Medical Examination............................................Page 7

Probation Period .........................................................................Page 8

Confidentiality ............................................................................Page 8

1

Thank you for your interest in the recently advertised vacancywith Glen Innes Severn Council.

Council selects applicants by assessing their relative suitabilityand merit for employment in relation to the essentialfunctions of the advertised position, and specifically byassessing their ability to meet the selection criteria provided inthe position description.

This guide has been prepared to assist you with thepreparation of your application, and to give you a morecomplete picture of the advertised position. Basic informationis provided on how to apply for the position and how toprepare for your interview.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate tospeak to the contact officer specified in the job advertisement.He or she will be pleased to assist you with additionalinformation or will refer you to someone who has theinformation that you seek.

2

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

As part of its internal policies, and in accordance with Federal and State laws, GlenInnes Severn Council provides Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) for allemployees and applicants for employment.

EEO reinforces merit-based selection in that it requires applicants and existingemployees to be selected, promoted, remunerated and trained on the basis of theirability to do the job. Merit based selection is an assessment of an applicant’s abilities,skills, knowledge, qualifications and potential, relative to other applicants, against theselection criteria set down in the position description. It is designed to eliminatereference to irrelevant information when assessing a candidate’s ability.

Important note: If you feel that at any stage of the recruitment or selectionprocess Council, or a representative of Council, has discriminated againstyou, you are encouraged to bring the matter to the attention of the GeneralManager and/or seek appropriate legal advice.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The attached position description (PD) is the major source of information regarding theposition that you are applying for.

You should read this document very carefully. It includes the following information:

Details of the position, including title, location, grade, salary and specialemployment conditions and benefits;

Job summary, duties and responsibilities;

Organisational relationships, that is, who the position reports to and who itsupervises;

Financial responsibilities and limits to financial authority;

Representative qualifications, skills and abilities;

A summary of physical demands and the work environment;

SELECTION CRITERIA and other pre-employment conditions that must be met.

THE CONTACT PERSON

The advertisement for the position will nominate a contact person, which is usuallyCouncil’s Human Resources Manager. It is the responsibility of this person to answerall initial enquiries in regard to the position and ensure that applicants promptlyreceive a complete information package when they request it.

He or she will refer you to another appropriate contact, usually within the section inwhich the vacancy has occurred, if you require more specific information about theposition.

If you have an enquiry in regard to the vacancy or your application, at anystage of the recruitment or selection process, please feel free to speak tothe contact person. He or she is there to assist you and will treat allenquiries with respect and confidentiality.

3

INTRODUCTION TO SELECTION CRITERIA

You will note that this guide makes repeated references to ‘selection criteria’, whichcan be found in the Person Specification that forms part of the Position Description.

When completing your application, it is essential that you address the selection criteriafor the position that you have applied for.

If this is the first time that you have encountered selection criteria, you may beexperiencing some confusion over the term. Selection criteria are simply those work-related skills, abilities, experience, knowledge and/or qualifications that areconsidered to be necessary for the competent performance of the essential duties andtasks of the position. They are determined by reference to the job’s functions.

For more detailed information on selection criteria, refer to Page 8in this Guide.

Failure to adequately address the selection criteria in your application mayprevent the Selection Panel from accurately assessing your suitability forthe position and may exclude you from further consideration at the short-listing stage.

THE SELECTION PROCESS

The four stages in the selection process are as follows:

1. Shortlisting of ApplicantsThe Selection Panel will assess all applications for the position and will create ashortlist of those applicants that, based on their relative merit, will proceed to thenext stage of the selection process.

During the shortlisting stage, the Selection Panel will:

Read all applications for the position.

Compare the information provided in each application with otherapplications and the selection criteria.

Assess, using the selection criteria, applicants’ relative merit in relation to thevacant position.

Create a shortlist of applicants that will proceed to the next stage.

Shortlisted applicants will be contacted and invited to participate in furtherassessment. Unsuccessful applicants will be advised accordingly.

2. Final SelectionAt this stage of the selection process, the Selection Panel will use selectionmethods to reduce the shortlisted applicants to a single recommended applicant.Depending on the nature of the position and the quality of applicants, one or twodefault nominees may also be chosen. The default nominee(s) may be offeredemployment in the event that the recommended applicant does not take up duty.

4

The Selection Panel has a number of possible selection methods at its disposal.

These may include one or more of the following:

Structured interviews, where each applicant is asked the same set ofquestions relating to the selection criteria.

Work assessments, in which applicants are required to carry out task(s)similar to that required in the position.

Aptitude or ability tests, for example, typing tests, mathematical tests.

3. Verification of Prior Employment and QualificationsYou will be asked to supply the details of at least two referees with yourapplication. Preferably, these should be people that are able to comment on yourprevious work experience, although it is acknowledged that this will not bepossible if this is the first job that you have applied for.

The Selection Panel will conduct telephone reference checks before an offer ofemployment is made, and may also conduct checks with relevant educationalinstitutions and/or training providers to verify applicants’ qualifications and othercredentials.

4. Feedback on Your Application and InterviewThe convenor of the Selection Panel will be available for feedback and advice onapplications and/or interviews at the conclusion of the selection process.Unsuccessful applicants will be advised in writing of the convenor’s contactdetails. It is intended that this advice will assist all applicants with futureapplications and interviews, particularly in relation to merit-based selectionprocesses and selection criteria.

CHILD-RELATED EMPLOYMENT

Council has a number of positions that have been identified as child-relatedemployment in accordance with the NSW Child Protection (Prohibited Employment)Act. It is an offence for a person convicted of a serious sex offence to apply for thesepositions. Advertisements for vacant positions will advise applicants if a positioninvolves child-related employment.

Recommended applicants will be required to consent to and pass appropriateemployment screening, including referee and discipline checks, criminal recordchecks and certain apprehended violence order checks before an offer ofemployment will be made.

If you are applying for a position that involves child-related employment, you musthave a “Working With Children” Check application number, which can be applied foronline at www.kids.nsw.gov.au

All information gained through employment screening will be treatedwith the utmost confidentiality by Council and will be held in a secure file,which can be accessed only by the Human Resources Section.

5

SELECTION CRITERIA

It is essential that you are aware of the importance of addressing the selection criteriacorrectly. The selection criteria, particularly the essential criteria, are the mostimportant part of your application. The Selection Panel will refer to all of theinformation in your application when making decisions, but will concentrate primarilyon the selection criteria for an analysis of your suitability for the position

The selection criteria in the position description clearly document the qualifications,skills, abilities, experience and knowledge that are considered necessary for aperson to competently perform the duties of the position. By directly addressing thecriteria you are given an opportunity to demonstrate to the Selection Panel thatyou are the best person for the job.

The following guidelines are given to assist you with the preparation of yourstatement of selection criteria:

Ensure that you specifically address each of the selection criteria by outlininghow your qualifications, skills, abilities, experience and knowledge meet therequirements of the position. To do this properly, you must read the selectioncriteria carefully and determine what each one is asking.

When considering the length of your statement addressing the selectioncriteria, you should remember that it is quality, not quantity that counts.Critically analyse your statement and if a paragraph does not relatedirectly to the selection criteria, consider leaving it out. As a general rule,approximately half a typed A4 page should be sufficient for each criterion.Remember that the Selection Panel may have to read a considerable numberof applications, so try not to include unnecessary information or be repetitive.

The statement should consist of each of the selection criteria as a heading, withyour written response underneath.

Some hints for addressing the criteria are:

Make a clear statement of why you meet the criteria, then provide supportinginformation, preferably through examples of your personal experience thatreinforce your statement.

If possible, validate this with supporting evidence. For example, attach atestimonial, certificate, statement of qualifications, or other documentation thatsupports your claim.

• If selection criteria ask for ‘demonstrated’ experience, knowledge or skills, youare being specifically requested to draw on your previous work experience todemonstrate that you meet the criteria. If you don’t have previousexperience as a paid worker in the relevant field, don’t despair. Bear inmind that experience may be drawn from paid or voluntary work. Thinkcarefully about all previous experience that you have, both paid and unpaid,relating to the criteria.

6

YOUR INTERVIEW

The Section Panel’s task is to select the applicant that most closely fits therequirements of the position, as determined by the position description and selectioncriteria, or has the greatest potential to meet those requirements.

Your task is to determine whether the job is suitable for you and to convince theSelection Panel that you have displayed the greatest merit for appointment to theposition.

The best indicator of future success is past performance in related positions.Accordingly, the Selection Panel will use the interview to ask applicants a set ofspecific, job-related questions to investigate past achievements and test knowledge,skills and abilities. The questions will be based on the selection criteria and allapplicants who are interviewed will be asked the same set of questions.

Generally, all persons who are appointed to a Selection Panel will have receivedtraining in this area. If you feel that the Selection Panel, or a member of the SelectionPanel, has asked you an irrelevant or inappropriate question that you feel mayadversely affect your appointment to the position, it is your right to query this at theinterview. An example might be a question in relation to your age or marital status.

Preparing Yourself for the InterviewThe questions asked at the interview will relate to the selection criteria. You have thesame access to the selection criteria as the Selection Panel, so if you put thought intopreparing for the interview, there should be no surprises.

Some useful hints are:

Carefully read the position description and in particular the selection criteriaand role and functions of the position.

Identify the meaning and requirements of the above.

List key issues relating to each.Give some thought to likely questions that would directly apply to the positiondescription. Also prepare answers to some of the more general types of questionsthat you may be asked. For example; why did you apply for this position; what hasbeen your greatest achievement to date; how do you prioritise your workload? Youwill usually be given at least 15 minutes preparation time immediately prior to theinterview, so that you can familiarise yourself with the questions. Please feel free totake notes at this stage.

Remember that the Selection Panel’s task is to determine the best person for thejob, not to put you under undue pressure. Try to relax and prepare yourself in waysthat work best for you.

Answering and Asking QuestionsThis is a very important part of the selection process. It is important that you arehonest, and answer the questions succinctly and clearly. It is helpful to be able to giveexamples of what you have done. Act positively and be enthusiastic about what youhave to offer.

7

Listen carefully to the questions being put to you and query anything that you do notunderstand. If you have a ‘mental block’, ask the Panel if you can return to thequestion at a later point. Unless there are time constraints, this will usually beacceptable.

Remember that the interview is a two way process and that you may ask questions aswell. In fact, if you have a few carefully considered questions about the position itmay help to demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm.

Interview ExpensesCouncil may reimburse some of the expenses that you incur to attend the interview.This will vary from position to position. The contact person will be able to advise youin regard to this matter.

REFERENCE CHECKS

The checking of referees is a process used to confirm or clarify issues and claims thatyou have made in your application and interview. It is a requirement that informationprovided by applicants be verified by referees prior to an appointment being made.Referee checks will therefore be conducted on applicants that achieve the highestconsideration in the selection process.

In your application, nominate at least two referees that Council may contact bytelephone. These should be work referees, unless you are unable to provide workreferees due to insufficient previous experience. Include names, positions, contactnumbers and their relationship to you (e.g. supervisor).

You may wish to attach copies of written references in support of your application.This will help your application, however, telephone reference checks must still beconducted prior to an offer of employment being made.

You have a number of responsibilities to your referees:

Ask if they are prepared to act as your referee.

Notify your referees that you are applying for the position.

When you have been shortlisted, give your referees a copy of the positiondescription and selection criteria – this allows them time to prepare theirresponse.

You may want to give them a copy of your application as well.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT MEDICAL EXAMINATION

Before an offer of employment is made, you will be required to undergo a pre-employment medical examination carried out by Council’s doctor. Medicalexaminations are designed to assess the health and fitness of applicants against theessential physical requirements of the position, identified in the Physical Demands andWork Environment sections of the position description. Medical information that doesnot affect an individual’s ability to carry out the duties and responsibilities of theposition is considered irrelevant and is not taken into account when determining anapplicant’s suitability for employment.

8

All information gained through medical examinations will be treatedwith the utmost confidentiality by Council and will be held in a secure file,which can be accessed only by the Human Resources Section.

In accordance with Council’s EEO policies, reasonable accommodationsmay be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essentialfunctions of the position.

PROBATION PERIOD

Most employees will undergo a probation period. The probation period is used toensure that new employees are happy with their employment and have the capabilityto meet the requirements of the position. Supervisors will work closely with new staffat this stage to ensure that arrangements benefit both parties.

The length of the probation period will vary according to the position, but is usuallythree months (thirteen weeks). The letter of employment will outline the duration ofthe probation period and any conditions that apply. If for any reason the probationperiod is interrupted, this will be taken into consideration and the period will beadjusted accordingly.

During the probation period, new staff members are eligible for the same benefitsas all other employees. If both parties are in agreement at the end of the probationperiod, employment will be confirmed as permanent.

CONFIDENTIALITY

All information gathered during the recruitment and selection process is consideredconfidential. Once the selection process has concluded and an appointment(s) has beenmade, information is placed in either a confidential recruitment file or on thesuccessful applicant(s) personnel file. These files are held in a secure location and canonly be accessed by the Human Resources Section. Applications and all attachedinformation remain the property of the Glen Innes Severn Council.