Introduction

The Department of Social Protection (DSP) is running an open competition for Traineeship Opportunities. Trainees will be appointed to the role of Deciding Officer alongside a defined and fulfilling career development opportunity for progression to Executive Officer (EO) level. The role of Deciding Officer has a real impact in improving the lives of others, assisting people requiring income support and also through their job seeking journey (See Appendix B in information booklet for “A day in the life of…” examples of job roles in DSP).

This unique career development opportunity gives successful candidates the chance to work and develop in the role of Deciding Officer in year one, and in year two, undertake one of the three distinct customer facing roles of EO Inspector, Job Coach or EO Operations. At the end of the two-year journey, Officers will then have the opportunity to progress following a final assessment through an interview process to be assigned as an EO in DSP.

Successful candidates in the competition will initially be placed as Clerical Officers (COs) carrying out the role of Deciding Officer.  After one year and following a successful probation for new entrants or for those already established, a successful year’s performance in the Deciding Officer role, candidates will then progress to either a Job Coach, Inspector role or EO Operations and undertake learning programmes.

At all times, candidates will be provided with practical on-the-job training, distinct learning and development supports and third-party accredited learning.

DSP is now recruiting for Trainees (Clerical Officer grade) to embark on this exciting career development journey.

Successful candidates from this competition will be placed in roles located in Longford, Buncrana, Letterkenny, Galway City, Waterford City, Cork City, Limerick City, Thurles, Bray, Dublin 1, Clondalkin and Coolock for the duration of the career development journey.  It is intended to recruit a total of 30 staff as part of this competition to commence in February 2027.

DSP Background Information

The Department of Social Protection (DSP) is one of the largest Government Departments of State in the Irish Civil Service and one of the largest organisations in the State. It plays the lead role in developing policy and advising Government on social protection and labour market issues including employment rights, income support, pensions and activation policies.

The Department also has responsibility for the delivery of a wide range of services through its own nationwide network of offices and through a number of agencies and third-party service providers. The Department, which employs circa 7,200 staff, processes in excess of 3.5 million customer service applications per annum and issues about 87 million payments each year to 2.4 million customers and their families. The range of supports includes over 100 schemes. The Department’s expenditure was circa €27.4 billion in 2025.

Overview of this Competition and Career Development Journey for Deciding Officer to Job Coach , EO Inspector or EO Operations.

Successful candidates will gain valuable experience of working in the Civil Service at an entry level grade of CO initially carrying out the Deciding Officer role, while undertaking learning (to include structured on the job training and formal classroom-based learning) to develop towards an EO role in several key areas across the Department.

In commencing employment under this competition Officers will be required to develop and apply the following key skills:

• Efficiency: meeting deadlines while ensuring all work carried out is to a high standard.
• Being a Team Player:  the capacity to work well with others by offering ideas and knowing/understanding the responsibilities expected by others.
• Organisational Skills: you may have several tasks to complete every day.  Good organisational skills are required so that you can plan, manage, and delegate all tasks as necessary.
• Technical Skills:  strong IT skills are required to process the knowledge to run relevant tools and programmes within DSP.
• Results-driven:  ensuring that all work carried out is thoroughly checked to ensure a high standard of work while showing the flexibility to get a number of tasks completed daily.
• Customer Service Skills:  Strong customer service skills can help you negotiate interpersonal relationships with members of the public and other stakeholders.

On-the-job practical experience and structured learning (on the job and formal accredited training) will be provided to successful candidates from this competition.  Over the two-year distinct career development journey, in which candidates will be fully supported, it is envisaged that successful candidates will take on the following DSP-specific customer facing roles:
Year 1

• Deciding Officer – making decisions on the awarding of income support and other payments within the scope of the Social Welfare legislation.

AND
Year 2

• Job Coach – working with and engaging with jobseekers to assist them find employment.

OR

• EO Inspector (EOI) - carrying out routine investigations/reviews in line with powers under Section 250 of the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act 2005.

OR

• EO Operations - Process claims, manage applications for various schemes, and handle customer inquiries related to income supports and services.

It is expected that those successful in this competition will:

• Spend their first year in the Deciding Officer role.
• Attend a learning programme for year 1 which will include attending numerous courses as well as on the job training with other experienced staff members. 
• Following successful probation (or for those staff who have already completed probation) take part in learning programmes in their second year (in either a Job Coach, EOI or EO Operations role) to gain experience of different areas and of key aspects of these and other roles in the Department. Therefore, it is a requirement that all successful candidates attend the office full time for at least the first eighteen months.
• Upon successfully commencing their second year, be awarded an allowance to support them taking on either a Job Coach, EO Inspector or EO Operations role.
• Participate, complete and be successful in Third Level Accredited Learning Programmes (to QQI Level 6 & 7, Special Purpose Awards), E-Learning, Self-Directed Learning, Instructor Led Training and Peer Supported Learning (practical role-based activities).  Examples of specific accredited learning modules included on the Programme are:
• Certificate in Social Protection Studies (Accredited QQI Level 6, 15 ECTS).
• Certificate in Social Welfare Decision Making (Accredited QQI Level 7, 15 ECTS) – for Deciding Officer Role.
• Certificate in Public Employment Services Provision (Accredited QQI Level 7, 15 ECTS) – for Job Coach Role.
• Certificate in Social Protection Investigative Work (Accredited QQI Level 7, 15 ECTS) – for EO Inspector Role.
• Certificate in Managing Social Protection Services (Accredited QQI Level 7, 15 ECTS) – for EO Operations Role.
• [Note: For those staff who have already completed these specific accredited learning programmes noted, there will be no obligation to complete the learning again.]
• Take part in regular checkpoint meetings to assess and review their progression. Successfully completing these assessments will allow staff in the distinct roles to progress on the career development journey. Local Coaches and a Human Resources Mentor will provide successful candidates with ongoing support and advice.
• After year two, and having demonstrated satisfactory progression, successful candidates will have an opportunity to participate, via an interview process, for a role at Executive Officer grade.
• Be placed in any available EO roles further to successful promotion to EO.

Essential Requirements

Candidates must:

• Demonstrate an ability to perform the capabilities required of a Clerical Officer with potential to develop the capabilities required for the role of Executive Officer during a two-year period. – see relevant capabilities (Executive Officer). 
• Demonstrate an openness and ability to acquire the skills and knowledge to progress to the Executive Officer Role in DSP.
• Demonstrate a keen interest in the career development aspects of the opportunity, the learning / training (on the job and formal) and the development opportunities that will be provided, as well as the capacity to take on and succeed in Accredited learning, e.g. QQI Level 6 and 7.
• Have the requisite knowledge, skills, and behaviours required including:
  • take direction / follow instructions.
  • organise and prioritise work effectively.
  • work well with the public and colleagues.
  • be flexible in their approach to work.
  • be able to communicate effectively in a clear and concise manner.
• Be at least 17 years of age on or before the closing date of 3pm on Tuesday, 15^th September 2026.
• Fulfil citizenship, health, and character requirements.
• Ensure that they meet the criteria regarding Public & Civil Service Redundancy/Ill Health Retirement Schemes.