Temporary Planning Assistant –
Planning (18 week Contract which may be extended)
Place and Economy
Department -Planning Service
This post is suitable for candidates requiring experience in order to
progress their careers in the field of Planning. Therefore, they should
have an understanding of issues to work within the planning discipline. No
experience is essential for this post.
Main purpose of job
To assist Planning and Place officers in providing support with matters
relating to planning, applications and planning control.
To provide the unit support through the provision of responses to
planning enquiries from members of the public.
To provide research assistance on planning histories and on other
matters as required.
Summary of responsibilities and personal duties
Key tasks and responsibilities
- To
assist in the processing of planning, related applications and breaches of
planning control.
- Assist
in the preparation of reports and agree recommendations with the Senior
Planning Officer on planning and related applications.
- Liaise
with and respond to enquiries relating to planning matters, including
those relating to the need for planning permission, from members of the
public, in person, writing, phone, email, etc.
- To
assist planning officers by undertaking site visits in various locations
across Belfast using own transport to record site information and to
research planning histories and other matters.
- To
provide cover for and advice to the business support officers in respect
of validation, consultation and publicity.
- To
contribute to continuous improvement in service delivery.
- To
assist in studies related to the preparation of the new development plan
for Belfast City Council area.
- To
undertake the duties in such a way as to enhance and protect the
reputation and public profile of Belfast City Council.
Essential criteria
Qualifications
Applicants must, as at the closing date:
- be studying for a
relevant third level qualification, such as Planning and Property
Development, or equivalent qualification; and
- have a full driving licence which enables the post holder to drive
in Northern Ireland and a car available for official business or access to
a form of transport which will enable the applicant to meet the
requirements of the post.
[1] Please be advised that this alternative
is a -reasonable adjustment- specifically for applicants with disabilities who, as a result of their
disability, are unable to hold a full, current driving licence. However
please also be advised that, given the business need for the post-holder to
undertake site visits throughout all areas of Belfast, the -reasonableness- of this
adjustment will be thoroughly considered prior to any appointment being made.
Special skills and attributes
Applicants must be able to demonstrate, by providing personal and
specific examples, that they possess the following special skills and
attributes:
Customer care skills: the ability to respond appropriately to all
customers including members of the public, council officers, elected
representatives in a helpful and positive way, even in respect of sensitive or
difficult issues with the ability to meet their individual needs in a timely
manner. Applicants should also have the ability to create a good
impression and enhance the reputation of the Belfast Planning Service when
dealing with council officers and the reputation of the council when making
contact with the public and external customers.
Oral communication skills: the ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and internal
and external customers conveying information using appropriate methods being
mindful that they represent the council.
Written communication skills; the ability to draft clear and accurate documents using a good
standard of literacy and comprehension and the ability to respond to emails
using appropriate language and tone.
Team working skills: the ability to work effectively and collaboratively
with others as a member of a team to contribute to achievement of team
objectives and the ability to work unsupervised on own initiative as required.
Work planning and organisational skills: the ability to plan workload
and meet team and individual work objectives and an understanding of the
importance of accuracy an attention to detail in all aspects of duties.
Information technology skills; the ability to use a range of standard office computer packages
including word processing, spreadsheets, presentations and databases.
Political sensitivity: the ability to deal with elected representatives and personal or
sensitive information appropriately with an understanding of the
confidentiality of such information.
Location: Belfast City BT2
Hours of Work: 37 hours per week
Hourly rate of pay: £12.00 per hour, plus accrued holiday
pay
Target Start Date: 13 January 2025
Closing date for CV’s : 10 January 2025
If you would like to apply for this role, please send us
your updated CV via the link provided and one of the team will
be in touch with you. Or if you would like to discuss this position, please
contact our office to speak to one of our consultants.
We are an equal opportunities employer. We welcome
applications from all suitably qualified persons.