Job Description
Continuous Professional Development Officer
JOB TITLE AND GRADE:
Continuous Professional Development Officer – Grade V1 administration scale
Hours of work:
17.5 hours working week
Reporting Relationship:
Responsible to the Chair of the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists of Ireland, or
nominated person of the Professional Bodies.
Purpose of Post:
Develop and implement a Continuous Professional Development programme for
Chiropodists/Podiatrists working in the Republic of Ireland and carry out
administrative duties on behalf of the professional bodies’ organisations.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
Professional
The Continuing Professional Development Officer will:
Have current membership of one of the following professional bodies: The Society
of Chiropodists and Podiatrists of Ireland, The Institute of Chiropodists and
Podiatrists of Ireland, The Irish Chiropodists and Podiatrists Organisation











Assist the professional bodies with the sourcing, development and roll out of
Continuous Professional Development appropriate to the needs of the
services and valuable to members of the profession in keeping with
international best practice and within agreed timeframes.
Consult with all relevant stakeholders on the development of national
standards of continuous professional development at regular agreed
timelines.
Foster and maintain professional working relationships with all interested
parties and maintain working relationships with the other professional bodies,
i.e. IASLT, ISCP as well as other Health & Social Care Professionals as
appropriate.
Ensure the quality of all documentation is in accordance with professional
standards.
Responsible for adhering to existing standards and protocols.
Seek advice and assistance with any assigned duties in line with principles of
evidence based practice and clinical governance.
Responsible for keeping informed about current practice and new
developments
Develop business plans, quality initiatives, audits etc. and report on outcomes
in collaboration with the Chairs of the professional bodies of
Chiropodists/Podiatrists
Represent the professional bodies of Chiropodists/Podiatrists of Ireland at
meetings and conferences as appropriate.
Maintain professional standards in relation to confidentiality, ethics and
current legislation.
Perform such other duties appropriate to the office as may be assigned by the
Chairs of the professional bodies of Chiropodists/Podiatrists of Ireland.
Education and Training
The Continuous Professional Development Officer will:


Participate in continuing professional development including in- service
training, attending and presenting at conferences / courses relevant to the
post, promoting and contributing to research etc. as agreed with the Chairs of
the professional bodies
Engage in support/ supervision with Chairs or designate of the professional
bodies of Chiropody/Podiatry and participate in performance review.
Health and Safety
The Continuous Professional Development Officer will:


Work in a safe manner with due care and attention to the safety of self and others
Implement agreed policies, procedures and safe professional practice by
adhering to relevant legislation, regulations and standards
 Be aware of risk management issues, identify risks and take appropriate action
 Document appropriately and report any near misses, hazards and accidents and
bring them to the attention of relevant person(s)
Administrative
In addition the successful candidate must possess the following:
Administrative Skills:






Have experience working in an office or similar service.
Demonstrate computer literacy and an ability to use a range of
software packages.
Have the ability to book appointments of subcommittees and advisory
group meetings
Respond efficiently and effectively to telephone queries
Photocopy requested items as necessary
Have the ability to produce reports including financial returns
General Administrative Duties to include:
1. To comply with all Health & safety regulations
2. Communicate effectively both written and verbally with all members of the
Chiropody/Podiatry professional bodies seeking clarification or further
guidance where necessary.
3. To organise monthly schedule, highlighting any potential problems with chairs
of Professional bodies.
4. Annually be involved in preparation for Chiropodist/Podiatrists joint Annual
Conference , AGM, and other projects (audits statistics, IT developments ) as
assigned by the Chairs or designated others.
Eligibility Criteria
Qualifications and / or Experience
Candidates must possess, on the closing date:
(a)
(i)
the BSc in Podiatry
or
(ii)
(b)
(c)
be on the HSE list of recognised Chiropodists/Podiatrists eligible to
undertake public service work
and
have 4 years post graduate experience
be a member of The Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists of Ireland or The
Institute of Chiropodists and Podiatrists (Ireland ) or the Irish Organisation of
Chiropodists and Podiatrists and possess suitable standards of professional
attainments
and
(d)
The requisite knowledge and ability for the proper discharge of the duties of
the office
While The Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists of Ireland is an equal opportunities
employer, in line with recent Department of Enterprise and Employment Work Permit
Legislation, applicants form the non EEA citizens will only be considered in the event
that an EEA citizen cannot be found to fill a vacancy. However, we welcome
applications from holders of a current work permit / work visa/ work authorisation. In
addition, residents in Ireland, entitled to work in the state on a basis of their spouse’s
work / green card, may apply.
Skills Competency and or Knowledge








Demonstrate proficiency in the English language so as to effectively carry out
duties and responsibilities of the role
Demonstrate sufficient knowledge to carry out the duties and responsibilities of
the role
Demonstrate the ability to plan and deliver appropriate continuous professional
development for chiropodists/Podiatrists therapists in an effective and resourceful
manner and the ability to manage self in a busy work environment
Demonstrate ability to take self initiative and to be appropriately self – directed
Demonstrate the ability to evaluate information and make effective decisions in
relation to continuous professional development
Display effective communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to
collaborate and work in partnership with colleagues etc.
Demonstrate effective team skills
Demonstrate flexibility and openness to change

Demonstrate the ability to follow line management directions appropriately and to
utilise supervision effectively
 Demonstrate a willingness to develop IT skills relevant to the role
Other Requirements Specific to this Post






Demonstrate good research skills
Demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Have a high capacity for responsible and sound leadership skills
Be self motivated
Carry out all duties in compliance with relevant legislation
Demonstrate behaviour consistent with the values of The Society of Chiropodists
and Podiatrists of Ireland
 The CPD Development Officer will be aware of the confidential nature of
Chiropody/Podiatry work and to this end, will not discuss workings of The Society
of Chiropodists and Podiatrists of Ireland with people outside the Society. He/
She must return to the Association upon request and, in any event, upon the
termination of this employment, all documents or other property of the Society on,
which are in his/ her possession, or under his/ her control. No documents or
property of the Professional Bodies may be removed from the office without prior
authorisation.
Health
All candidates and any person holding the office must be fully competent and
capable of undertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health as
would indicate a reasonable prospect of the ability to render an efficient service.
Character
Each Candidate for and any person holding office must be of good character
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 Service Superannuation Act, 2004). A
candidate who is not classified as a new entrant must be under 65 years of age on
the first day of the month in which the latest date for receiving completed application
forms for the office occurs.
Particulars of Office
Remuneration:
Remuneration is in accordance with the salary scale approved by the Department of
Health & Children for Grade V1 administrative role (E23,645)
Contract:
The appointment of a 3 year fixed term contract for a 0.5 wte position subject to a
probationary period of 6 months.
Hours of work
As the appointment is for 0.5 whole time equivalent e 17.5 hours per week The
appointee will attend at such other times as are required for the proper discharge of
the duties of the office. This may require attendance outside working hours from time
to time.
Annual Leave:
The annual leave entitlement will be in accordance with the allocation of Grade V
administration position (13 days per annum)
Termination of Office
The employment may be terminated at any time by one month’s notice on either side
except where circumstances are dictated by the Minimum Notice and Terms of
Employment Act 1973/ 91. The management’s right under this paragraph shall not
be exercised save in the circumstances where the management is of the opinion that
the holder of the office has failed to perform satisfactorily the duties of the post or
has conducted him/ herself in relation to the post in an unfit manner.
NOTE: the extent and speed of change in the delivery of health care is such that
adaptability is essential to this post. The incumbent will be required to maintain,
enhance and develop his/ her professional knowledge, skills and aptitudes
necessary to respond to a changing situation. The post is at a developmental stage,
therefore, the Job Description must be regarded as an outline of the major areas of
accountability at the present time, which will be reviewed and assessed on an
ongoing basis.