BTEI Coordinator

Nature of Post 3-year specific purpose position to cover secondment of another staff member. Full time, 35 hours per week.

Salary scale €45,664 – €74,795 (including two long service increments). As per DES guidelines, new appointees who are entering this grade for the first time will start at the minimum point of the scale, however incremental credit may apply, if, immediately prior to appointment the appointee is already a serving Civil or Public Servant. Rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy.

Location Appointment is to the Further Education and Training (FET) services of Louth and Meath Education and Training Board (LMETB). Initial assignment is to Chapel Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth.

Reporting/Accountability Relationship The BTEI Coordinator reports to the Adult Education Officer/Director of Further Education and Training (FET) and Chief Executive as appropriate.

Post Summary/Purpose The BTEI Coordinator is responsible for the overall management, development and administration of Back to Education (BTEI) provision. As a member of LMETB Further Education Management Team, the BTEI Coordinator plays a pivotal role in managing and developing BTEI in ways that ensure its integration within the wider LMETB Further Education and Training (FET). Under the responsibility of the FET Director and reporting directly to the Adult Education Officer (AEO), the BTEI Coordinator will have responsibility for leading and managing specific Further Education and Training (part-time) programmes and services within designated area of LMETB. They will be responsible for developing, communicating and implementing actions to achieve LMETB’s FET Strategic targets under the National FET Strategy.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Health and Character

Those under consideration for a position may at the discretion of the employer be required to complete a health and character declaration and a Garda Vetting Form. References will be sought.

Citizenship Requirement Citizenship Requirement: Candidates should note that eligibility to compete for posts is open to citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA) or to non-EEA nationals with a valid work permit. The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union along with Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. Swiss citizens under EU agreements may also apply.

Candidates for a position of BTEI Coordinator must: • have the requisite knowledge, skills and competencies to carry out the role. Competencies will be informed by Public Appointment Service competency frameworks for the Irish Public Service; • be capable of fulfilling the role to a high standard;

Essential Requirements • A relevant third level qualification. • Significant experience of working in an Education and Training environment • Experience of working at a senior management level, areas of experience to encompass staff management /supervision, financial planning/management and reporting, in addition to business planning processes. • Access to own transport

Desirable Requirements • Experience of working with teachers, tutors and/or learners. • An understanding, or the ability to quickly acquire same, of Further Education and Training. • Experience in certification and Q.A. systems and standards. • Excellent communication skills • Excellent ICT skills

Duties and Responsibilities The duties and responsibilities of the post will evolve over time. A non-exhaustive list of current duties and responsibilities is as follows.

Centre management • With the support of the Director of FET/Adult Education Officer (AEO) to enhance the quality of the service offered by BTEI through annual review of the service provided and through ongoing team development. • In consultation with the Director of FET/ AEO to manage the design and development of relevant creative curricula which meets the needs of the BTEI learners. • To conduct regular reviews of provision, modifying and adapting existing programmes and introducing new initiatives, as required, to meet the changing needs of learners and relevant stakeholders. • To ensure that the needs of learners remain central to all aspects of the development and delivery of the BTEI Programme. • To effectively plan for, monitor and review application of resources including financial, adhering at all times to value-for-money principles. • To promote awareness, within LMETB and externally, of the range and value of the Further Education & Training opportunities and support services provided through BTEI. • To ensure that Quality Assurance systems, policies and procedures are in place, and regularly reviewed and updated. • To oversee implementation of assessment, verification and authentication procedures as set down by the range of accrediting bodies e.g. DoE, DFHERIS, QQI, ICDL, City & Guilds etc. • To prepare and submit regular progress reports to Director of FET/AEO, including financial, staffing, analytical and statistical reports as required. • To keep abreast of education and employment-related developments at local and national level and to disseminate information to BTEI staff, as appropriate. • To ensure, in cooperation with the Centre Management Team, that the Further Education Centre, its grounds, equipment and resources are adequately maintained and in compliance with Health and Safety legislation, in so far as is practicable. • To prepare and review of timetables. • To recruit students, developing links with local Employment Services, DEASP, Area Partnerships, Employers, and other community interests as appropriate. • To maintain participant’s records in relation to age, gender, pre-entry employment and education status, courses followed, certification and progression achieved. • To prepare accounts and pay claims for onward processing by relevant departments. • To manage the centre and be responsible for BTEI resources. • Other tasks may be assigned from time to time.

Staff Leadership • To encourage and monitor attendance of students. • To lead, manage and support all staff working in BTEI. • To enhance own knowledge and expertise, on an on-going basis, through work activities, training and development • To promote and facilitate team approaches to the development and delivery of BTEI, thereby fostering inclusion, integration, cohesion and quality. • To monitor staffing requirements within the BTEI programme on an ongoing basis, in line with learner needs and developments in the local socio-economic environment and within budgeting constraints.

Partnership Networking • To work in partnership with the Director of FET, Senior Management Team and Coordinators of other FET services/ programmes within LMETB to promote quality and coherence of service and facilitate learner progression. • To adopt a partnership approach to working with relevant external stakeholders e.g. employers, statutory agencies, education / training institutions, etc. in order to inform the curriculum and enhance the quality and relevance of educational provision within BTEI. • To develop progression networks/pathways to assist the progression of BTEI participants to employment and/or education and training.

COMPETENCIES REQUIRED The appointee to the post will be required to show evidence of the following competencies: Team Leadership • Works with the relevant team to facilitate high performance, developing clear and realistic objectives and addressing performance issues if they arise. • Provides clear information and advice as to what is required of the team • Strives to develop and implement new ways of working effectively to meet the ETB’s objectives. • Leads the team by example, coaching and supporting individuals as required • Places high importance on staff development, training and maximising skills and capacity of team. • Is flexible and willing to adapt, positively contributing to the implementation of change.

Analysis and Decision Making • Gathers and analyses information from relevant sources, whether financial, numerical, or otherwise weighing up a range of critical factors. • Takes account of any broader issues and related implications when making decisions. • Uses previous knowledge and experience to guide decisions. • Makes sound decisions with a well-reasoned rationale and stands by these decisions. • Puts forward solutions to address problems.

Management and Delivery of Results • Takes responsibility and is accountable for the delivery of agreed objectives. • Successfully manages a range of different projects and work activities at the same time. • Structures and organises their own and others work effectively. • Is logical and pragmatic in approach, delivering the best possible results with the resources available. • Delegates work effectively, providing clear information and evidence as to what is required. • Proactively identifies areas for improvement and develops practical suggestions for their implementation. • Demonstrates enthusiasm for new developments / changing work practices and strives to implement these changes effectively. • Applies appropriate systems / processes to enable quality checking of all activities and outputs. • Practices and promotes a strong focus on delivering high quality customer service, for internal and external customers of LMETB.

Interpersonal & Communication Skills • Builds and maintains contact with colleagues and other stakeholders to assist in performing role. • Acts as an effective link between staff and senior management. • Encourages open and constructive discussions around work issues. • Projects conviction, gaining buy-in by outlining relevant information and selling the benefits. • Treat others with diplomacy, tact, courtesy and respect, even in challenging circumstances. • Presents information clearly, concisely and confidently when speaking and in writing.

Specialist Knowledge, Expertise and Self Development • Has a clear understanding of the roles, objectives and targets of self and team and how they fit into the work of the unit and Department/Organisation and effectively communicates this to others. • Has high levels of expertise and broad Public Sector knowledge relevant to his/her area of work. • Focuses on self-development, striving to improve performance.

Drive & Commitment to Public Service Values • Strives to perform at a high level, investing significant energy to achieve agreed objectives. • Demonstrates resilience in the face of challenging circumstances and high demands. • Is personally trustworthy and can be relied upon. • Ensures that customers are at the heart of all services provided. • Upholds high standards of honesty, ethics and integrity.