Child & Youth Coach

Sport Ireland has committed funding towards the employment of a full time Child and Youth Coach for Offaly Sports Partnership. Currently funding for this post is committed for 2025 and will be the subject of review thereafter

Offaly Sports Partnership is currently seeking to employ a “Child & Youth Coach”. The work programme of the Child & Youth Coach will be guided by the Sports Partnership’s strategic plan, its annual work plans and other relevant policies and plans.

The Child & Youth Coach will work towards increasing participation opportunities for children and young people in a variety of sports. Specifically, the Child & Youth Coach will be responsible for: -

• coaching children and young people within school and out of school settings

• supporting the work of the Sports Partnership’s sports hubs in Ballycumber, Daingean and Mucklagh

• supporting the work of the Sports Partnership’s development officers

• working with disadvantaged children and young people identified under the “Sport 4 Empowerment” programme

• supporting the development of pathways for identified children and young people, or signposting such children and young people to appropriate local sports club

The Child & Youth Coach will report to Offaly Sports Partnership’s Programme Manager in the delivery of this role

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POST

Candidates are required to demonstrate a clear knowledge and understanding of: -

• the fundamentals of physical activity and the essential role that it plays in the future participation of children in sport

• barriers to participation, specific to children and young people among low participation groups

• opportunities that minority sports and recreational sports can offer

• pathways into organised mainstream sport

The candidate must be able to demonstrate that they have sufficient competence in the following key skills which are essential for the role: -

• ability to design and deliver age appropriate coaching programmes for children and young people

• ability to adapt, develop and coordinate sports programmes suitable to the needs of children and young people from low participation groups

• excellent communications and interpersonal skills

• strong administration and report writing skills

• operation of ICT systems and standard office software packages

Candidates must also be able to demonstrate competencies in the following: -

• ability to communicate effectively with children, young people and a broad range of stakeholders

• working effectively as part of a team

• planning and prioritisation of workloads

• working to a deadline

• acting on own initiative

• maintaining confidentiality

COMPETENCIES FOR THE POST

Key Competencies for the post will be examined under the following headings, and candidates will be expected to demonstrate sufficient evidence within their application form of competence under each.

Competency 1 – Coaching children

• Ability to assess physical literacy among children and young people

• Ability to design and deliver age appropriate sports programmes

• Have an acute knowledge of player pathways into mainstream sport in Co Offaly

Competency 2 – Delivering results

• Organize, plan and prioritise workloads

• Take responsibility for delivering quality work in a timely manner

• Ensure accuracy and high standards in work delivered

• Flexibility in approach to work

• Adapt quickly to change and new ways of doing things

• Use initiative and self-motivate when required

Competency 3 – Interpersonal

• Inter-personal skills and ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders

• Develop and maintain good working relationships within teams

• Demonstrate dignity and respect for colleagues

• Understand own role and personal contribution within a team

• Written and oral communications

• Actively listen

• Demonstrate positive customer service attitude

Competency 4 – Personal Effectiveness

• Enthusiastic and energetic about the role

• Remains calm under pressure and has the ability to manage the delivery of several tasks / projects concurrently

• Manages their time effectively, focusing on essential tasks and responsibilities

• Commitment to self-development, improving skills and knowledge base

• Acts with honesty and integrity

• Treats others in a fair and consistent manner

• Demonstrates a strong commitment to delivering an effective public service

QUALIFICATIONS

1. CHARACTER

Candidates shall be of good character.

2. HEALTH

Candidates shall be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

3. EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, REQUIREMENTS ETC.

Candidates shall, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms for the post: -

i. Hold a relevant third level qualification in a sports related course of study (minimum level 7 on the National Framework of Qualifications Ireland, or equivalent from an overseas awarding body)

ii. Hold a relevant coaching qualification from a Sport Ireland recognised national governing body of sport, or from an equivalent sporting federation outside of Ireland

iii. Have a minimum of either two years professional work experience in sport, or three years voluntary coaching experience .

Experience of working with disadvantaged groups and communities will be hugely advantageous though not essential

iv. Be proficient in commonly used IT packages including the range of Microsoft Office programmes

v. Possess a current full driving license and have access to private transport.

PARTICULARS OF OFFICE

1. The Post:

The post is whole time and pensionable. A panel will be formed for an initial period of one year and this may be extended for a further year at the discretion of the Chief Executive. The panel will be used to fill both permanent and temporary positions that may arise for its duration. Vacancies will be offered in order of merit as per the panel.

2. Salary:

The salary shall be fully inclusive and shall be as determined from time to time. Holders of the post will be paid at the appropriate point on the salary scale in accordance with the relevant Department Circular. Starting pay for new entrants will be at the minimum of the scale. Where the appointee has been serving elsewhere in the public service in an analogous grade and pay-scale, and will be moving without break to another part of the public sector at an analogous grade, the appointment may be made at the appointee’s current point of scale. The rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy.

The current salary scale applicable to the post is €30,811 - €47,945 LSI2.

3. Duties:

You shall perform such duties as may from time to time be assigned to you in relation to your employment and as may be appropriate to any particular function of any local authority for which the Chief Executive is responsible and carry out such instructions as may be given in relation to the performance of your duties. You shall, if required, act for an employee of a higher level. You may be required to work outside your normal job description from time to time.

The duties to be assigned include the following although this list is not exhaustive and may be reviewed from time to time as organisational needs require:

• coaching children and young people within school and out of school settings

• supporting the work of Offaly Sports Partnership’s sports hubs in Ballycumber, Daingean and Mucklagh

• supporting the work of the Sports Partnership’s development officers

• working with disadvantaged children and young people identified under the “Sport 4 Empowerment” programme

• supporting the development of pathways for identified children and young people, or signposting such children and young people to appropriate local sports clubs

• Working as part of a team to deliver services.

• Communicating and provide information in a professional and courteous manner to elected members and customers through face to face interaction, by telephone and email

• Providing the highest quality standards in customer service at all times

• Using Information Technology on a daily basis including standard office packages and financial management systems

• Maintaining high quality records in a thorough and organised manner

• Checking all work thoroughly to ensure it is completed to a high standard

• Approaching work in a careful and methodical manner, displaying accuracy at all times,

• Creating and maintain any records, reports and returns as required

• Ensuring compliance with organisational policies and procedures

• Organising and facilitating internal and external meetings

• Completing all essential training successfully

• Participating in the Performance Management Development System

• Liaising with and responding to other local authorities, government departments and statutory agencies where required

• Carrying out duties in a politically neutral and impartial manner that enhances public trust and confidence in the local authority decision making process

• Acting or deputising for more senior personnel in their absence when required

• Undertaking any other duties of a similar level and responsibility, as may be required, or assigned, from time to time

4. Work Base:

Offaly County Council reserves the right to assign you to any department or premises in use by the Council, now or in the future. Changes in location of employment will not result in payment of disturbance money or other compensation. The person appointed will be required to provide him/herself at his/her own expense with the necessary mode of travel to and from work.

5. Working Hours:

The working hours at present provide for a five day, 35 hour working week; hours may vary from time to time. The working hours may be reviewed at any time by the Council.

The provisions of Offaly County Council’s Time and Attendance Policy is applicable to this grade at the current time. A flexible working hours’ system is in operation and may be availed of subject to the terms and conditions of the Time and Attendance Policy.

6. Annual Leave:

The current annual leave entitlement is 27 days increasing to 29 days after 5 years’ service. Granting of annual leave, payment for annual leave and arrangement for public holidays will be governed by the provisions of the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997 (as amended)

7. Sick Leave:

The terms of the Public Service Management (Sick Leave) Regulations 2014 as amended will prevail.

8. Probation:

Appointees will be on probation for the first year of employment. The terms of Offaly County Council’s Probation Policy will apply.

9. Superannuation:

Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012:

New members joining the Public Sector on or after 1st January 2013 will be required to join the Single Public Service Pension Scheme. The Single Scheme applies to all pensionable first-time entrants to the Public Service as well as to former public servants returning to the public service after a break of more than 26 weeks. A rate of PRSI contribution will be required of their superannuation to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 3% of their pensionable remuneration plus 3.5% of net pensionable remuneration (i.e. pensionable remuneration less twice the annual rate of social insurance old age contributory pension payable at the maximum rate to a person with no adult dependant or qualified children). This includes a contribution to a Spouse’s and Children’s Scheme. Pension and retirement lump sum based on career-average pay; pensions will be co-ordinated with the State Pension Contributory (SPC).

For persons who commenced public sector employment prior to 1st January 2013: Persons who become pensionable employees of a local authority who are liable to pay the Class A rate of PRSI contribution will be required in respect of their superannuation to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 1.5% of their pensionable remuneration plus 3.5% of net pensionable remuneration (i.e. pensionable remuneration less twice the annual rate of social insurance old age contributory pension payable at the maximum rate to a person with no adult dependent or qualified children).

Persons who become pensionable employees of a local authority who are liable to pay the Class D rate of PRSI contribution will be required in respect of their superannuation to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 5% of their pensionable remuneration.

All persons who become pensionable employees of a local authority will be required in respect of the Local Government (Spouses and Children’s Contributory Pension) Scheme to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 1.5% of their pensionable remuneration in accordance with the terms of the scheme.

10. Retirement:

Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012: The compulsory retirement age for new entrants as defined by the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012 is 70 years. Minimum pension age of 66 years, rising to 67 years and 68 years in line with State Pension age changes, is applicable.

Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2004:

There is no mandatory retirement age for ‘New Entrants’ from 1st April 2004 to the public service as defined in the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004. 65 years is the minimum age at which a pension may be paid. As a new entrant to the public service, under the terms of this legislation, new entrants will not be required to retire on grounds of age.

Anyone who is not a ‘New Entrant’ to the public service, defined in the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004 is subject to compulsory retirement age of 70 years.

11. Travel:

When required to do so, holders of the post shall hold a full driving licence for class B vehicles and shall drive a motor car in the course of their duties and for this purpose, provide and maintain a car to the satisfaction of the local authority.

If you are required to travel as part of your official duties, Offaly County Council as your employer must be indemnified on your insurance policy. Travelling expenses and subsistence expenses necessarily incurred in the course of official duties will be refunded in accordance with appropriate rates in line with the relevant Department Circulars and Offaly County Council’s Travel and Subsistence Policy.

If during your employment, your licence is revoked, even temporarily, or if you receive endorsements on your licence, which may affect your duties, you are obliged to notify the Council immediately.

12. Taking Up Appointment:

Offaly County Council shall require a person to whom an appointment is offered to take up such appointment within a period of four weeks and if he/she fails to take up the appointment within such period or such longer period as the local authority in its absolute discretion may determine, the local authority shall not appoint him/her.

13. Recruitment:

Shortlisting:

Normally the number of applications received for a position exceeds that required to fill existing and future vacancies to the position. While a candidate may meet the eligibility requirements of the competition, if the numbers applying for the position are such that it would not be practical to interview everyone, Offaly County Council may decide that a number only will be invited to same. In this respect, Offaly County Council provide for the employment of a short listing process to select a group for interview who, based on an examination of the application forms, appear to be the most suitable for the position based on the specific competencies identified in the job description. An expert board will examine the application forms against a pre-determined criteria based on the requirements of the position. This is not to suggest that other candidates are necessarily unsuitable or incapable of undertaking the job, rather that there are some candidates, who based on their application, appear to be better qualified and/or have more relevant experience. It is therefore in your own interest to provide a detailed and accurate account of your relevant qualifications/ experience on the application form. On occasions a short listing interview may take place.

Competitive Interview:

Selection will be by means of a competition based on an interview conducted by or on behalf of the local authority. The number of persons to be invited shall be determined by the Local Authority having regard to the likely number of vacancies to be filled. Interviews may be held via MS Teams if possible to facilitate. Candidates will be notified of the means through which the interview will be conducted prior to their interview date.

Candidates will be required to pay any expenses incurred by them in attending the interview. A panel may be formed on the basis of such interview. Candidates whose names are on a panel and who satisfy the local authority that they possess the qualifications declared for the post and that they are otherwise suitable for appointment may within the life of the panel be appointed as appropriate vacancies arise.

Right to Review

Offaly County Council’s Recruitment & Selection Policy document is available from the Human Resources Department on the HR page of iPortal or on our website at www.offaly.ie/careers. This document includes details of the review procedure available to applicants for each stage of the recruitment process.

14. Health:

Where a permanent post is being filled, it will be necessary for each successful candidate, before he/she is appointed, to undergo, at their expense, a medical examination by the local authority’s Occupational Health Medical Advisor. On taking up appointment, the expense of the Medical Examination will be refunded to the candidate.

15. Residence:

The holder of the post shall reside in the district in which his/her duties are to be performed or within a reasonable distance thereof as determined by Offaly County Council.

16. Safety & Welfare:

The holder of the post shall co-operate with the terms of Offaly County Council’s Safety Statement and Major Emergency Plan. He/She shall familiarise him/herself with the safety rules and procedures and make proper use of all safety, clothing and equipment. Failure to comply with the terms of the Safety Statement may result in a disciplinary action.

17. Training:

It is a condition of employment that successful candidates will be required to participate in training programmes relevant to the skills necessary for the performance of the duties attaching to the post

18. Reference/Documentary Evidence:

Each candidate may be required to submit as references, the names and addresses of two responsible persons to whom he/she is well known but not related, at least one of whom must be a former/current employer. Candidates may be required to submit documentary evidence to the local authority in support of their application.

The admission of a person to a competition, or invitation to attend an interview, is not to be taken as implying that Offaly County Council is satisfied that such person fulfils the requirements of the competition or is not disqualified by law from holding the position and does not carry a guarantee that your application will receive further consideration. It is important, therefore, for you to note that the onus is on you to ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements for the competition before attending for interview. If you do not meet the essential entry requirement but nevertheless attend for interview you will be putting yourself to unnecessary expense. Prior to recommending any candidate for appointment to this position Offaly County Council will make all such enquiries that are deemed necessary to determine the suitability of the candidate.

19. Garda Vetting:

Successful candidates may be subject to Garda Vetting and Child Protection Procedures in advance of appointment to the position.