Community Sports Development Officer

QUALIFICATIONS 1. CHARACTER Candidates shall be of good character. 2. HEALTH Candidates must be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service. 3. CITIZENSHIP Candidates must, by the date of any job offer, be: • A citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway; or • A citizen of the United Kingdom (UK); or • A citizen of Switzerland pursuant to the agreement between the EU and Switzerland on the free movement of persons; or • A non-EEA citizen who is a spouse or child of an EEA or UK or Swiss citizen and has a stamp 4 visa; or • A person awarded international protection under the International Protection Act 2015 or any family member entitled to remain in the State as a result of family reunification and has a stamp 4 visa or • A non-EEA citizen who is a parent of a dependent child who is a citizen of, and resident in, an EEA member state or the UK or Switzerland and has a stamp 4 visa 4. EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS Candidate shall have :- • Hold a relevant degree in sports development/leisure management, health fitness and leisure studies, Health promotion related studies • Have experience of working in a sports development environment (ideally one years or more) • Have experience of project management and of piloting, developing & delivering sustainable physical activity-based initiatives. • Have the ability to consult, communicate and network appropriately and effectively with all sectors of the community • Possess excellent communications and organisational skills. • Possess a full clean driving licence and have the use of his/her own car. The Position: Westmeath County Council invites applications from suitably qualified persons who wish to be considered on a panel from which fixed term contract posts for the position of Community Sports Development Officer will be drawn. The Community Sports Development Officer will be based in the Sports Partnership Department and report to the Sports Partnership Co-Ordinator or other appropriate Line Manager in the Department. The duties of the office will involve activities outside normal working hours, including Evenings or Weekends, in this regard a system of time off in lieu will apply.

Roles and Responsibilities: The Sports Development Officer (SDO) will foster and encourage a culture of Active Participation, supporting opportunities for and access to sport and physical activity in local communities. The SDO will address barriers to participation and encourage access and increase opportunities for participation by those who experience disadvantage for any reason. Specific tasks of the SDO will be determined locally having regard to the overall job purpose in line with Westmeath Sports Partnership Strategic Plan and with reference to any particular issues, challenges and priorities identified in the sports strategy for the area. The successful candidate will be required to: • Planning & Programme Management • Assist with the implementation of the goals and objectives outlined in the WSP strategy, National Sports Action Plan, National Physical Activity Plan, Local Economic Community Plan and actions arising out of these objectives. • Support and contribute to the preparation of annual operational plans for the delivery of the strategic objectives. • Facilitate quarterly and annual reviews of the annual operational plan reporting on the effectiveness and impact of work areas. • Participate in the design, organisation and implementation of WSP projects/events including any of Sport Ireland’s National Programmes as required • Develop and implement programmes and initiatives to increase participation of targeted low participation groups with a focus on disadvantaged areas • Plan, deliver and evaluate key participation programmes • Contribute to ensuring that all programmes and courses operate on a user-friendly professional basis. • Work with WSP current and potential partners and stakeholders including local community groups and organisations, sports clubs, NGBs, partner agencies to develop and strengthen relationships. • Carry out research and needs analysis as appropriate. • Manage budget and reporting requirements to Sports Co-ordinator • Adhere to WSP/WCC financial policies concerning procurement of goods and services, budget planning and reporting while ensuring compliance requirements of funding agency(ies). • Administrate programmes and events including maintaining up-to-date databases. • Implement a monitoring and evaluation framework for all projects, measure and monitor performance indicators based on the impact, which courses/programmes having at local level. Specific Areas of Responsibility • Establish a baseline in the communities chosen for interventions and conduct an audit of local clubs and update where this has already been completed • Develop and support the implementation of a comprehensive range of physical activity programmes and events for relevant target groups with a view to creating sustainable participation. • Work with smaller national governing bodies that do not currently have development officers to increase opportunities for participation • Provide guidance and support to develop sustainable community sports clubs • Support and maintain strong links between schools and community sports clubs • Support the continued roll out of Sport Ireland’s investment including Dormant Accounts Funded projects • Organise and facilitate training and development opportunities including research, administration, planning, organisation and delivery of relevant courses, workshops and seminars with a view to sustainable development of activities, volunteers, clubs etc. • Administration and attendance at courses that are contracted out, maintaining the standards and representing WSP. • Manage the purchase, storage and shared use of equipment including loan agreements or leases. • Reports and regular updates to the Co-ordinator, WSP Board, Westmeath County Council, and Sport Ireland as required. • Assist with the preparation of a marketing plan including the preparation of press releases, articles and radio promotions and social media. • Ensure that WSP & WCC Health & Safety Policies and procedures are fully implemented and that all activities undertaken are in line with codes of practice and legislation. • Undertake any other relevant and related duties that may be required by WSP Candidates shortlisted for interview will be assessed at the interview under the following competencies using some/all of the indicators within each competency.

Knowledge, Experience & Skills • Range and depth of relevant experience. • Demonstrates required specialist knowledge, understanding and training for the role. • Keeps up to date with current developments, trends and best practice in their area of responsibility. • Experience of working as part of a multi-disciplinary team. • Experience of preparing and presenting reports. • Have satisfactory of knowledge and understanding of the Sports Partnership and the LA structure and its function within local government. • Knowledge and experience of ICT systems.

Delivering Results • Lead and develop the team to achieve Corporate Objectives. • Acts decisively and makes timely, informed and effective decisions. • Demonstrates experience of organising, planning, co-ordinating and prioritising work programmes. • Demonstrates ability to follow procedures, ensuring compliance and maintaining appropriate records. • Managing resources, evaluating work practices and achieving efficiencies. • Ability to delivering quality outcomes. • Implement high quality service and customer care standards.

Performance Through People • Demonstrates understanding of social situations and dynamics and ability to operate effectively. • Empowers, influences and encourages others to gain supports for ideas, proposals and solutions. • Experience of building and maintaining positive, productive and beneficial working relationships. • Ability to effectively manage performance. • Presents ideas effectively to individuals and groups. • Demonstrates ability to resolve conflicts • Excellent interpersonal, negotiation and communication skills

Personal Effectiveness • Takes initiative and is proactive when he or she sees the opportunity to make a contribution. • Demonstrates problem solving skills and good judgement. • Manages time and workload effectively. • Maintains a positive, constructive and enthusiastic attitude to their role. • Demonstrates flexibility and openness to change. • Responds positively to the challenges of the role. PARTICULARS OF OFFICE 1. The Post A panel will be formed from which full time, permanent posts may be filled. 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.

The current salary scale applicable to the post is :- €34,260 per annum to €50,206 per annum (maximum) €51,733 per annum (LSI 1) (after 3 years satisfactory service at maximum) €53,301 per annum (LSI 2) (after 6 years satisfactory service at maximum) New Entrants to the Local Authority Service commence on the 1st point of the scale in accordance with current Government Policy as set out in Department of the Environment Circular Letter EL 02/2011 of 28th January 2011 and Circular EL 05/2016 dated 5th February 2016.

Remuneration is paid fortnightly by PayPath directly to the employee’s nominated bank account. The current pay cycle may be revised during the period of employment. Remuneration is subject to all statutory deductions e.g. PAYE and PRSI. Increments are paid annually subject to satisfactory attendance, conduct and performance and national agreements. Increments may be withheld if performance, attendance and/or conduct are not satisfactory.

3. Superannuation and Retirement Membership of the Local Government Superannuation Scheme or the Single Public Service Pension Scheme is compulsory for all employees. Details of the relevant scheme will be provided to the appointee prior to appointment. A person who becomes a pensionable employee of a local authority who is liable to pay the Class A rate of PRSI contribution will be required in respect of superannuation to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 1.5% of 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). A person paying Class A rate of PRSI who becomes a pensionable employee 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 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). A person who becomes a pensionable officer of a local authority who is liable to pay the Class D rate of PRSI contribution will be required in respect of his/her superannuation to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 5% of pensionable remuneration. A person paying Class D rate of PRSI who becomes a pensionable Officer of a local authority depending on their existing scheme, may be a member of a dependent scheme i.e. either the Local Government (Widows & Orphans Contributory Pension) Scheme or Local Government (Spouses and Children’s Contributory Pension) Scheme and if a member of either scheme will be required in respect of this to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 1.5% of pensionable remuneration in accordance with the terms of the scheme. Employees are admitted to the Superannuation Scheme in accordance with the terms of the Local Government Superannuation (Consolidation) Act, 1998 and the Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004, with effect from date of appointment. This scheme is contributory and provides pension, retirement and death gratuities. In order for a new entrant to the scheme to qualify for a pension, he/she must have served a minimum of two years employment in a local authority. For new entrants under the Single Public Service Pension Scheme, effective from 1st January 2013, superannuation contributions are as follows: 3.5% of net pensionable remuneration and 3% of pensionable remuneration. Pension and retirement lump sum will be based on career-average pay; pensions will be co-ordinated with the State

Pension Contributory 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 person 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.