Youthreach Co-Ordinator

KEY TASKS: • Manage the Ballina Youthreach Programme ▪ Keep abreast of relevant developments at local and national level and disseminate information to Ballina Youthreach staff and other colleagues, as appropriate. ▪ Liaise / Network with other co-ordinators and centres at local, regional and national levels. ▪ Lead-up the development and implementation of a coherent Centre Development Plan (CDP) that provides vision and direction for all involved. ▪ Ensure that the National Youthreach Quality Framework Initiative and the QQI Quality Assurance guidelines are implemented in Ballina Youthreach Centre. ▪ Lead-up the development of policies, procedures and practices regarding learner recruitment, induction, assessment, progression and certification (particularly QQI, J.C & L.C), and monitor and review their implementation on an on-going basis. ▪ Manage the introduction of new change initiatives such as key-working, mentoring, QQI procedures, etc., as and when required, using consultative teambased approaches and methods. ▪ Ensure that the needs of learners remain central to all aspects of the development and delivery of the Ballina Youthreach Programme. Monitor all aspects of Youthreach provision to ensure that it is meeting quality standards and addressing the real needs of learners. ▪ Submit regular reports to the Chief Executive / Deputed Officer at designated times and in the format required. ▪ Ensure that Youthreach premises, resources, procedures and practices are adequately maintained and in compliance with Health and Safety legislation, in so far as is practicable. ▪ Develop and deliver a number of learning programmes / courses, in line with programme needs.

Manage Youthreach Staff ▪ Enhance own expertise, on an on-going basis, through work activities, training and development ▪ Promote and facilitate team-working approaches to the management and delivery of the Ballina Youthreach Programme, thereby fostering inclusion, integration, cohesion and quality. ▪ Lead, manage and support all staff working in Ballina Youthreach. ▪ Oversee implementation of MSLETB Performance Management and Development System, as appropriate, with relevant Youthreach Staff. ▪ Co-ordinate production and implementation of a comprehensive and relevant staff training and development plan, on an annual basis. ▪ Support staff in adapting to changes in curriculum, assessment and teaching methods and work practices.

Manage Youthreach Budget ▪ Plan, monitor, review and report on expenditure of Ballina Youthreach budget ▪ Ensure that Ballina Youthreach Centre operates in ways that are cost effective and cost efficient, and within the budget allocated. ▪ Maintain comprehensive financial, statistical and other records and submit information / reports to the Chief Executive/Deputed Officer as required. ▪ Monitor and evaluate all aspects of the programme to ensure that it is fully compliant with all legislative requirements and with E.S.F. and Department of Education and Skills’ regulations and guidelines.

Partnership Working ▪ Work in partnership with personnel right across MSLETB Further Education Service to promote integration and enhance Youthreach provision. ▪ Work in partnership with relevant community, voluntary and statutory personnel, agencies and groups in the Ballina area to ensure that the Youthreach Centre is embedded within the local community, and meeting the identified needs of young people from that area. ▪ Consult with local stakeholders to develop and implement strategies that will maximise the use of the centre to the benefit of the young people, their parents and families.

This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him / her from time to time by the CE and to contribute to the development of the post while in the role. QUALIFICATIONS: The Youthreach Co-Ordinator will have:

• A level 8 (NQF) degree in a teaching discipline.
• Training in management / leadership is desirable

EXPERIENCE: The Youthreach Co-Ordinator will have;

• Experience of working with early school leavers.
• Experience of strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation
• Experience of staff management and/or development.
• Working knowledge of a range of assessment and accreditation systems and procedures; e.g. QQI, L.C. Applied; J.C.; etc.
• Experience of working in partnership, internally and externally.
• Experience of financial management.

KEY COMPETENCIES: Key Role: Leader – Education and Learning • Establish and promote high standards and expectations for all students and staff for academic performance, engagement, learning, behaviour and social skills. • Effectively implement appropriate modern teaching and learning strategies to the benefit of student achievement and Centre performance. • Actively promotes their own continuous professional development and that of staff and ensures that it is in line with the overall goals, plans and targets of the Centre. • Be responsible for the creation, together with the learners and staff of an environment which is supportive of learning and high achievement among the learners. • Continuously develop and prioritise, in conjunction with staff, a timetable, a curriculum, instructional methodologies and Centre plans that best meet the needs of the entire student population and in accordance with Department of Education and Skills and the relevant sector regulations and guidelines. • Ensure that the education provided in the Centre is constantly supervised and evaluated. Ensure that strategies, measures, methodologies, improvement plans and targets are put in place to ensure best practise and standards of teaching and learning are being achieved. • Develop and provide appropriate learning and curricular programmes to meet the needs of all students in the Centre and ensure the diversity of the student population is being catered for.

Leader – Centre Development • Put in place comprehensive Centre development/Education plans, following consultation with staff/ETB and other relevant stakeholders. • Develop, implement, evaluate and update procedures and systems for the operation and functioning of the Centre; ensuring compliance with legislation, Department and relevant sector regulations, philosophy and values. • Strategically develop the expertise and capability of the staff in line with the Centre Development Plans, Centre Vision and Culture. • Establish structures in the Centre that facilitate (a) excellence in teaching and learning (b) which supports and cultivates a community of learning • Implement the policies and decisions of the ETB, the Minister and Department of Education and Skills in such a way as to enhance the Centre offering. • Set a system for constant re-evaluation of the purpose, objectives and activities of the Centre in line with Department of Education & Skills Guidelines.

Leader – People and Teams • Lead, motivate and manage the staff in the Centre to achieve excellence in their work; through the use of good industrial relations, systems, planning and evaluation, team work/support, organisation and communications. • Set high standards of work and behaviour and to be actively involved in probation, performance management and appraisal of staff through the agreed systems. • Actively manage difficult employment issues, following agreed procedures, using appropriate action, support and advice. • Ensure adherence to health, safety and welfare for students, staff and visitors. • Foster and maintain excellent professional working relationships with all staff in the Centre, ensuring effective delegation and support. • Establish strong organisation structures within the Centre with clearly defined roles and responsibility among the various categories of staff, in line with staff skills and talents.

Communication • Set up excellent communication structures/policies and procedures with staff, students, ETB and all partners and stakeholders. • Set a standard and code for communications in the Centre in terms of tone, response, methods and appropriateness. • Set up good communication structures to the wider community from the Centre and to ensure that the Centre has effective and positive public relations. • Embrace modern methods of communication e.g. on line, bulletin boards, Information technology systems etc.

Organisational Management and Administrative Skills • Set an organisational timetable/calendar for the Centre regarding administrative matters such as Department /ETB returns. • Set an organisational timetable/calendar for the Centre regarding Health and Safety drills, actions, checks and safety statement reviews. • Control, manage and best use Centre/public funds and ensure all financial records are up to date and maintained according to good governance, regulations and guidelines. • Establish effective data management systems. • Ensure the facilities and assets of the Centre are maintained and managed to the highest standards. Put in place a calendar of maintenance to be conducted during the year and to ensure it is complied with. • Lead the Centre in ensuring that all administrative matters are dealt with effectively and on time.

Self-Awareness and Self-Management • Set a good standard of professional interactions and to ensure excellent relationship boundaries are in place. • Be aware of own skill set and traits and to ensure to seek help and advice when required and to operate with an openness with the ETB. • Upholds professional integrity at all times for example discretion, confidentiality, loyalty and trust. • Seek to actively improve on skill sets through active networking, CPD and good interactive working relationships.

Profile The successful candidate will: • be a leader, committed to the highest standards of education provision, administration and governance • have a passion for education • have strong people management and organisation skills • be a visionary and have experience in delivering projects through team work • be community minded and conscious of the role the Centre plays in the local community The Office The office is a whole-time post. The normal working week is a 35 hours five-day week basis excluding breaks. However, the position of the Youthreach Co-Ordinator may involve additional hours in excess of the standard working week, without additional remuneration. The holder of the office shall not engage in any gainful occupation, other than as an employee of MSLETB, to such an extent as to impair the performance of his or her duties as an employee of MSLETB or in any occupation which might conflict with the interests of MSLETB or which might be inconsistent with discharge of his or her duties as an employee of MSLETB.

Probation The following provision shall apply, as appropriate: (a) There shall be a period after such appointments take effect during which such persons shall hold the position on probation; (b) Such period shall be one year but the Chief Executive may at his or her discretion extend such period; (c) Such persons shall cease to hold the position at end of the period of probation unless during such period the Chief Executive has certified that the service of such persons is satisfactory.

Salary The salary shall be fully inclusive and shall be as determined from time to time. Holders of the office shall pay to MSLETB any fees or other monies (other than their inclusive salary) payable to or received by them by virtue of their office or in respect of any services which they are required by or under any enactment to perform. Salary scale as per Circular Letter 0035/2024 Salary scale and entry point on this scale will be determined in accordance with Circulars issued by the Department of Education. Rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government Policy.

Sick Leave Pay during properly certified sick absence, provided there is no evidence of permanent disability for service, will apply on a pro-rata basis, in accordance with the provisions of the relevant legislation and Department of Education sick leave circulars.