Youthreach Coordinator

Youthreach is a second chance education and training programme for young people aged between 16 and 20 years who have left school with few or no qualifications. It seeks to provide learners with knowledge and skills to help them to reach their full potential and enable them to progress to further education, training and employment. LMETB supports 8 Youthreach centres across counties Meath and Louth. Each centre offers a wide variety of both accredited and non-accredited programmes, all delivered in caring, supportive and structured environments. Programmes run from September to July each year with referrals accepted throughout the year.

Post Summary/Purpose

This is a management position with responsibility for the management and delivery of the Youthreach service within its area of operation. Responsibilities include managing budgets and staff, direct classroom contact, managing quality and development of the service, development planning, recruitment of learners and liaison with key internal and external stakeholders. Successful candidates will be flexible, highly motivated and experienced in working with vulnerable young people.

Nature of Post

Permanent - 35 hours per week.

Salary Scale

€43,592 – €71,708 (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 Louth and Meath Education and Training Board. The successful applicants first assignment will be to Youthreach Navan, Dan Shaw Road, Navan, Co. Meath. Reporting/Accountability Relationship The Youthreach Coordinator reports the Adult Education Officer and/or Director of Further Education and Training in the first instance, reporting also, as appropriate to the Chief Executive of LMETB.

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

Eligible candidates must be: (a) A citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway; or (b) A citizen of the United Kingdom (UK); or (c) A citizen of Switzerland pursuant to the agreement between the EU and Switzerland on the free movement of persons; or (d) 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 (e) 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 (f) 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. To qualify candidates must meet one of the citizenship criteria above by the date of any job offer.

Essential Criteria

• A Level 8 (NFQ) third level qualification in a relevant discipline.

• Registration with the Teaching Council of Ireland on the closing date for receipt of applications.

• Experience of working with vulnerable young people.

• Experience which demonstrates significant leadership and management skills.

Desirable Criteria

• Knowledge and understanding of (or the ability to quickly acquire same) certification opportunities and requirements including, but not limited to, QQI and Leaving Cert Applied (LCA).

• Excellent administrative and IT skills.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

• Well-developed decision-making abilities.

Competencies required

The appointee to the Youthreach Coordinator 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 in order 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.