Adult Education Tutor

Scope of the role

The Adult Education Tutor will provide tailored, high-quality educational support to adult learners with Down syndrome. The primary objective of the role is to plan, deliver, and evaluate inclusive learning programmes that maximise individual learning potential, foster independence, self-advocacy and lifelong learning, while celebrating the unique strengths and aspirations of each learner.

Working within a person-centred framework, the Tutor will create engaging and accessible learning experiences that support personal development, social inclusion, community participation and learner progression. The role requires a versatile individual with excellent communication, interpersonal, facilitation and organisational skills to ensure positive outcomes for learners.

The individual will report directly to the Operations Manager.

Down Syndrome Ireland

Vision

From inclusion in policy to equality in life for people with Down syndrome.

Mission 

Down Syndrome Ireland supports people with Down syndrome and their families in their communities. We strive to provide consistent, high-quality advice, support and information to every person with Down syndrome to ensure that whatever their stage of life they have a network to support them.

Purpose 

To deliver and advocate for safe, equitable and consistent supports to people with Down syndrome through a clear and well-governed organisation

Values

Unity - We work as one organisation with a shared purpose and collective responsibility.

Equity- The same high standard of support, everywhere.

Partnership - We achieve more by working together with families, communities and the State.

Evidence - We use data and lived experience to improve and advocate.

Respect- Rights, dignity, choice and self-determination come first.

Qualifications and Experience

Qualifications:

Essential

· Qualification in Teaching, Adult Education, Education and Training, Special Education, or a related field.

· Third-level degree

Teacher Council Registered

Desirable

· Training in Universal Design for Learning (UDL) desirable.

Experience:

The ideal candidate will have;

· Previous experience of working with people with disabilities is essential.

Experience delivering education, training or learning programmes to adults.

· Experience supporting people with intellectual disabilities or additional learning needs.

· An understanding of inclusive education and person-centred practice.

· Excellent communication, facilitation and interpersonal skills.

· Strong organisational and administrative abilities.

Desirable

· Experience working specifically with adults with Down syndrome

· Knowledge of QQI frameworks and learner-centred assessment approaches

· Experience within the community, voluntary, disability or adult education sectors

· Understanding of Irish disability policy and rights-based approaches

· Experience in curriculum design and programme development

Essential Requirements for Employment

· Garda Vetting.

· Relevant experience.

· Commitment to safeguarding, inclusion and lifelong learning.

· Willingness to participate in ongoing professional development and training.

Roles and Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities and Duties:

Teaching and Learning

· Model patient communication, empathy and the ability to build rapport and connections with learners.

· Demonstrate the requisite educational, syllabus and pedagogical knowledge and apply this within an adult education context.

· Design, deliver and evaluate inclusive learning programmes for adult learners with Down syndrome.

· Develop schemes of work and lesson plans that reflect adult education principles and learner goals.

· Design and deliver tailored learning programmes that support academic, social, emotional, personal and functional development.

· Adapt teaching methods, resources and assessment approaches to accommodate different learning styles and support needs.

· Use preparation, assessment and evaluation practices to progress learner achievement.

· Promote active participation, collaboration and learner choice within all educational activities.

· Use accessible teaching strategies including visual supports, experiential learning, technology-enhanced learning and practical activities.

· Deliver learning across areas such as:

o Independent living skills

o Health and wellbeing

o Digital literacy

o Communication and self-advocacy

o Community participation

o Employability and vocational skills

o Literacy and numeracy, where appropriate

o Personal development and citizenship

· Respond to individual learning needs and differentiate learning and teaching activities as necessary while promoting inclusive learning environments.

Learner Development

· Support learners to identify and achieve individual learning goals.

· Encourage confidence, autonomy, decision-making and self-determination.

· Monitor student progress and maintain accurate records.

· Monitor and record learner progress using appropriate assessment and evaluation methods.

· Provide constructive feedback and celebrate learner achievements.

· Foster a positive, respectful, fun and supportive learning environment.

· Ensure a respectful learning environment is maintained at all times.

Programme Development and Quality Assurance

· Contribute to the ongoing development and improvement of the education programme.

· Develop accessible learning materials and resources.

· Maintain accurate learner records, attendance records and progress documentation.

· Participate in programme evaluation and quality assurance processes.

· Ensure programme delivery aligns with adult education best practice and organisational objectives.

· Work in collaboration with academic support workers as well as mentoring students on placements from second and third level education.

Partnership and Collaboration

· Work collaboratively with the learners and multi-disliplinary team to ensure each learner achieves their full potential.

· Work collaboratively with colleagues, support workers, volunteers and external stakeholders where appropriate.

· Work collaboratively with Academic Support Workers to deliver high-quality educational programmes, while providing guidance, support and mentoring to Transition Year (TY) students and third-level students undertaking placements in Adult Education

· Support learners to engage with community-based opportunities and activities.

· Represent the organisation professionally and contribute to its mission, vision and values.

Administrative and Organisational Responsibilities

· Assist with organising graduation ceremonies and learner recognition events.

· Maintain confidentiality in line with General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

· Maintain accurate learner documentation and records.

· Engage with staff, learners, families and members in a consistently professional and respectful manner.

Safeguarding and Compliance

· Follow DSI safeguarding procedures and all organisational policies.

· Adhere to health and safety requirements.

· Report any concerns or issues to the Operations Manager.

· Promote and protect the rights, dignity and wellbeing of all learners.

· Complete all mandatory safeguarding and compliance training.

Personal Attributes

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

· A commitment to inclusion, equality and human rights.

· A strengths-based and person-centred approach.

· Creativity and flexibility in teaching practice.

· Respect for learner voice and choice.

· Patience, empathy, fun and professionalism.

· A genuine belief in the value of lifelong learning for all.

Additional Duties

· Undertake any other duties within the scope of the role.

· Any other tasks and duties as requested by management to help drive our vision, fulfil our mission and support our organisational values.

Note on the Educational Model

This programme recognises that adult education is about far more than accredited qualifications. Success is measured through learner growth, increased independence, confidence, social participation, self-advocacy and achievement of personally meaningful goals.

The Adult Education Tutor will play a key role in creating educational opportunities that enable learners to thrive as active citizens and lifelong learners.

The organisation reserves the right to request an employee to be flexible in his or her duties when the business need requires it.

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