Adult Literacy Organiser

Job Purpose:

Under the responsibility of the FET Director and reporting directly to the Adult Education Officer (AEO), the Adult Literacy Organiser (ALO) will have responsibility for leading and managing specific Adult Education (part-time) programmes and services within the designated area of MSLETB. S/he will be responsible for developing, communicating and implementing actions in order to achieve MSLETB’s FET Strategic targets under the National FET Strategy (2026–2030).

Key Duties / Areas of Responsibility of ALO1. Leader of Teaching and Learning

• Develop and maintain an ethos appropriate to adult learning.
• Promote effective teaching, learning and assessment strategies across the service.
• Recruit, assess and place learners in appropriate learning groups or one-to-one situations.
• Organise and/or support the delivery of initial and ongoing training and development for staff, including volunteers.

2. Leader of People and Teams

• Plan, develop and manage the provision of basic adult education in consultation with the AEO/Director of FET.
• Support, motivate and manage tutors and learners.
• Performance manage staff, set clear expectations, provide regular feedback and monitor and control activity.
• Assist the AEO in the promotion of ongoing staff development and in identifying the staffing needs of the service.

3. Communications

• Promote basic adult education through networking, awareness raising and publicity.
• Liaise with relevant voluntary, statutory and community bodies.
• Maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Have the capacity to communicate clear messages to a wide variety of audiences, both orally and in writing.

4. Organisational Management and Administrative Skills

• Manage resources, e.g., finance, materials, premises, etc.
• Keep records and prepare reports and submissions in consultation with the AEO/FET Director/CE, as appropriate.
• Implement an organisational timetable/calendar regarding administrative matters such as DES/SOLAS returns.
• Establish and maintain effective data management systems such as student records, etc.

5. Self-Awareness and Self-Management

• Enhance own expertise through training, development and networking with relevant bodies.
• Reflect on own actions with a view to continuous learning and development.
• Set a good standard of professional interactions and ensure excellent relationship boundaries are in place.
• Be aware of own skill set and traits and seek help and advice when required.
• Uphold professional integrity at all times, for example, by showing discretion and maintaining confidentiality.
• Maintain an ethos appropriate to adult learning.
• Enhance own expertise through training, development and networking with relevant professional national organisations and associations, e.g., NALA and the Adult Literacy Organisers Association.

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.

Accountabilities

• The post-holder will report to the Adult Education Officer/Director of Further Education and Training/Deputed Officer, as appropriate.

PERSON SPECIFICATION / PROFILEEssential Requirements

• National Certificate in Training & Development (Adult Basic Education Management) or equivalent Adult Education qualification or equivalent relevant qualification as approved by the Department of Education.
• Minimum three years working in Adult Education Services, such as Adult Literacy Service, Education Management, Management of Volunteers and participation in Adult Literacy In-Service Training, or other equivalent education/training and experience in adult, youth or community work.
• Leadership skills committed to the highest standards of education provision, administration and governance.
• Strong people management and organisational skills.
• Interpersonal and communication skills – confident communicator who is able to motivate others.
• Relationship building/team working – ability to work independently and cooperatively as part of a team.
• Problem-solving – able to analyse information and generate creative solutions.
• Organisation and planning – able to plan and prioritise effectively with a focus on successful outcomes.
• Self-awareness – evaluate own behaviour regularly with a view to continuous learning and development.
• Perseverance and resilience – determination to reach goals and stick with difficult tasks over a long period, even when confronted by obstacles.

The Office

The office is a permanent whole-time contract of employment. The normal working week is a 35-hour, five-day week basis excluding breaks.

The holder of the office shall not engage in any gainful occupation, other than as an officer of MSLETB, to such an extent as to impair the performance of his or her duties as an officer of MSLETB or in any occupation which might conflict with the interests of MSLETB or which might be inconsistent with the discharge of his or her duties as an MSLETB Officer.

Probation

The successful candidate shall serve a probationary period in accordance with the terms set out in MSLETB’s Probationary Policy.

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.

€49,400 - €76,999 per year

IMPORTANT NOTICE RE: SALARY: As per DE guidelines, new appointees who are entering this grade for the first time will start at the minimum point of the scale. Incremental credit may only 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. Starting salary is not subject to negotiation.

Annual Leave

The annual leave allowance for the position of Instructor is 35 days pro rata. This allowance is subject to the usual conditions regarding the granting of annual leave in MSLETB, is based on a five-day week and is exclusive of the usual public holidays.

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 relevant legislation and Department circulars.

Location/Base

The initial location of this position is the MSLETB College of Further Education, Lucan St, Castlebar, Co. Mayo.

Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board reserves the right to assign you to any location or base that is under the control of Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board, as the need arises. Any change in location or base by Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board will not be deemed as redeployment as provided for under the Public Service Agreements.