Education & Outreach Officer

Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons who wish to be considered for inclusion on a panel from which permanent or temporary vacancies for the position of Education and Outreach Officer (Grade IV) in Monaghan County Museum, Monaghan County Council shall be filled.

Monaghan County Museum’s mission statement outlines our commitment to promoting the cultural diversity and historical richness of the region to as wide an audience as possible. The Education and Outreach Officer will play an important role in helping the service achieve this goal.

The role

The Education and Outreach Officer will be a member of Monaghan County Council’s Museum team and be responsible for providing a welcoming environment to deliver the museum’s educational programme to primary, secondary and third level students. The successful candidate will also deliver lifelong learning opportunities to individual visitors and groups from across the diverse border community served by Monaghan County Council.

Along with the educational provision, the Educational and Outreach Officer will work with the Museum Curator to build on existing relationships and develop new links with community groups and relevant organisations on both sides of the border as well as aiding in the delivery of the Peace Campus programme, which the museum is committed to facilitating over the next number of years. The Education & Outreach Officer will report directly to the Museum Curator or any other officer designated by the Director of Services or the Chief Executive.

The ideal candidate must be able to demonstrate that they have sufficient experience and a proven track record in the following:

Customer focussed delivery of services

Self-motivation with ability to work on own initiative

Strong interpersonal and communication skills

Working effectively as part of a team

Planning and prioritisation of workloads

Dealing effectively with conflicting demands

Working under pressure to tight deadlines

Adapting to change

Problem solving

Administration and report writing

Operation of ICT systems and standard office software packages

Project management and Budget management

Ability to communicate effectively across different levels within an organisation

Maintaining confidentiality

Awareness of Health and Safety Legislation and Regulations,

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Educational and Outreach Officer shall perform such duties as may from time to time be assigned in relation to employment and shall carry out such instructions as may be given in relation to the performance of their duties.

The duties to be assigned include the following, although this list is not exhaustive and may be reviewed from time to time as organisational needs require:

1. Education role

Devise, develop and deliver, the museum’s annual education programmes and events based on the museum’s collections for schools, visitors, special interest groups and cross community organisations.

Devise, develop and deliver accessible tours based on the museum displays.

Assist the Curator in developing exhibitions and events for both in house and outreach programmes.

Investigate new initiatives in museum education and provision in consultation with the Curator

Devise, develop and deliver an annual programme of events to promote the museum’s climate change classroom initiative.

Assist the Curator in developing a new education policy for Monaghan County Museum as part of the Museum Standards Programme for Ireland.

2. Outreach role

Develop strong relationships with the other organisations operating in the Peace Campus to achieve a mutually beneficial and accessible service provision.

Build on the relationships the museum currently has with schools, community groups and special interest groups through the provision of new educational services.

Research and develop new relationships with cross community and cross border organsations in delivering the Peace Campus programme.

Investigate and devise a strategy to develop new audiences for the museum service to include people with a disability, people from new communities and people from the traveller community.

Assist the Curator in ensuring that all the museum educational services are accessible to the entire community we serve.

3. The Museum Team

Work as an effective part of the museum team in promoting the historical richness and cultural diversity of the region to as wide an audience as possible

Have an ability to be flexible within the role to support all other members of the team will be a key requirement.

4. Networking

Develop strong working relationships with museum colleagues across the whole island of Ireland.

Liaise with local, regional, and national bodies and funding agencies in the development of Monaghan County Museum’s education and community development remit.

5. Funding

Research and pursue opportunities for funding in consultation with the Museum Curator

Maintain relationships with relevant funding organisations

6. Policies

Ensure adherence to all Museum policies such as child protection, health and safety and GDPR.

Assist the museum in maintaining and building on the professional standards as set out in the Museum Standards Programme for Ireland.

7. The Peace Campus

Monaghan County Museum has moved to its new home at the Peace Campus, Monaghan Town. The successful candidate will play an important role as part of the museum team in helping to develop the service utilising the state of art facilities available in this iconic building.

8. Additional Duties

Deliver outreach services throughout the county and the wider region served by the Museum;

Comply with Health & Safety legislative requirements, policies and procedures and safe systems of work;

Use all technology and equipment as required;

Complete essential training successfully;

Support the Museum Curator to ensure the section or department work programmes are implemented to deliver on the Council’s Corporate Plan and operational plans;

Ensure high levels of customer service, responding to queries and requests for information in a professional and courteous and timely manner;

Undertake any other duties of a similar level and responsibilities as may be required from time to time for the successful operation of the Museum.

These duties are indicative rather than exhaustive and outline the main functions and responsibilities of the post of the Education and Outreach Officer and may be subject to change in the future. The post holder may therefore be required to perform duties appropriate to the post, other than those detailed above and to take instruction from and report to an appropriate officer or such designated officer as may be assigned from time to time by Monaghan County Council.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE POST

1. Character

Candidates shall be of good character.

2. Health

Each candidate shall 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) 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.

4. Education, Training and Experience

Each candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms for the post:

Hold an honours degree (Level 8 in the National Framework of Qualifications) with one of the following subjects: archaeology, history, heritage and/ or Museum Studies;

Have a minimum of two years’ relevant experience in the provision of museum-related educational programmes and /or outreach;

Possess relevant administrative experience, including the operation of ICT systems and applications;

5. Driver Licence

The holder of the post shall hold a current full clean driving licence in respect of category B vehicles or equivalent in the EU Model Driving License.

Essential Skills

Have excellent communication, organizational and management skills.

Have excellent IT skills and a commitment to utilising new technologies in the workplace

Desirable skills

It is desirable that candidates demonstrate through their application form and at the interview that they:

Have a track record of delivering results;

Have an understanding of Local Authority services and structures in Ireland, or have the ability to quickly acquire same;

Have good knowledge and awareness of statutory Health and Safety obligations for the organization and the employee, and of their application in the workplace

An ability to work under pressure to tight deadlines in the delivery of key operational objectives

Relevant administrative experience and input to delivery of organisational objectives

Non-Irish Qualifications must be accompanied by a determination from Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) to establish their comparability against the Irish National Framework of Qualifications. Oversees qualifications must also be accompanied by a translation document.

Each candidate must include on the application form details of all qualifications obtained by them. The invitation to attend for Interview is not to be regarded as an admission that you possess the prescribed qualifications and/or requirements for this post or are you qualified by law to hold the post. Documentary proof will be required before appointment where you claim credit for particular qualification, experience, etc.

COMPETENCIES FOR THE POST

Key Competencies for the post are outlined in the table below. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate sufficient evidence within their application form and at interview of competence under each of these headings.

Competency

Management and Change

• Create opportunities for new ways of working and overcome resistance to change
• Understand and implement change, demonstrating flexibility and openness
• Maintain a positive image of the council and understand the role of the Elected Member
• Demonstrate the ability to lead by example and show initiative

Delivering Results

• Identify problems and contribute to solutions
• Implement and deliver high-quality service and customer care standards
• Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Plan and organise workloads to meet deadlines
• Take responsibility and deliver quality work and customer service
• Demonstrate strong administrative ability

Performance Management & Communicating Effectively

• Engage with staff and work as part of a team to deliver work programmes and plans
• Build and maintain positive working relationships
• Demonstrate the ability to resolve conflict situations
• Accept direction and contribute positively to achieving corporate objectives
• Persuade and influence others with strong interpersonal and communication skills

Personal Effectiveness

• Maintain a positive and enthusiastic attitude, staying motivated in the face of challenges
• Take initiative and be open to new challenges and responsibilities
• Demonstrate personal motivation, resilience, and integrity
• Remain calm under pressure
• Manage time and workload effectively

Knowledge, Experience and Skills

• Understand the role of the Education and Outreach Officer, including required skills, experience, and knowledge
• Demonstrate knowledge of the structure and functions of local government, including service requirements
• Show awareness of current local government issues
• Understand key challenges facing the local government sector and Monaghan County Council
• Demonstrate knowledge and experience of relevant IT and digital technologies
• Have experience working as part of a team
• Possess relevant administrative experience
• Understand the role of the Elected Member

PRINCIPAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

The Competition

Monaghan County Council invites applications from suitably qualified persons, who wish to be considered for inclusion on a panel from which permanent and temporary vacancies for the post of Education and Outreach Officer (Grade IV) in Monaghan County Museum shall be filled. The post(s) shall be wholetime, permanent/temporary and pensionable.

The post holder shall not engage in any gainful occupation, other than as an employee of a local authority, to such an extent as to impair the performance of his or her duties as an employee of a local authority or in any occupation which might conflict with the interests of the local authority, or which might be inconsistent with the discharge of his/her duties as a local authority employee.

Salary:

The salary shall be fully inclusive and shall be as determined from time to time. Starting pay for new entrants will be at the minimum of the scale. Holders of the post shall pay to the local authority 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 services which they are required by or under any enactment to perform. An allowance may also be payable in respect of travel expenses and subsistence.

The salary scale for the post is: -

€36,113, - €38,240, - €41,259, - €43,241, - €44,975, -€46,653, -€48,917, -€50,557, -€52,239, - 1st LSI €53,829, -2nd LSI €55,460,

Entry point to this scale will be determined in accordance with Circulars issued by the Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage. Appointees who are not existing public servants will enter at the minimum point of the scale.

Probation:

Where a person who is not already a permanent employee of a local authority is appointed, the following provisions shall apply: -

(a) there shall be a period after such appointment takes effect, during which such person shall hold such position on probation;

(b) such period shall be twelve months, but the Chief Executive may, at his discretion, extend such period;

(c) such person shall cease to hold such office at the end of the period of probation, unless during such period, the Chief Executive has certified that the service of such person is satisfactory.

Hours of Duty:

The successful candidate’s normal hours of work will be 35 hours per week. Flexible working arrangements apply. The Council reserves the right to alter the hours of work from time to time. The role requires flexibility in terms of working hours as the duties may involve working outside of normal office hours.

The Museum hosts several events throughout the year outside of normal working hours. The post holder will be required to work at a number of these events on an annual basis as part of a rota system with all other members of the team. In addition, the museum opens on Saturdays, and the successful candidate will be required to work on Saturdays as part of a rota system with all other members of the team. Flexi time will be provided in lieu of extra hours worked as per Monaghan County Council’s policy.

Annual Leave

The annual leave entitlement will be 30 days per annum.

Health

For the purpose of satisfying the requirement as to health it will be necessary for each successful candidate, before he/she is appointed, to undergo a medical examination by a qualified medical practitioner to be nominated by the local authority.

Superannuation:

Membership of the Local Government Superannuation Scheme or the Single Public Service Pension Scheme is compulsory for all employees. Details will be provided to the appointee prior to appointment.

Superannuation contributions

Persons who become pensionable officers of a Local Authority who are liable to pay the Class A rate of PRSI contribution will be required in respect of their superannuation to contribute to the Local Authority at the rate of 1.5% of their 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).

Persons who become pensionable officers of a Local Authority who are liable to pay the Class D rate of PRSI contribution will be required in respect of their superannuation to contribute to the Local Authority at the rate of 5% of their pensionable remuneration.

Widows & Orphans/Spouses & Childre’s scheme

All persons who become pensionable officers of a Local Authority will be required in respect of the Spouses and Children’s Contributory Pension Scheme to contribute to the Local Authority at the rate of 1.5% of their pensionable remuneration in accordance with the terms of the scheme.

New entrants from 1st January 2013 – Single Public Services Pension Scheme

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 pensionable remuneration; pensions will be co-ordinated with the State Pension Contributory.

Retirement:

There is no mandatory retirement age for new entrants to the public service as defined in the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004. Anyone who is not a new entrant to the public service, as defined in the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004, is subject to a compulsory retirement age of 70 years or as determined in accordance with Department Circulars and in line with Government Policy.

The maximum retirement age for new entrants as defined by the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and other provisions) Act 2012 is 70 years.

Garda Vetting/Child Protection

The successful candidate(s) will be subject to the Garda Vetting Procedures and will be required to complete Appendix V of the County Council’s Child Protection Policy.

Residence

The successful candidate(s) shall reside in the district in which his or her duties are to be performed, or within a reasonable distance thereof.

Driver’s Licence

The holder of the post shall hold a current full clean driving licence in respect of category B vehicles or equivalent in the EU Model Driving License. The successful candidate will be required to provide their own transport in the course of their duties and maintain the vehicle to the satisfaction of the local authority. Monaghan County Council, as employer, must be indemnified on the insurance policy.

Training

Successful candidates will be required to attend and participate in training programmes as may be decided by the local authority from time to time and to apply their learning in the course of their working activities.

Offer of appointment

Monaghan County Council shall require any person to whom an appointment is offered to take up such appointment within a period of not more than one month from the date on which the offer is made. If he/she fails to take up the appointment within such period or such longer period as the Council in its absolute discretion may determine, the Council shall not appoint him/her.

References

All appointments are subject to receipt of satisfactory references.