ESF + Social Innovation in Sport Officer

QUALIFICATIONS

CHARACTER

Candidates shall be of good character.

HEALTH

Candidates must be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

CITIZENSHIP

Candidates must, by the date of any job offer, be:

• A citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway; or

• A citizen of the United Kingdom (UK); or

• A citizen of Switzerland pursuant to the agreement between the EU and Switzerland on the free movement of persons; or

• 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

• 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

• 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

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Candidate shall have:-

Essential

(a)) Level 8 in any of the following areas Health, Exercise Science, Physical Activity, Diversity and Inclusion, Social Justice, Community Development, Education or related field and candidates should have a minimum of 2 years’ relevant experience working with the target groups mentioned and stakeholder engagement.

or

(b) Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years’ relevant experience working with the target groups mentioned and stakeholder engagement

Desirable

(a) Further Education or Training relevant to the post in relation to physical activity, social integration/inclusion and D&I.

(b) Experience of facilitating physical activity and sports activities with people of differing abilities and/or from under-represented groups.

(c) An Understanding and Experience in the delivery and/or implementation of social innovation/ design of innovation programmes and use of design thinking principles.

(d) An in-depth knowledge and understanding of the lived experience of two or more target groups.

The successful candidate will be expected to have the following:

• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills. Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook)

• Good organisational and time management skills.

• An understanding of research and evaluation methods and an appreciation of research integrity and the ethical issues of carrying out research with target populations.

• Effective team player in the context of a multidisciplinary team.

• Ability to work in a challenging environment.

• Health/safety and risk awareness

• Knowledge of the sport and physical activity sector and policies

The Position:

Westmeath County Council invites applications from suitably qualified persons who wish to be considered on a panel from which a fixed term contract post for the position of ESF & Social Innovation in Sport Officer will be drawn. The ESF+ Social Innovation in Sport Officer will be based in the Sports Partnership Department and report to the Sports Partnership Co-Ordinator or other appropriate Line Manager in the Department. The duties of the office will involve activities outside normal working hours, including Evenings or Weekends, in this regard a system of time off in lieu will apply.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Sport Ireland established the Local Sports Partnership (LSP) Network as an initiative to create a national structure to co-ordinate and promote the development at local level. LSP’s aim to increase participation in sport and physical activity by breaking down barriers and increasing the numbers of people participating and ensuring participation through all stages of life.

This role is funded by the European Social Fund + (ESF +) Programme 2021 -2027 through Sport Ireland. The ESF+ Programme will support the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights by seeking to:

o Support access to employment for young people and under-represented groups

o Promote skills and lifelong learning

o Tackle poverty and social exclusion

Sport and Physical Activity will be used as mechanism to support these principles, and the Local Sport Partnerships will be the main drivers on this project locally.

The ESF + Social Innovation in Sport officer will work in collaboration with key local and national stakeholders to support the implementation of this policy. The ESF + Social Innovation in Sport officer will support the delivery of Sport Ireland’s Diversity & Social Inclusion Innovation Programme for Sport. This will involve leading with the delivery of the ESF+ programmes with the objective of fostering active inclusion with a view to promoting equal opportunities, non-discrimination and active participation, and improving employability, in ESF + target groups and organisations locally. The programmes on this project will be designed, piloted and scaled using design thinking principles.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the design, planning and delivery of the Diversity & Social Inclusion Innovation Programme for Sport at a local level with a focus on building skills and confidence to foster social inclusion and engage with and maintain recreational sport participation independently.

• Coordinate ESF+ programmes with the objective of fostering active inclusion with a view to promoting equal opportunities, non-discrimination and active participation, and improving employability, in ESF + target groups locally.

• Ensure the design and delivery of the ESF+ programme aligns with European Social Fund requirements and complements existing Sport Ireland and Local Sports Partnership policies and plans.

• Monitoring impact on programmes and supporting the sharing of information and replication of programmes in other Local Sports Partnerships.

• Provide timely, standardised data and reporting on activity and outcomes on the programmes.

• Collaborate with Sport Ireland to support the successful delivery of this project.

• Develop and support strong working relationships with other Local Sports Partnerships and other outside agencies and relevant stakeholders.

• Participate in regular supervision, appraisal and education as identified.

• Undertake any other relevant and related duties that may be required.

Diversity & Inclusion:

Sport Ireland and Local Sport Partnerships are committed to building a diverse sport sector and therefore strongly encourages applications from underrepresented groups. Local Sports Partnerships are committed to equality and inclusion and welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of their background. Local Sports Partnerships strive to be a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Key Competencies

Candidates shortlisted for interview will be assessed at the interview under the following competencies using some/all of the indicators within each competency.

Knowledge, Experience & Skills

• Understanding of the role of ESF + Social Innovation in Sport Officer in the Local Authority

• Range and depth of relevant experience.

• Demonstrates required specialist knowledge, understanding and training for the role.

• Up to date with current developments, trends and best practice in their area of responsibility.

• Experience of working as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

• Experience of preparing and presenting reports.

• Understanding of the structures and environment within which the local authority sector operates

Delivering Results

• Positively contributes to the development of operational plans and leads the development of team plans

• Plans and prioritises work and resources effectively having regard to corporate priorities and operational objectives

• Establishes high quality service and customer care standards

• Acts decisively and makes timely, informed and effective decisions, pinpointing critical information and addresses issues logically

• Proactively identifies areas for improvement and develops practical suggestions for their implementation

Performance Through People

• Leads by example to motivate and engage employees to achieve high-quality outcomes and customer service.

• Effectively manages performance of individuals and teams to achieve operational plans, targets and objectives

• Effectively identifies and manages conflict

• Acts as an effective link between staff and senior management

• Has effective communication skills

Personal Effectiveness

• Take initiative and seek opportunities to exceed goals

• Manage time and workload effectively

• Maintain a positive, constructive and enthusiastic attitude to their role

• Has a strong knowledge and understanding in relation to statutory obligations of Health and Safety legislation and its application in the workplace

• Keeps up to date with current developments, trends and best practice in their area of responsibility

• Demonstrates the required specialist knowledge, understanding and training for the role

ESF+ SOCIAL INNOVATION IN SPORT OFFICER

PARTICULARS OF OFFICE

The Post

A panel will be formed from which fixed term posts may be filled.

Salary

The salary shall be fully inclusive and shall be as determined from time to time. Holders of the post will be paid at the appropriate point on the salary scale in accordance with the relevant Department Circular.

The current salary scale applicable to the post is: €51,722 per annum to €61,865 per annum (including LSI’s)

New Entrants to the Local Authority Service commence on the 1st point of the scale in accordance with current Government Policy as set out in Department of the Environment Circular Letter EL 02/2011 of 28th January 2011 and Circular EL 05/2016 dated 5th February 2016.

Remuneration is paid fortnightly by PayPath directly to the employee’s nominated bank account. The current pay cycle may be revised during the period of employment. Remuneration is subject to all statutory deductions e.g. PAYE and PRSI. Increments are paid annually subject to satisfactory attendance, conduct and performance and national agreements. Increments may be withheld if performance, attendance and/or conduct are not satisfactory.

Superannuation and Retirement

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

A person who becomes a pensionable employee of a local authority who is liable to pay the Class A rate of PRSI contribution will be required in respect of superannuation to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 1.5% of 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). A person paying Class A rate of PRSI who becomes a pensionable employee of a local authority will be required in respect of the Local Government (Spouses and Children's Contributory Pension) Scheme to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 1.5% 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).

A person who becomes a pensionable officer of a local authority who is liable to pay the Class D rate of PRSI contribution will be required in respect of his/her superannuation to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 5% of pensionable remuneration. A person paying Class D rate of PRSI who becomes a pensionable Officer of a local authority depending on their existing scheme, may be a member of a dependent scheme i.e. either the Local Government (Widows & Orphans Contributory Pension) Scheme or Local Government (Spouses and Children’s Contributory Pension) Scheme and if a member of either scheme will be required in respect of this to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 1.5% of pensionable remuneration in accordance with the terms of the scheme.

Employees are admitted to the Superannuation Scheme in accordance with the terms of the Local Government Superannuation (Consolidation) Act, 1998 and the Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004, with effect from date of appointment. This scheme is contributory and provides pension, retirement and death gratuities.

In order for a new entrant to the scheme to qualify for a pension, he/she must have served a minimum of two years employment in a local authority.

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 pay; pensions will be co-ordinated with the State Pension Contributory

Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012: The compulsory retirement age for new entrants as defined by the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012 is 70 years. Minimum pension age of 66 years, rising to 67 years and 68 years in line with State Pension age changes, is applicable.

Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2004: There is no mandatory retirement age for ‘New Entrants’ from 1st April, 2004 to the public service as defined in the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004. 65 years is the minimum age at which a person may be paid. As a new entrant to the public service, under the terms of this legislation, new entrants will not be required to retire on grounds of age.

Anyone who is not a ‘New Entrant’ to the public service, defined in the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004 is subject to compulsory retirement age of 70 years.

Probation

There shall be a period after appointment takes effect during which the person appointed shall hold office on probation.

(a) such period shall be one year, but the Chief Executive may at his/her discretion extend such period;

(b) the person appointed shall cease to hold office at the end of the period of probation unless during such period the chief executive has certified that the service of the person in such office is satisfactory.

The Local Authority shall require persons to whom appointments are offered to take up such appointments within a period of not more than one month and if they fail to take up the appointments within such period or such longer period as the local authority in its absolute discretion may determine, the local authority shall not appoint them.

Annual Leave

The annual leave entitlement shall be 30 days per annum. Granting of annual leave, payment for annual leave and arrangements for public holidays will be governed by the provisions of the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 and local agreements which may apply from time to time.

Working Hours

Normal working hours are 35 hours per week. Duties may require the successful applicant to work outside of normal hours i.e. attendance at evening/weekend, training. All hours worked will be subject to the provision of Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997 as amended.

You may be required to complete a time sheet in accordance with the Organisation of Working Time Regulations, 2001.

Sick Leave

The terms of the Public Service Sick Pay Scheme will prevail.

Location

Westmeath County Council reserves the right to assign the successful candidate to any premises in use by the Council, now or in the future. The person appointed will be required to report to their place of work by their own means of transport and at their own expense.

Code of Conduct/Organisation Policies

Employees are required to adhere to all current and future Westmeath County Council codes of practice including Code of Conduct of Employees and all current and future organisational policies.