FET Learner & Staff SupportsCo -Ordinator

Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board (LWETB) is holding a competition for the post of Community Education Facilitator (CEF), Initial duties: FET Learner and Staff Supports Co-ordinator (Two-Year Fixed Term). While an initial location has been provided, LWETB reserves the right to assign the successful candidate to another location. A panel of suitable candidates for the above role only may be formed and remain in place until 31st August 2026.

Candidates must have the requisite knowledge, skills and competences to carry out the role and be capable and competent of fulfilling the role to a high standard.

The successful post holder(s) may be transferred to another area within the organisation to allow for the allocation of additional duties, as and when required, which may include reassignment to other duties where necessary. While an overall summary of the main duties has been provided here, the successful candidate(s) may be given responsibility for specific areas within this based on the needs of the service at a particular point in time.

Summary of Position

The successful candidate will have responsibility to develop and operate a centralised learner and staff support service for all LWETB FET activity, ensuring all learners and staff are supported in a consistent manner, with universal design underpinning learning development and delivery. They will also be responsible for the coordination of a team that provides FET Learner and Staff Information, Supports and Inclusion.

The role will be carried out in co-operation with other Further Education and Training managers and staff for the coordination of the ETB’s activities in respect of all FET programmes and services. The role will involve researching relevant current legislation and providing advice on its implementation requirements within FET. Policy development and application of same will be a requirement of the role. The successful candidate will work in collaboration with FET management and other staff towards the development of an integrated Learner and Staff Information, Supports and Inclusion Team.

Initial Duties and Responsibilities

To coordinate, under the direction and advice of FET Management as delegated and in collaboration with other FET managers and staff in the organisation, the coordination and monitoring of any FET related activities which may be involved in or arise out of the appointment as the CE may decide. The initial duties will include but may not necessarily be confined to the following:

• Policy development and application of same within FET
• Develop and operate a centralised learner and staff supports service for FET which will ensure that:
• Work in co-operation with FET Services and Centres and other support functions, for example Quality Assurance, Finance and Compliance, in the establishment and operation of this service
• Work to strengthen the universal design concept and application across FET Services and Centres
• Maintain necessary paperwork and prepare reports as required
• Liaise with a range of external stakeholders to ensure accessibility of supports beyond LWETB
• Work with third parties in administration of psychological support services for FET learners
• Seek to identify additional and new supports and potential for resourcing these
• Participate in relevant working groups and committees, both internal and external of LWETB
• Undertake ongoing monitoring, review and evaluation of the service
• Maintain a composite overview of type of needs presenting, supports required and efficacy of these and use this to inform further planning and allocation of resources
• Develop and lead an effective team which will be responsible for the design, development and implementation of learner information, supports and inclusion for FET
• Organise and chair meetings with staff, management, working groups, stakeholders and third parties
• Carry out research and produce an action plan under the direction of management
• Develop and implement a Learner Information, Supports and Inclusion Action Plan
• Develop and implement appropriate reporting structures for the ETB’s Learner Information, Supports and Inclusion activities
• Liaise closely with FET staff involved in the delivery of programmes or those who support FET activities such as Quality Assurance, Adult Guidance, FET Recruitment, Technology Enhanced Learning, Professional Learning and Development
• Assist with the planning and development of new courses with FET services, stakeholders and other agencies as required
• Liaise with FET services, schools, local community groups, programmes and others in accordance with specific programme promotion and development as required
• Maintain records, collate statistics, prepare reports, action plans, returns and submissions in consultation with FET Management, including reports for SOLAS, DFHERIS and other agencies
• Liaise with Quality Assurance, HR, Finance, Recruitment, Procurement and other relevant sections within LWETB as required
• Establish and maintain effective links with education and training institutions, associations and other agencies as required
• Liaise with learners and stakeholders to provide support
• Act on behalf of LWETB for the promotion of learner information, supports and inclusion
• Lead on the marketing of FET to learners using FET websites, social media, the press and publications
• Organise and or support promotional events and activities
• Develop systems to provide learner supports which range from grants, assistive technology, hardship funds etc.
• Manage a budget and administer grants and payments as appropriate
• Approve and reconcile expenditure for payment in accordance with funding guidelines and ensure accuracy of all supporting documentation
• Develop systems which respond to framework documents in the areas of learner mental health and wellbeing, vulnerable adults and disability supports
• Undertake any other duties as may be assigned by the AEO, FET Management, Director of FET or CE

Other Duties

Inform themselves on up to date developments in Learner Information, Supports and Inclusion policies and frameworks and keep the FET Management Team advised on best practices. Undertake any other duties or projects as assigned.

Qualifications A qualification at Level 7 on the National Framework of Qualifications or its equivalent, and or significant relevant work experience.

Skills and Experience

• Third level qualification(s) in relevant discipline(s) commensurate with this role would be a decided advantage
• Have the requisite knowledge, skills and competencies to carry out the role
• Be capable and competent of fulfilling the role to a high standard
• A high level of knowledge and expertise in the area of Further Education and Training
• Excellent knowledge of learner information, supports and inclusion development initiatives
• Excellent ICT, administration and co-ordination skills
• Excellent motivating, negotiating, interpersonal and teamworking skills
• Experience of providing supports for learners who have additional needs
• Experience of developing policies and procedures and implementation and monitoring of same
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Good presentation skills
• Experience of organising promotional and training events, seminars etc.

Travel will be required as part of this role and candidates must have access to public or private transport and must be able to meet the travel requirements of the post and work flexibly outside of normal working hours as required.

Competencies

• Leadership Potential
• Analysis and Decision Making
• Delivery of Results
• Interpersonal and Communication Skills
• Specialist Knowledge, Expertise and Self Development
• Drive and Commitment to Public Service Values

Competencies Required

A number of key competencies have been identified as being essential for the effective performance of the role and function. These competencies are listed below. Please describe your competency in the below in no more than 300 words.

Leadership Potential

• Is flexible and willing to adapt, positively contributing to the implementation of change
• Contributes to the development of policies in own area and the broader Department or Organisation
• Seeks to understand the implications of taking a particular position on issues and how interdependencies need to be addressed in a logical and consistent way
• Maximises the contribution of the team, encouraging ownership, providing support and working effectively with others
• Formulates a perspective on issues considered important and actively contributes across a range of settings

Analysis and Decision Making

• Is skilled at policy analysis and development, challenging the established wisdom and adopting an open minded approach
• Quickly gets up to speed in a complex situation, rapidly absorbing all relevant information or data
• Uses numerical data skilfully to understand and evaluate business issues
• Identifies key themes and patterns across different sources of information, drawing sound and balanced conclusions
• Sees the logical implications of taking a particular position on an issue
• Is resourceful and creative, generating original approaches when solving problems and making decisions

Delivery of Results

• Assumes personal responsibility for and delivers on agreed objectives and goals
• Manages and progresses multiple projects and work activities successfully
• Accurately estimates time parameters for projects and manages own time efficiently, anticipating obstacles and making contingencies for overcoming these
• Maintains a strong focus on meeting the needs of internal and external customers at all times
• Ensures all outputs are delivered to a high standard and in an efficient manner
• Uses resources effectively, at all times challenging processes to improve efficiencies

Interpersonal and Communication Skills

• Communicates in a fluent, logical, clear and convincing manner verbally and in writing
• Is able to listen effectively and develop a two way dialogue quickly
• Maintains a strong focus on meeting the needs of internal and external customers
• Effectively influences others to take action
• Works to establish mutual understanding to allow for collaborative working
• Works effectively

Specialist Knowledge, Expertise and Self Development

• Clearly understands the role, objectives and targets and how they fit into the work of the unit and Department or Organisation
• Develops the expertise necessary to carry out the role to a high standard and shares this with others
• Is proactive in keeping up to date on issues and key developments that may impact on own area, the department and or wider public service
• Consistently reviews own performance and sets self challenging goals and targets
• Has significant expertise in his or her field that is recognised and utilised by colleagues

Drive and Commitment to Public Service Values

• Consistently strives to perform at a high level
• Maintains consistent effort under pressure and is resilient to criticism or setbacks at work
• Demonstrates high levels of initiative, taking ownership for projects and demonstrating self sufficiency
• Is personally trustworthy and can be relied upon
• Places the citizen at the heart of all processes and systems
• Upholds the highest standards of honesty, ethics and integrity

Particulars of the Position

The post is whole time, 35 hours per week, two year fixed term contract.

Attendance will be at such times as necessary for the delivery of the Community Education Service. Attendance outside of normal office hours will be by prior agreement with the AEO or Director of FET and will be offset against normal office hours attendance.

Annual Leave

LWETB’s Annual Leave Year runs from January to December. The annual leave allowance for this position is 35 days per annum and public holidays will be allowed together with such short periods of closure as are permitted for Christmas and Easter. Please note your annual leave entitlement will be pro rata, based on your contract duration and start date. This allowance is subject to the usual conditions regarding the granting of annual leave. Leave will be granted subject to Line Management approval, which must be sought in advance.

Shortlisting

LWETB reserves its right to shortlist candidates in the manner it deems most appropriate to proceed to the interview stage of the competition. Shortlisting will be on the basis of information supplied on the Application Form and the likely number of vacancies to be filled. It is therefore in your own interest to provide a detailed and accurate account of your qualifications and experience on the application form. The shortlisting process will provide for the assessment of each applicant’s application form against predetermined criteria that reflect the skills and depth of experience considered to be essential for a position at this level.

Interview

Selection from shortlisted candidates shall be by means of a competency based interview conducted by LWETB. A second stage interview may form part of the interview process. Candidates will be provided with further details if successful at each stage. Interviews may take place via video conference. Candidates that are selected for interview will be supplied with guidelines in this regard.

Health and Character

Those under consideration for a position will be required to complete a health and character declaration and may be required to complete a Garda Vetting Form. References will be sought.

Citizenship Requirement

Candidates should note that eligibility to compete for posts is open to citizens of the European Economic Area or to non European Economic Area nationals with a valid work permit. Please note you must advise LWETB if a work permit is required by you before commencing employment. This requirement should be notified to LWETB as soon as possible.

The European Economic Area consists of the Member States of the European Union along with Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. Swiss citizens under European Union agreements may also apply.