Grade VII – Learner Supports Co-Ordinator

Job Purpose

Under the responsibility of the FET Director and reporting directly to the Training Centre Manager (TCM), the Learner Support Coordinator will have responsibility to:

• Effectively develop and implement our learner support strategy

• Create clear, time-bound work plans to guide support activities

• Provide direct support to learners and coordinate a service model that maximises the impact of one officer across many individuals

• Ensure all learners are supported in a consistent manner, with a universal design approach underpinning learning development and delivery

• Lead professional development initiatives for learning support staff

• Serve as the MSLETB representative for access for individuals with disabilities and additional support needs

• Act as the official contact for equality and access matters within the organisation

This role is central to ensuring inclusive education and equitable access for all learners, while driving continuous improvement in our support services. S/he will be responsible for developing, communicating, and implementing actions to achieve MSLETB’s FET Strategic targets under the National FET Strategy: Transforming Learning (2020–2024).

Qualifications / Experience

Qualifications / Experience

• Have obtained at least Grade D3 in five subjects in the Leaving Certificate Examination (higher, ordinary, applied or vocational programmes) or equivalent or

• Have passed an examination at the appropriate level within the QQI qualifications framework which can be assessed as being of a comparable to Leaving Certificate standard or equivalent or higher or

• Have appropriate relevant experience which encompasses equivalent skills and expertise

Skills

• Have the requisite knowledge, skills and competencies to carry out the role

• Be capable and competent of fulfilling the role to a high standard

• Competencies will be informed by best practice Public Appointment Service Competency Frameworks for the Irish Public Service

Competencies

• Team Leadership

• Analysis and Decision Making

• Management & Delivery of Results

• Interpersonal and Communication Skills

• Specialist Knowledge, Expertise and Self-Development

• Drive and Commitment to Public Service Values

Other Requirements Specific to the Post

Due to the large geographical area covered by MSLETB, the successful candidate will be required to hold a full driving licence and have access to transport as the post will involve travel.

Key Elements of the Job / Duties and Responsibilities

Leader of Inclusive Teaching and Learning

• Effectively develop and implement our FET learner support strategy

• Responsible for ensuring learner support runs efficiently and to a high standard in line with a learner-centered approach

• Ability to identify training needs of staff, source and implement them in the everyday teaching while ensuring that the highest standards are maintained throughout

• Develop and maintain an ethos appropriate to inclusive adult learning

• Devise agreed assessment criteria for specific areas rolled out to all staff (e.g. level of learning)

• Provide direct support to learners, such as tutoring or mentoring

• Manage Learner needs assessments including SEN

• Promote and integrate effective teaching, learning and assessment strategies across FET

• Support the practice of Universal Design for Learning across FET

• Provide information and resource centres with Assistive Technology

• Organise and/or support the delivery of initial and ongoing training and development for staff

• Play a key support role in relation to the increased adoption and use of the MSLETB Moodle portal

• Support the implementation of the Reasonable Accommodation in Assessment policy and procedure

• Promote the value and potential of new modalities of learning including but not limited to RPL, blended and online learning

• Assist with the planning of learner induction and orientation programmes in respect of the supports provided for learners with additional needs

• Identification of the key technology applications and resources required to offer an effective learning support service including assistive technologies and technologies relevant to FET Learners

Leader of People and Teams

• Plan, develop and manage the Learner Support Unit in consultation with Guidance & Recruitment, Coordinators, the TCM/Director of FET

• Coordinate support staff, make initial contact with students, draw up support plans, risk assessments and match support workers, tutors, mentors and trainers appropriately

• Lead on the coordination and delivery of learner support provision within the 3 County Colleges – Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Colleges of FET

• Support the implementation of relevant national strategies and guidelines on Active Inclusion

• Develop clear pathways for access, transfer and progression including DARE

• Implement and encourage transdisciplinary approaches

• Assist the TCM in the promotion of on-going staff development and in the identification of the staffing needs of the service

• Promote the adoption and effective use of technologies in collaboration with the PD and TEL office (Professional Development and Learning and Technology Enhanced Learning), in the design and delivery of appropriate formal and informal staff professional development

• Ability to work with individuals and diverse groups of interested parties to ensure that active inclusion is a core feature of all FET programmes

• Ability to work flexibly both in teams and on own initiative to achieve desired outcomes

Communications

• Promote the Learner Support Unit through networking, awareness raising and publicity

• Develop and provide resources, information, and support in relation to access, disability services, equality, and inclusion

• 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

• Assist with special events, including PR/Promotion, Open Days, etc.

Organisational Management and Administrative Skills

• Work collaboratively with key MSLETB centres/services to develop and deliver effective policy, procedures and practice regarding learner academic and wellbeing supports at all stages of the learner journey: application, induction, engagement, retention, assessment, progression, and certification (where appropriate)

• Contribute to the design and delivery of relevant and creative curricula that meet the educational and personal development needs of learners in line with centre requirements to meet the needs of identified target groups

• Manage resources (e.g. finance, technology, materials, premises, etc.)

• Keep records and prepare reports and submissions using statistics and case studies in consultation with the TCM/FET Director/CE, as appropriate

• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of learning support programmes and make adjustments as needed

• Maintain confidential learner records and ensure compliance with relevant laws and policies

• Implement an organisational timetable/calendar regarding learner supports in the Colleges of FET as well as administrative matters such as DES/SOLAS/FARR returns

• Establish and maintain effective data management systems such as PLSS, DCS, etc.

Self-Awareness and Self-Management

• 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

• Always uphold professional integrity (e.g. in showing discretion and maintaining confidentiality)

• Maintain an ethos appropriate to inclusive adult learning, showing empathy and understanding

• Evidence of ability to adapt to changing work patterns, be flexible and accept responsibility

• Ability to use initiative in relation to problem solving

• Enhance own expertise through training, development and networking with relevant professional national organisations and associations

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.

The Office

This is a permanent contract of employment. The normal working week is 35 hours (five-day week) 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 discharge of his or her duties as a 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.

• Salary Scale: In accordance with Circular Letter 0017/2025

• Grade VII Rate (from 01/03/2025): €59,416 – €77,242

• Salary scale and entry point will be determined in accordance with Department of Education circulars.

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 the relevant legislation and Department of Education sick leave circulars.

Annual Leave The annual leave allowance for the position of Grade VII is 29 days. This allowance is subject to the usual conditions regarding the granting of annual leave in MSLETB, is based on a fiveday week and is exclusive of the usual public holidays.

Location/Base The successful candidate will be assigned to any of its locations in Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim ETB. Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board reserves the right to assign you to any other 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.

Start Date MSLETB shall require a person to whom an appointment is offered to take up such appointment within a period of not more than 6 weeks and if they fail to take up the appointment within such period or such long period as the MSLETB in its absolute discretion may determine, MSLETB shall not appoint them.

Business Travel When absent from home and headquarters on duty appropriate travelling expenses and subsistence allowances will be paid subject to the normal Civil Service regulations.