National Program Officer

Working remotely, or from a Grow Office located nearby. Involves national travel.

About the Role

The purpose of the role is to work directly with the Head of National Programs, the National Program Committee, Regional Program Teams, and the national support team to lead the work plan driven by Grow's strategic plan and objectives.

The National Program Officer (NPO) will be an inspiring leader, modelling the Grow Mental Health culture, values and behaviours.

The purpose of the role is to ensure the Grow programme is adhered to and delivered effectively, ensuring quality and consistency in keeping with Grow's ethos and culture. The role will also develop programmes as required and in line with external markets, ensuring that members, staff and volunteers delivering the programme are fully trained and supported to build organisational capacity and meet strategic initiatives.

Guidance and Authority

The job holder will report to the CEO in the first instance and is expected to operate with autonomy.

They will also work closely with the Regional Area Leads, Manager, Area Coordinators, and Regional Program Teams, attending meetings when required.

The CEO will be responsible for agreeing the priorities for this role in consultation with the role holder. The successful candidate will also support the work of the National Program Committee.

The nature of matters referred upwards include those:

• Where significant resistance is experienced in the development of good practice and implementation of policy or strategic objectives.
• Where practice or proposed practice places stakeholders in a position of risk.
• Where decisions will have a significant impact on the workload of others.

Key ResponsibilitiesProgram Analysis, Development, Design and Delivery

Responsible for ensuring authentic peer support Grow groups by supporting and training staff, members and those who take on roles of responsibility in Grow in all programme-related matters.

• Analyse programme training needs and identify short-, medium- and long-term plans for the organisation.
• Review, develop and maintain the Grow Mental Health Programme, with the support of the National Programme Committee.
• Develop other programmes as required by Grow Mental Health.
• Ensure that the Grow Programme Training Manual is current and that its content is embedded across the organisation.
• Plan and deliver programme training to staff, volunteers and members, including programme induction, refresher training and training on new materials.
• Promote an open knowledge-sharing environment.
• Organise and support the peer supervision process.
• Support the Regional Area Leads/Regional Manager by providing guidance on programme-related matters.
• Organise the Grow National Weekend.
• Manage any external evaluation of the Grow Programme in conjunction with the National Programme Committee and implement approved recommendations.
• Ensure effective communication with Grow Group Members, Organisers and Recorders.
• Work closely and effectively with the various volunteer and staff departments in a co-production approach.
• Work closely with the Regional Program Teams nationwide and attend meetings as required.

Public Relations and Networking

• Work with the Head of National Programs, Communications & Marketing, and other colleagues to build networks and increase community awareness.

Research, Monitoring and Evaluation

• Research changing community and demographic trends and identify areas for growth in conjunction with the Monitoring and Evaluation Coordinator.
• Research innovations in programme design and delivery in line with an evolving environment.
• Evaluate and inform programme goals, objectives and outcomes, introducing improvements where required.

Quality Assurance

• Ensure programme standards and promote continuous quality improvement for Grow's Mental Health Programme and other educational experiences in line with best practice and in cooperation with staff and volunteers.

Reporting

• Report against agreed targets as required.
• Coordinate incident, compliment and complaint reporting as required, including training staff and volunteers in responding to issues that arise.

Other Information

In addition to the duties and responsibilities listed above, the role holder may be required from time to time to perform other duties as deemed reasonable and necessary by the employer.

The job holder may also be required from time to time to work or attend training and meetings at another location. As much notice as is reasonably practicable will be given of any such requirement or change.

At Grow, we are committed to our mission to create new hope and meaning by empowering people to develop their own positive mental health. It is important that all team members share our values of:

• Hope
• Connection
• Inclusion
• Integrity
• Change
• Support

About You

• Educated to QQI Level 7 in a relevant discipline.
• Membership of IITD is desirable.
• Detailed knowledge of the Grow Programme is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of community and general mental health in Ireland is desirable.
• Excellent relationship-building and people engagement skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and networking skills.
• Flexible and resilient.
• Motivated self-starter.
• Ability to manage conflicting priorities and work on your own initiative.
• Strong organisational and planning skills.
• Full clean driving licence and access to your own car are essential.
• Advanced computer skills.
• Willingness to travel throughout Ireland.

Terms

• Annual Leave: 20 days per annum for the first 5 years of service, increasing to 25 days thereafter (pro rata for part-time employees).
• Grow company pension scheme.
• Flexible working arrangements available.