PEACEPLUS Alternatives Programme

POST SUMMARY

The successful candidate will have responsibility, under general direction, for coordinating and implementing the efficient day-to-day work of the PEACEPLUS Alternatives Youth Programmes in their functional area within CMETB, ensuring targets and service levels are achieved and work is undertaken as per the PEACEPLUS Grant Agreement with Springboard.

Specifically, as a back-to-education support initiative for 14–16-year-olds, the Alternative Programme will focus on the following:

• Liaising with referral agents and support agencies to the programme, including Education and Welfare Officers (EWOs), School Principals, Parents, Youth and Community organisations, and services.
• Where required, convening the implementation of Meitheal as part of the support package for the young person.
• Designing, implementing, and delivering the Alternatives Youth Programme to best meet the needs of participants, including implementing individual learning plans for all participants.
• Signposting and supporting participants' engagement in the wider range of youth and community services available.
• Identifying the appropriate progression pathway for each young person, based on their individual plan.
• Supporting young people to return to mainstream education.
• Whilst referrals may come from a range of agents (as specified above), the EWO in each county will prioritise and recommend all participants to the ALP programme. These young people must be 21 days out of school and be an open case with the EWO.
• Preparing and updating all accounts and financial procedures as required by SEUPB under the Youth Programme (i.e., administration of Tutor/Facilitator Claim Forms, ordering stationery and resources for Tutors/Facilitators, sourcing programme quotations, etc.), ensuring the programme operates within budget and timeframe.
• Preparing regular progress reports on the implementation of the Alternatives Youth Programme as required by SEUPB and CMETB.
• Promoting teamwork within the section while maintaining a strong focus on self-development, seeking feedback, coaching, and creating opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Assisting in promoting the values of CMETB and establishing a positive working culture and environment that supports the achievement of CMETB's goals.
• Undertaking relevant training and development activities and responding positively to new and alternative systems.
• Communicating effectively and building productive working relationships with relevant internal and external stakeholders.
• Initiating, developing, and managing public relations for the programme.
• Representing the relevant section or department at meetings, as required.
• Researching issues thoroughly, consulting appropriately, and gathering all necessary information on assigned matters.
• Carrying out any other duties appropriate to the grade, as assigned from time to time.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Essential Criteria

Applicants must:

• Hold a third level qualification in Youth and Community Studies, Education, and/or Social Science.
• Possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills, particularly the ability to work with and support Volunteer Youth Leaders and Young People (both current and prospective) in a sensitive and appropriate manner.
• Have excellent knowledge and skills in the use of ICT. The appointee will be expected to use new technologies as they arise and continue developing their ICT knowledge and skills.
• Have good judgement, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
• Have good organisational skills and the ability to manage and prioritise deadlines.
• Have the ability to generate strong team morale, cooperation, and participation.
• Have the ability to process work with a high level of attention to detail.
• Be able to work on their own initiative and as part of a team.
• Demonstrate confidentiality and discretion to a high degree.
• Hold a full, valid Driver’s Licence and have access to their own transport.

Desirable Criteria

Applicants should have:

• Experience providing youth supports, art programmes, and/or drama programmes.
• Child Protection Training.
• A high level of experience and knowledge of administrative functions.

Selection Criteria – Qualifications and Experience

Applicants should also:

• Demonstrate enthusiasm for new developments and changing work practices, and strive to implement change effectively.
• Maximise their contribution to the team by providing support and working effectively with colleagues.
• Assist in promoting the values of CMETB and help establish a positive working culture and environment within an organisation undergoing significant organisational and cultural change.
• Uphold high standards of honesty, ethics, and integrity.

The above lists are not exhaustive and may be varied having regard to the changing needs of Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board. Other responsibilities may be assigned from time to time by the Chief Executive.

COMPETENCIES REQUIRED

The person appointed to an Alternatives Teaching Co-ordinator position will be required to demonstrate the following competencies:

Teamwork

• Shows respect for colleagues and co-workers.
• Develops and maintains good working relationships, sharing information and knowledge where appropriate.
• Offers ideas and perspectives.
• Understands their role within the team and actively contributes.

Information Management / Processing

• Approaches and delivers work in a thorough and organised manner.
• Follows procedures and protocols, understanding their value and rationale.
• Maintains high-quality records that are clear and accessible.
• Draws appropriate conclusions from information.
• Suggests more effective and efficient ways of working.
• Is comfortable working with different types of information, including written, numerical, and graphical data, and can perform calculations such as arithmetic and percentages.

Delivery of Results

• Takes responsibility for work and follows it through to completion.
• Completes work in a timely manner.
• Adapts quickly to new ways of working.
• Checks work thoroughly to ensure high standards and learns from mistakes.
• Writes with correct grammar and spelling and interprets written instructions effectively.
• Recognises the urgency and importance of different tasks.
• Demonstrates initiative and flexibility.
• Works independently while recognising when guidance is required.

Customer Service and Communication Skills

• Actively listens and seeks to understand the perspectives, requirements, and needs of others.
• Understands customer processes and can explain them clearly.
• Is respectful, courteous, and professional, even in challenging situations.
• Can communicate firmly and confidently when necessary.
• Communicates clearly and fluently, both verbally and in writing.

Specialist Knowledge, Expertise and Self Development

• Develops and maintains the knowledge and expertise required for the role, including relevant technologies, IT systems, and policies.
• Understands the role, objectives, and targets and how they contribute to the work of the unit.
• Demonstrates commitment to continuous self-development and performance improvement.

Drive and Commitment to Public Service Values

• Consistently strives to deliver a high-quality service.
• Serves the Government and people of Ireland.
• Is thorough and conscientious, even when work is routine.
• Is enthusiastic and resilient, persevering through challenges and setbacks.
• Demonstrates honesty and trustworthiness.
• Acts with integrity at all times.

SHORTLISTING

Shortlisting will be based on the information provided in the application.

During any shortlisting exercise, CMETB will examine applications and assess them against criteria based on the requirements of the position. It is therefore in each candidate's interest to provide a detailed and accurate account of all qualifications and experience in their application.

Additional information submitted after the application deadline will not be accepted under any circumstances.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend a competency-based interview at:

CMETB Administration Centre Market Street Monaghan Co. Monaghan H18 W449

The Selection Process May Include

• Shortlisting of candidates based on the information contained in their application.
• A qualifying preliminary interview.
• A presentation.

The Selection Process Will Include

• A competitive interview.
• Reference checking.
• Completion of a satisfactory pre-employment medical assessment.

Salary

€35,165 – €41,561 per annum, less statutory deductions.