SCP Co-ordinator

Salary Scale

The pay scale applicable to the post will be pro-rated based on the full-time equivalent salary of €46,664 to €70,797 (based on 35 hours per week over 52 weeks), as per Department of Education and Youth Circular Letter CL 0017/2025. The above pay rate will be pro-rata based on the post holder working 23 hours per week. As per Department of Education and Youth guidelines, new appointees who are entering this grade for the first time will start at the minimum point of the scale. Rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy.

26 days per annum (full-time equivalent).

Offers of employment are subject to Garda vetting, reference checks, and pre-employment health assessment.

This position is covering an approved leave of absence, with one staff member working 12 hours per week and the other staff member working 23 hours per week — equivalent to one full-time position. Together, the post holders will collaborate and take responsibility to support the implementation, development, and delivery of the School Completion Programme (SCP). The post holders will be responsible for coordinating targeted interventions for children and young people at risk of early school leaving, liaising with schools, families, and community partners to promote retention in education.

The School Completion Programme is a Department of Education and Youth initiative funded by Tusla Educational Support Services (TESS), the Child and Family Agency. It is a targeted programme which aims to increase the number of children and young people staying in primary and post-primary school, and in doing so improve the number that successfully complete the Senior Cycle or equivalent. The School Completion Programme works with students aged 4–18. The focus of the programme is to work with those who may be at risk of educational disadvantage through early school leaving.

The School Completion Programme aims to impact positively on:

• Attendance

• Retention

• Participation

The School Completion Programme is a national programme and an action under the Department of Education DEIS – ‘Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools’ Plan (2017). The programme provides a range of local targeted interventions in disadvantaged schools and communities designed to support the retention of children and young people in education.

The School Completion Programme Kilkenny operates in six primary and six post-primary schools across Kilkenny City and County. Kilkenny and Carlow ETB provide administrative support in the areas of Finance and HR to the Kilkenny SCP. Tusla Education and Support Service (TESS) are responsible for the operational oversight of SCP.

List of Kilkenny Cluster Schools:Post Primary (6):

Primary (5):

Key Responsibilities

The School Completion Programme Coordinator is expected to work closely with the Local Management Committee and Project Workers to ensure the delivery of the annual work plan for the cluster, in line with SCP guidelines and objectives. The key responsibilities include:

• Develop and implement an annual work plan for the cluster in consultation with the Local Management Committee (LMC), Project Workers, and relevant stakeholders.

• Coordinate and support the planning, delivery, and evaluation of targeted interventions in participating schools and communities.

• Ensure that all SCP interventions align with the overall objectives of TESS and the SCP, including improving school attendance, participation, and retention.

• Work collaboratively with schools, Home School Community Liaison (HSCL) Coordinators, Educational Welfare Officers (EWOs), Youth Services, and other community-based services.

• Monitor and evaluate the impact of SCP interventions and ensure accurate and timely reporting to TESS.

• Manage the day-to-day running of the SCP, including line management of project staff, volunteers, and tutors.

• Ensure compliance with relevant financial, governance, and child protection policies and procedures.

• Liaise with Kilkenny and Carlow ETB regarding financial and HR administration.

• Organise and attend regular Local Management Committee meetings and support the LMC in their governance role.

• Maintain effective communication with children, young people, families, and partner agencies to ensure student needs are addressed.

• Coordinate the referral process and maintain accurate case management records.

• Promote awareness of the SCP in schools and the wider community.

• Attend relevant training and development opportunities and participate in national SCP networking events and reviews.

• Any other duties as assigned by the Local Management Committee relevant to the post.

• A recognised third-level qualification (minimum Level 7 on the NFQ) in a discipline related to education, youth work, social care, social work, or a related field.

• A minimum of 3 years’ experience working with children and young people at risk of early school leaving or in a related field.

• Experience of programme or project coordination, including planning, delivery, and evaluation.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to build relationships with children, families, schools, and community agencies.

• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage a varied workload and meet deadlines.

• Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and use of email and online platforms.

• Full driving licence and access to own transport.

• Previous experience in a coordinator or leadership role within education, youth work, or community development.

• Familiarity with Tusla Educational Support Services (TESS) and the DEIS programme.

• Knowledge of child protection legislation and procedures.

• Experience in data collection, analysis, and report writing.

• Knowledge of financial management and budgeting processes.