Training Standards Officer

NATURE OF POST

Permanent full time post, 35 hours per week.

SALARY SCALE

€60,610 to €78,794 (including two long service increments). As per Department of Education and Skills guidelines, new appointees who are entering this grade for the first time will start at the minimum point of the scale, however incremental credit may apply if, immediately prior to appointment, the appointee is already a serving Civil or Public Servant.

Rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy.

LOCATION

Appointment is to Louth and Meath Education and Training Board Scheme. The successful applicant will be assigned initially to the Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre of Excellence, Dundalk, Co. Louth.

REPORTING OR ACCOUNTABILITY RELATIONSHIP

The Training Standards Officer (Grade VII) reports to the Manager of the Centre in the first instance as direct line manager, reporting also, as appropriate, to the Director of the Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre of Excellence.

POST SUMMARY OR PURPOSE

The Training Standards Officer will be responsible, under the direction and guidance of the Chief Executive or delegated officer, for provision of a Curriculum, Assessment, Quality Assurance and Programme Development service in respect of Further Education and Training programmes. The successful applicant may have a large, multilevel staff and will be expected to take responsibility for decision making in the section or area.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

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. 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.

Health and Character

Those under consideration for a position may, at the discretion of the employer, be required to complete a health and character declaration and a Garda Vetting Form. References will be sought.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

Candidates for a Grade VII Officer post (by open competition from the Education and Training Sector Candidate Pool) must:

• Have the requisite knowledge, skills, and competencies to carry out the role. Competencies will be informed by best practice Public Appointment Service competency frameworks for the Irish Public Service.

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

• 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 Quality and Qualifications Ireland qualifications framework which can be assessed as being comparable to Leaving Certificate standard or equivalent or higher, or have appropriate relevant experience which encompasses equivalent skills and expertise.

DESIRABLE CRITERIA

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

• Good general knowledge of training in business organisations.

• Familiarity with SOLAS Apprenticeship Scheme to provide a service to clients when requested.

• Knowledge of SOLAS Standard Based Apprenticeship procedures.

• Additional relevant development for example training advisory, career planning, instructing, training administration, business consulting.

• Well developed decision making abilities.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work in collaboration with Louth and Meath Education and Training Board management and Further Education and Training staff team towards the development of an integrated Further Education and Training service for the communities in Louth and Meath.

• Provide relevant and timely advice, information and support to relevant staff on matters relating to the assessment process, the processing of certification, training materials and training aids, training methodologies and training practices to meet the requirements of certifying bodies associated with the delivery of the programmes.

• Research the procurement of learning resource materials and assist instructors, tutors and teachers with same.

• Advise the management team on any improvements or actions required to the Louth and Meath Education and Training Board quality assurance systems.

• Provide assistance with the development and review of Course Training Specifications and Assessments for Further Education and Training courses (including Traineeships and Apprenticeships) as required.

• Assist with the provision of information for the Programme Evaluation Process.

• Assist the management team in the identification of Continuous Professional Development requirements of staff relating to the introduction of new or revised modules or courses.

• Administer the relevant systems and control the application of assessments and certification processes for internal Louth and Meath Education and Training Board courses, Second Provider provision and the Standards Based Apprentice Assessment System.

• Ensure that all matters in relation to Assessment and Certification processes are conducted in accordance with the process and procedures set out in the relevant Quality Assurance System and in accordance with the criteria outlined by the relevant certifying bodies.

• Participate in the Louth and Meath Education and Training Board Results Approval Groups and organise the processing of certification post Results Approval.

• Produce statistical reports relating to certification of Further Education and Training programmes as required.

• Support learner appeal processes with the relevant documentation for the Assessment Appeals Panel.

• Cooperate with, organise and facilitate visits for external authentication or verification processes for in centre and second providers operating within the Louth and Meath Education and Training Board Quality Assurance system.

• Organise certification audits of Second Providers who operate within the Louth and Meath Education and Training Board Quality Assurance System.

• Provide staff and second providers of training with briefings or training as required in relation to the relevant Quality Assurance Systems, Curriculum and Assessment instruments and procedures.

• Assist the Management Team with Certificate Award Ceremonies.

• Keep up to date with developments in Training Design and Training Delivery and Assessment techniques and keep the Management Team advised on best practice.

• Assist in Programme or Curriculum Design and coordinate process of uploading courses or programmes into the Programme and Learner Support System and update information into Further Education and Training Annual Reporting Requirements.

• Liaise with relevant internal staff and external bodies (including certifying bodies) and update the Management Team on developments as necessary.

• Undertake or oversee any other duties or projects as required and directed by the Manager of Training Centre, Director of Further Education and Training or Chief Executive from time to time, having regard to the changing needs of the service.

All the above duties and responsibilities are to be carried out in consultation and with the approval of the manager, in a flexible manner and in a spirit of teamwork with the other staff in the centre.

COMPETENCIES REQUIRED

The appointee to the Grade VII Administrative Officer post will be required to show evidence of the following competencies:

Team Leadership

• Works with the relevant team to facilitate high performance, developing clear and realistic objectives and addressing performance issues if they arise.

• Provides clear information and advice as to what is required of the team.

• Strives to develop and implement new ways of working effectively to meet the Education and Training Board objectives.

• Leads the team by example, coaching and supporting individuals as required.

• Places high importance on staff development, training and maximising skills and capacity of team.

• Is flexible and willing to adapt, positively contributing to the implementation of change.

Judgment, Analysis and Decision Making

• Gathers and analyses information from relevant sources, whether financial, numerical or otherwise, weighing up a range of critical factors.

• Takes account of any broader issues and related implications when making decisions.

• Is reflective in practice.

• Uses previous knowledge and experience in order to guide decisions.

• Makes sound decisions with a well reasoned rationale and stands by these decisions.

• Puts forward solutions to address problems.

Management and Delivery of Results

• Takes responsibility and is accountable for the delivery of agreed objectives.

• Successfully manages a range of different projects and work activities at the same time.

• Structures and organises their own and others work effectively.

• Is logical and pragmatic in approach, delivering the best possible results with the resources available.

• Delegates work effectively, providing clear information and guidance as to what is required.

• Proactively identifies areas for improvement and develops practical suggestions for their implementation.

• Demonstrates enthusiasm for new developments or changing work practices and strives to implement these changes effectively.

• Applies appropriate systems and processes to enable quality checking of all activities and outputs.

• Practices and promotes a strong focus on delivering high quality customer service, for internal and external customers of Louth and Meath Education and Training Board.

Interpersonal and Communication Skills

• Builds and maintains contact with colleagues and other stakeholders to assist in performing role.

• Acts as an effective link between staff and senior management.

• Encourages open and constructive discussions around work issues.

• Projects conviction, gaining buy in by outlining relevant information and selling the benefits.

• Treats others with diplomacy, tact, courtesy, and respect, even in challenging circumstances.

• Presents information concisely and confidently when speaking and in writing.

Specialist Knowledge, Expertise and Self Development

• Has a clear understanding of the roles, objectives and targets of self and team and how they fit into the work of the Department or Louth and Meath Education and Training Board organisation and effectively communicates this to others.

• Has high levels of expertise and broad Public Sector knowledge relevant to his or her area of work.

• Focuses on self development, striving to improve performance.

Drive and Commitment to Public Service Values

• Strives to perform at a high level, investing significant energy to achieve agreed objectives.

• Demonstrates resilience in the face of challenging circumstances and high demands.

• Is personally trustworthy and can be relied upon.

• Ensures that customers and stakeholders are at the heart of all services provided.

• Upholds high standards of honesty, ethics, and integrity.