VTOS Coordinator

POST SUMMARY/PURPOSE

The VTOS Coordinator is responsible for the overall management, development and administration of VTOS Centre Navan. As part of the LMETB Further Education and Training (FET) Management Team, and the VTOS Coordinator plays a pivotal role in managing and developing VTOS to ensure its integration within the wider LMETB FET Service. A probationary period of one year applies to the position.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Citizenship Requirement

Citizenship Requirement: Candidates should note that eligibility to compete for posts is open to citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA) or to non-EEA nationals with a valid work permit. The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union along with Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. Swiss citizens under EU 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.

Candidates for a position of VTOS Coordinator must:

• have the requisite knowledge, skills and competencies to carry out the role. The competencies below for this role are informed by Public Appointment Service competency frameworks for the Irish Public Service;

• be capable of fulfilling the role to a high standard.

Essential Requirements

• A relevant third level qualification at NFQ level 7. The subject area of the degree must provide clearly stipulated subject specialist areas, which align to key subject discipline areas required by LMETB for the purposes of teaching and/or training delivery at a range of levels to include, but not limited to Levels 3 - 5 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).

• Registered with the Teaching Council.

• Relevant recent experience in a teaching / learning environment.

• Relevant work experience in education or training management.

• Experience of staff supervision, financial management and business planning.

• Access to own transport.

Desirable Requirements

• Experience of working with teachers and learners.

• An understanding, or the ability to quickly acquire same, of the further education and training sector.

• Experience in certification and Q.A. systems and standards.

Person Specification

LMETB are seeking to recruit a VTOS Coordinator who will be responsible for the overall management, development and administration of the VTOS Centre Navan. The VTOS Coordinator plays a pivotal role in ensuring VTOS is integrated within the wider LMETB FET Service. A self-starter with excellent organisational skills, the ideal candidate will be an experienced manager/leader in an education/training setting with the ability to motivate and enthuse a team in a challenging and rewarding environment. S/he will be fully au fait with trends and developments in education/training.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties and responsibilities of the post will evolve over time. A non-exhaustive list of current duties and responsibilities is as follows.

Centre Management:

• In consultation with the Director of FET, to manage the design and delivery of a relevant, creative curriculum that meets the educational and personal development needs of each learner.

• With the support of the Adult Education Officer (AEO) and the National VTOS Coordinator, to enhance the quality of service offered by VTOS, Navan, through annual review of the service provided and ongoing team development.

• To conduct regular reviews of provision, modifying and adapting existing programmes and introducing new initiatives, as required, to meet the changing needs of learners.

• To ensure that the needs of learners remain central to all aspects of the development and delivery of the VTOS Programme.

• To promote awareness, within LMETB and externally, of the range and value of the FET opportunities and support services provided through VTOS.

• To ensure that Quality Assurance systems, policies and procedures are in place, and are regularly reviewed and updated.

• To oversee implementation of assessment, examination, verification and authentication procedures as set down by the range of accrediting bodies e.g. DES, QQI, etc. and to enter students for same.

• To maintain participant records and to report on same as required.

• To plan for and monitor all financial income and expenditure and prepare accounts and pay claims relating to VTOS, for certification and reporting to the Director of FET / AEO respectively.

• To prepare and submit regular progress reports to Director of FET / AEO as required.

• To ensure, in cooperation with the Centre Management Team, that the FET Centre, its grounds, equipment and resources are adequately maintained and are in compliance with Health and Safety legislation, in so far as is reasonably practicable.

• To prepare timetables.

• To recruit students (including clearance with Local Employment Offices) and developing links with local Employment Services, Area Partnerships, welfare, employers, and other community interests as appropriate, including Solas and the Literacy Service.

• To liaise with the Department of Education and Skills regarding training allowances and related matters.

• To organise student support including front-line counselling and liaison with the Psychological Service.

• To devise codes of practice for VTOS staff and participants.

• To manage and be responsible for the centre resources.

• To attend in-career training as required.

• To encourage and monitor the attendance of students.

Staff Leadership:

• To lead, manage and support all staff working in VTOS.

• To ensure that knowledge and expertise are current and to keep up to date with education and employment-related developments at local and national level and to disseminate information to VTOS staff, as appropriate.

• To promote and facilitate team approaches to the development and delivery of VTOS, thereby fostering inclusion, integration, cohesion and quality.

• To monitor staffing requirements within the VTOS programme on an ongoing basis, in line with learner needs and developments in the local socio-economic environment and to assist in the recruitment of staff to meet the needs of the scheme.

• To co-ordinate production and implementation of a comprehensive and relevant staff learning and development plan, on an annual basis, in consultation with AEO.

• To support staff in adapting to changes in curriculum, assessment and teaching / learning strategies and work practices.

• To arrange extra-curricular activities in co-operation with staff.

• To organise staff and student meetings.

Partnership Working:

• To work in partnership with the AEO, Senior Management Team and Coordinators of other FET Programmes within LMETB to promote quality and coherence of service and facilitate learner progression.

• To liaise with partners which may include: DEASP, LEOs and other local community interests in the recruitment of learners.

• To adopt a partnership approach to working with relevant external stakeholders e.g. employers, statutory agencies, education / training institutions, etc. in order to inform the curriculum and enhance the quality and relevance of educational provision within VTOS.

• To develop progression networks to assist the progression of VTOS participants to employment and/or education and training.

• To represent LMETB FET Services and/or VTOS on relevant committees or groups, as delegated by the Director of FET / AEO.

• To perform other job-related tasks, as assigned by Director of FET / AEO.

Competencies required

The appointee to the post of VTOS Coordinator 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 ETB’s 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.

Judgement, 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.

• 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 evidence as to what is required.

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

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

• Applies appropriate systems / 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 LMETB.

Interpersonal & 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.

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

• Presents information clearly, 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 unit and Department/Organisation and effectively communicates this to others.

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

• Focuses on self-development, striving to improve performance.

Drive & 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 are at the heart of all services provided.

• Upholds high standards of honesty, ethics and integrity.