Youthreach Co-Ordinator
Job Purpose
Youthreach is an integral part of the national programme of second-chance education and training in Ireland. It is directed at early school leavers aged between 16 and 21 years and operates on a full-time, year-round basis. Participation in Youthreach offers young people the opportunity to identify and pursue viable options within adult life, and provides them with opportunities to acquire recognised certification.
All staff and learners in Youthreach will participate in the Youthreach Quality Framework Initiative for planning, evaluation, and validation purposes.
The Youthreach Co-ordinator will report to the Chief Executive/Deputed Officer of MSLETB. S/he will have direct responsibility for the management and day-to-day operation of the Youthreach Centre. The establishment of the centre as both a quality learning provider and an integral part of local community activity will be a key priority for the Co-ordinator. His/her management role will also include learner recruitment and progression, programme planning, evaluation, administration, staffing, curriculum development, and quality assurance.
Key TasksManage the Leitrim Youthreach ProgrammeKeep abreast of relevant developments at local and national level and disseminate information to Leitrim Youthreach staff and other colleagues, as appropriate.
Liaise and network with other co-ordinators and centres at local, regional, and national levels.
Lead the development and implementation of a coherent Centre Development Plan (CDP) that provides vision and direction for all involved.
Ensure that the National Youthreach Quality Framework Initiative and the QQI Quality Assurance guidelines are implemented in the Leitrim Youthreach Centre.
Lead the development of policies, procedures, and practices regarding learner recruitment, induction, assessment, progression, and certification (particularly QQI, J.C., and L.C.), and monitor and review their implementation on an ongoing basis.
Manage the introduction of new change initiatives such as key-working, mentoring, QQI procedures, etc., as and when required, using consultative team-based approaches and methods.
Ensure that the needs of learners remain central to all aspects of the development and delivery of the Leitrim Youthreach Programme. Monitor all aspects of Youthreach provision to ensure that it is meeting quality standards and addressing the real needs of learners.
Submit regular reports to the Chief Executive/Deputed Officer at designated times and in the format required.
Ensure that Youthreach premises, resources, procedures, and practices are adequately maintained and in compliance with Health and Safety legislation, in so far as is practicable.
Develop and deliver a number of learning programmes/courses in line with programme needs.
Enhance own expertise on an ongoing basis through work activities, training, and development.
Promote and facilitate team-working approaches to the management and delivery of the Leitrim Youthreach Programme, thereby fostering inclusion, integration, cohesion, and quality.
Lead, manage, and support all staff working in Leitrim Youthreach.
Oversee implementation of MSLETB Performance Management and Development System, as appropriate, with relevant Youthreach Staff.
Co-ordinate production and implementation of a comprehensive and relevant staff training and development plan, on an annual basis.
Support staff in adapting to changes in curriculum, assessment, teaching methods, and work practices.
Plan, monitor, review, and report on expenditure of the Leitrim Youthreach budget.
Ensure that Leitrim Youthreach Centre operates in ways that are cost-effective and cost-efficient, and within the budget allocated.
Maintain comprehensive financial, statistical, and other records and submit information/reports to the Chief Executive/Deputed Officer as required.
Monitor and evaluate all aspects of the programme to ensure that it is fully compliant with all legislative requirements and with ESF and Department of Education and Youth regulations and guidelines.
Work in partnership with personnel across MSLETB Further Education Service to promote integration and enhance Youthreach provision.
Work in partnership with relevant community, voluntary, and statutory personnel, agencies, and groups in the Leitrim area to ensure that the Youthreach Centre is embedded within the local community and meeting the identified needs of young people from that area.
Consult with local stakeholders to develop and implement strategies that will maximise the use of the Centre to the benefit of young people, their parents, and families.
Note: This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved, and the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post, assigned by the CE, and contribute to the development of the post while in the role.
QualificationsThe Youthreach Co-Ordinator will have:
A Level 8 (NQF) degree in a teaching discipline.
Training in management/leadership is desirable.
The Youthreach Co-Ordinator will have:
Experience of working with early school leavers.
Experience of strategic planning, monitoring, and evaluation.
Experience of staff management and/or development.
Working knowledge of a range of assessment and accreditation systems and procedures, e.g., QQI, L.C. Applied, J.C., etc.
Experience of working in partnership, internally and externally.
Experience of financial management.
Establish and promote high standards and expectations for all students and staff for academic performance, engagement, learning, behaviour, and social skills.
Effectively implement appropriate modern teaching and learning strategies to the benefit of student achievement and Centre performance.
Actively promote own continuous professional development and that of staff and ensure that it is in line with the overall goals, plans, and targets of the Centre.
Be responsible for creating, together with learners and staff, an environment supportive of learning and high achievement among learners.
Continuously develop and prioritise, in conjunction with staff, a timetable, curriculum, instructional methodologies, and Centre plans that best meet the needs of the entire student population, in accordance with Department of Education and Youth and relevant sector regulations and guidelines.
Ensure that the education provided in the Centre is constantly supervised and evaluated. Ensure that strategies, measures, methodologies, improvement plans, and targets are put in place to ensure best practice and standards of teaching and learning are achieved.
Develop and provide appropriate learning and curricular programmes to meet the needs of all students in the Centre and ensure the diversity of the student population is catered for.
Put in place comprehensive Centre development/Education plans, following consultation with staff, ETB, and other relevant stakeholders.
Develop, implement, evaluate, and update procedures and systems for the operation and functioning of the Centre, ensuring compliance with legislation, Department and relevant sector regulations, philosophy, and values.
Strategically develop the expertise and capability of the staff in line with Centre Development Plans, Centre Vision, and Culture.
Establish structures in the Centre that facilitate excellence in teaching and learning and support a community of learning.
Implement the policies and decisions of the ETB, the Minister, and Department of Education and Youth to enhance the Centre offering.
Set a system for constant re-evaluation of the purpose, objectives, and activities of the Centre in line with Department of Education and Youth Guidelines.
Lead, motivate, and manage the staff in the Centre to achieve excellence in their work through good industrial relations, systems, planning and evaluation, teamwork/support, organisation, and communications.
Set high standards of work and behaviour and actively manage probation, performance management, and appraisal of staff.
Actively manage difficult employment issues, following agreed procedures, using appropriate action, support, and advice.
Ensure adherence to health, safety, and welfare for students, staff, and visitors.
Foster and maintain excellent professional working relationships with all staff in the Centre, ensuring effective delegation and support.
Establish strong organisational structures within the Centre with clearly defined roles and responsibilities among various categories of staff, in line with staff skills and talents.
Set up excellent communication structures, policies, and procedures with staff, students, ETB, and all partners and stakeholders.
Set a standard and code for communications in the Centre regarding tone, response, methods, and appropriateness.
Establish good communication structures to the wider community and ensure the Centre has effective and positive public relations.
Embrace modern methods of communication, e.g., online platforms, bulletin boards, information technology systems.
Set an organisational timetable/calendar for administrative matters such as Department/ETB returns.
Set an organisational timetable/calendar for Health and Safety drills, actions, checks, and safety statement reviews.
Control, manage, and best use Centre/public funds and ensure all financial records are up to date and maintained according to good governance, regulations, and guidelines.
Establish effective data management systems.
Ensure facilities and assets of the Centre are maintained to the highest standards, with a calendar of maintenance during the year.
Lead the Centre to ensure all administrative matters are dealt with effectively and on time.
Set a good standard of professional interactions and ensure excellent relationship boundaries.
Be aware of own skill set and traits and seek help and advice when required, operating with openness with the ETB.
Uphold professional integrity at all times, e.g., discretion, confidentiality, loyalty, and trust.
Actively improve skill sets through networking, CPD, and interactive working relationships.
The successful candidate will:
Be a leader committed to the highest standards of education provision, administration, and governance.
Have a passion for education.
Have strong people management and organisational skills.
Be a visionary with experience in delivering projects through teamwork.
Be community-minded and conscious of the role the Centre plays in the local community.
As per the Department of Education & Youth directives.
The OfficeWhole-time post, 35-hour five-day week excluding breaks.
Holder shall not engage in any gainful occupation other than as an employee of MSLETB that impairs performance or conflicts with MSLETB interests.
As per MSLETB Probationary Policy.
Fully inclusive; determined from time to time.
Any fees or monies (other than inclusive salary) received in respect of services must be paid to MSLETB.
Salary scale as per Circular Letter 0052/2025.
Current Salary Scale (from 01/08/2025):
€47,131
€50,971
€54,929
€59,983
€63,190
€67,358
€71,505
€74,706*
€77,054**
Pay during properly certified sick absence on a pro-rata basis, as per relevant legislation and Department of Education & Youth circulars.
Initial location: MSLETB Centre, Co. Leitrim (exact location to be established).
MSLETB may assign to other locations under its control as required.
Appointment to be taken up within 6 weeks, or such period as MSLETB may determine.
Travelling expenses and subsistence allowances paid according to Civil Service regulations.
Pensionable officers contribute based on PRSI class and scheme rules.
Single Public Service Scheme (from 1st January 2013): minimum 66, compulsory 70.
Non-new entrants: minimum 60, maximum 70.
Class A new entrants: minimum 65, no maximum.
40-year limit on total service across public service pension schemes.
Civil/Public Service pensions may be subject to abatement under legislation.
Retirees under ISER cannot apply for another position in the same sector
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