Part- Time Project Worker

School Completion Programme (SCP):
Swords Area II / St. Finian’s SCP

Job Title: Project Worker (1 Position)
Location: Swords, Co. Dublin.
Type of Contract: Part-time Fixed Term Contract
No of hours: 14 hours per week initially.
Annual Leave: Pro-rate to full-time position.
Pay scale: CDYSB Youth Worker Salary Scale.

The School Completion Programme is a programme to support students who are at risk of early school leaving and students of school going age who are not currently attending school. The role of the Project Worker will be to work with a selected group of children and young people to improve attendance, participation and retention. The SCP is one of three strands of the Tusla Education Support Services (TESS).

Improved attendance, participation and retention in school are the desired outcomes of SCP. The aim of the programme is to retain young people to completion of the Leaving Certificate or equivalent qualification or suitable level of educational attainment which enables them to transition into further education, training or employment.

There are 6 schools in the Swords Area II SCP Cluster: five primary schools and one post-primary school. Project Workers will work as part of a team with SCP Coordinator as line manager. The focus of the programme is to provide support for participants in school, after school and during holiday time. The Project Worker will work with the Co-ordinator to design, organise, implement, monitor and evaluate support programmes for children and young people, collaborating with projects and agencies at local, regional and national level as necessary. Project Workers will assist in the implementation and delivery of initiatives under the direction of the Co-ordinator.

Project Worker Job Description

Students at risk of early school leaving, or who may need additional support in maintaining good attendance or participation in school, are identified and referred to SCP. They will be supported through initiatives which respond to their particular needs and enhance their opportunities to engage more fully in education. In collaboration with relevant school personnel and teams, the School Completion Programme identifies evidence-based and locally designed interventions which aim to impact positively on the young people involved. Ongoing evaluation and review of interventions is part of the role. Project Workers will be required to assist the Co-ordinator in the implementation of such programmes with large and small groups of children and young people and from time to time on a one to one basis. Project Workers will be required to be flexible in terms of availability before, after and during the school day and during school holidays. As a Support Worker for the iScoil Blended Learning Centre the Project Worker will be vital in supporting each student’s engagement, and their successful progression. Support workers are the main point of contact for families.

The duties of the Project Worker, under the direction of the project Co-ordinator, will include the following though the list is not exhaustive:

• Support Worker for an iScoil Blended Learning Centre.
• The organisation and delivery of initiatives in support of children and young people identified through the Intake Framework for participation in the School Completion Programme.
• Initiative and creativity in developing programmes which will advance the interests of children and young people so that they get the maximum benefit from education and are encouraged to stay in school.
• Regular meetings with the project Co-ordinator
• To report directly to the Co-ordinator
• The keeping of excellent records of all activities
• Adherence to all policies as set out by the Local Management Committee
• Completion of training/CPD as required by TESS and/or in compliance with legislation
• Presentation of regular progress reports to Co-ordinator and Local Management Committee
• Attend and work the days and hours at the schools or other centres as directed by the Co-ordinator and Local Management Committee. Flexibility in terms of evening and weekend work will be required from time to time.
• Among the activities in which Project Workers may be involved are, homework clubs, after school activity clubs, holiday programmes, in-school initiatives, one to one and group mentoring with selected groups of children and young people. Project Workers may be required to run breakfast, lunch and sports clubs for identified children and young people.

Qualifications, Skills, and Experience Required

• Level 7 Degree qualification (at minimum) in the areas of education/teaching; youth/community work; science/social care or other relevant area of expertise.
• Ability to build rapport with students
• Experience working with young people with complex needs in an education setting.
• Student-centred approach.
• Positive mind-set and solution-focused
• Experience working in the field of education/youth work/social work for a minimum of 12 months
• A thorough understanding of the Irish education system and the factors which can lead to early school leaving
• Experience working with children and young people in a one to one and group setting
• Excellent IT skills
• Excellent record keeping skills
• Excellent communication, organisational and networking skills
• Full driving licence and access to a car.
• This position is subject to Garda Vetting for child safeguarding purposes. Only candidates who successfully obtain vetting can be appointed to the position.

To Apply: 

CV, cover letter and 2 recent referee contact details should be emailed for the attention of the Chairperson at stfiniansscp@gmail.com

The closing date for applications is the 3rd of December, 2024.