Job Title: Full Time Project Worker

Location: Longford

No. of hours: 35 hours per week

REF: LSCPPWFT25

The School Completion Programme (SCP) 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 13 schools in the Longford SCP Cluster: seven primary schools and six 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 and during the school day and during school holidays.

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

• 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, student supports, transfer programmes, 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

• Qualification in the areas of education/teaching; youth/community work; science/social care or other relevant area of expertise
• Practical experience of working with children and young people who experience disadvantage.
• An 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
• This position is subject to Garda Vetting for child safeguarding purposes. Only candidates who successfully obtain vetting can be appointed to the position.
• Full Clean Driving licence and Access to their own transport.

Remuneration:

• Salary as per CDYSB New Entrants Salary Scale; starting point dependent on skills and experience. The post will be a fixed term contract, for one year, which is subject to funding and satisfactory service in the post.

To Apply:

Please complete the application form below and include 2 recent referee contact details should be emailed for the attention of the coordinator at longfordscpjobs@gmail.com

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Tuesday the 8th of April 2025.

Please Note Reference Number of the job you are applying for on your application.

Only those selected for interview will be contacted.