Lifelong Learning Project Officer
The Project Officer will work directly with clients on a one-to-one basis, providing a supportive and encouraging environment to assist them.
Job Title: Project Officer – Life Long Learning Reporting To: Lifelong Learning Team Manager Employer: Donegal Local Development CLG Main Purpose of Role:
DLDC is a community-led local development company covering all of County Donegal except the Inishowen area. We work to improve opportunities for people and communities in Donegal to bring about positive changes in their own lives and in their community.
We are currently seeking a Project Officer to join the Lifelong Learning team. This role involves implementing initiatives under Goal 2 of the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), as well as developing and delivering training and educational programmes.
The Project Officer will work directly with clients on a one-to-one basis, providing a supportive and encouraging environment to assist them in their personal and educational progression. They will engage individuals who have experienced educational disadvantage, helping them access lifelong learning opportunities through a community development approach.
The role prioritises promoting inclusion and integration by ensuring that supports, services, and community engagement align with SICAP objectives.
Conditions of Work:
1. The Project Officer will be required to work 35 hours a week
2. A probationary period of 6 months will apply and performance in role will be discussed throughout the period of cover and reviewed as part of quarterly one to ones.
3. The contract terms will run for the duration the SCIAP programme ending 31 December 2028 and is subject to funding.
4. The Project Officer will initially support clients in Donegal Town and surrounding areas.
5. Benefits include:Eligibility for a 6% employer-contributed pension scheme25 days annual leave & other leave optionsFlexible and hybrid working optionsTravel and subsistence allowanceLearning and development opportunitiesEmployee Assistance Programme
6. Proactively identify and engage hard-to-reach SICAP clients, creatively connect with the community to raise awareness of our services, ensuring they reach those who need them most.
7. Utilise coaching and motivational interviewing techniques to assist individuals in their personal development and guide them toward achieving successful outcomes.
8. Support clients with empathy, helping them discover their own motivation for positive change by actively listening, asking open questions, and guiding them in exploring their goals and challenges
9. Meet clients on a one-to-one basis to help them develop personal plans and long term goals, and help them determine the best course of action or series of actions in order to achieve these goals.
10. To manage caseload efficiently and effectively in line with good governance and established company and funders procedures and guidelines
11. Apply the All-Ireland Standards for Community Development approach in providing support to individuals, emphasizing equality, participation, social justice, sustainability, and collaborative approaches to empower individuals.
12. Collaborate with internal DLDC teams to deliver tailored client support, providing lifelong learning solutions that address the specific needs of SICAP target groups.
13. Identify, develop, and promote new projects and initiatives, with a focus on assessing the educational needs of the target group. This includes designing and delivering unaccredited training programs, providing one-on-one coaching, developing personal progression plans, sourcing relevant accredited courses, and securing funding pathways to support client development.
14. To deliver soft skills and wellbeing support training programmes and courses to the target group, enhancing their readiness for learning and preparedness for an employability journey.
15. To liaise directly with ETB, Solas, DSP and other public and private training providers and agencies.
16. To facilitate education and training providers to respond to the educational needs of unemployed and disadvantaged communities.
17. To continue to develop inter-agency and education/training provider links and network education provision in the area.
18. To proactively promote the SICAP strategy throughout the catchment area, through a variety of media including information sessions, local media, outreach, site visits etc.
19. To provide general guidance and information to target groups on the support and funding available under the SICAP and other programmes as appropriate.
20. To provide direct supports and training as relevant to the range of target groups within the programme.
21. To maintain a database of clients/groups in DLDC's catchment area.
22. To participate in company Working Groups including the SICAP Working Group and the Board as appropriate
23. Ensure the delivery of quality initiatives.
24. Ensure files are set up for individual clients and projects; ensure all necessary documentation is on file for all actions; this include up to date personal progression plans and appropriate file maintenance on SharePoint and IRIS.
25. Maintain up to date record on our CRM Information reporting system.
26. Prepare written and verbal reports on Goal 2 on a monthly basis for Working Group and Board when required.
27. Provide regular updates and report progress against OKRs
28. Be responsible for all issues in relation to caseload delivery, including adherence to travel and subsistence.
29. Liaise with the Finance and Administration Department in relation to any queries which arise with regards to payments or general file administration.
30. Effectively facilitate meetings both in person and virtually using platforms such as Zoom, and document meetings and outcomes appropriately.
31. Assist with the provision of an efficient and effective secretariat to the various Working Groups/Sub-panel and Board.
32. Respond to any matters as requested by the Learning & Enterprise Manager, or Head of Operations.
33. Manage special projects as required.
34. Represent the company in public specific issues.
35. Carry out any other duties as requested by Management, and be willing to work evenings and/or weekends as required.
Salary Project Officer level salary scale - €36,000 per annum Main Duties 1 Key Responsibilities 2 Reporting and Financial Management3General Duties Core Competencies/Skills & KnowledgeESSENTIAL/MINIMUM1
Relevant Training &
Community Development
Experience
The Officer will have a previous demonstrated relevant experience in a similar environment, together with a proven track record in the delivery of training supports to adults. They will have excellent knowledge of referral pathways & training opportunities for our clients. The officer will have experience of working in a supportive capacity on a one-to-one basis with young people and hard to reach adults.
The Officer will be required to demonstrate knowledge of community development, and be committed to integrating equality, social inclusion and anti-poverty principles.
2.
Interpersonal & Liaison Skills
The Officer will have excellent interpersonal, communication & coaching skills. They will be required to liaise effectively and efficiently with internal DLDC teams as well as agencies, groups and training providers. The Officer will be required to act as a positive and contributing member of the wider staff team within DLDC. 3. Project Management SkillsThe Officer will be required to produce timely and relevant reports for the various Steering Committees, Board and other groups within the DLDC structure. They must demonstrate experience of organising, managing and prioritising own workload. They will have excellent time management and organisation skills. Strong administration together with a good working knowledge of the standard suite of business- related software and IT packages is required.4. Motivational SkillsThe Officer will be required to be a flexible, motivated self-starter who can communicate effectively. They will work well as part of a team and also on their own initiative. Ability to motivate others, with strong one to one coaching, as well as group facilitation skills.5.
Communication Skills
The Officer will have experience of forming good working relationships with organisations and communities, combined with excellent communication and listening skills. They will have excellent verbal and written abilities, with ability to communicate in effectively in English. They will have good report writing and presentation skills. 6. Problem Solving SkillsThe Officer will have the ability to analyse complex situations, identify underlying issues, and develop effective solutions to overcome challenges or achieve goals. 7. Qualification/Experience
A recognized and relevant Third Level qualification and / OR a minimum of 3 years relevant experience in providing training supports in a similar environment.
Candidates must have prior experience in delivering adult training supports along with a commitment to integrating principles of equality, social inclusion, and anti-poverty measures into community development practice.
8. 'Other' A clean, current driving license with access to own mode of transport is essential in order to service clients in the community. Applicants must specify on application how they meet this requirement in order to be considered for shortlisting. Core Competencies Desirable
36. Familiarity with using CRM (Customer Relationship Management) software.
37. Excellent knowledge of SICAP supports.
38. Experience of working in a supportive capacity on a one to one basis with young people and hard to reach adults.
39. Ability to communicate fluently in Irish is an advantage, but not desirable.
DLDC reserve the right to enhance criteria, depending on the response to the advertisement.
A panel may be formed from this recruitment process.