Adult Educator - Learner Support

Initial Duties/Areas of Responsibility

The Adult Educator will bring to the role experience and expertise in the following areas:

• Learner Support (including Assistive Technology)

The post's duties and responsibilities are ever-evolving. Some of the more immediate duties and responsibilities are outlined below, but this is not an exhaustive list.

Learner Support (including Assistive Technology):

• Support the development of learner support policies and procedures and monitor implementation and effectiveness.
• Provide information and advice to students with regard to study skills and other appropriate strategies for success in their learning journey.
• Advise tutors and students of assistive technologies that can enhance the learning experience, particularly in seeking to overcome specific barriers to progression.

General Duties:

Some of the more general duties that may be assigned from time to time are outlined below.

• Responsible for all aspects of tuition and learner support, resource development, and course administration that may be assigned.
• Administrative duties/assisting the managing coordinator as required by Donegal ETB, e.g. maintenance of in-house IT systems (including PLSS, QBS, RCCRS, PTT and P2P), learner contact, adult educator contact, timetabling, recruitment of learners, course promotion, etc.
• Support the course and programme design processes.
• Develop resources to help manage the changing needs of learners within programmes.
• As assigned, support the selection, recruitment, registration, induction, tuition, student support, guidance, assessment, and evaluation processes for learners for the duration of the learner journey.
• Record and report class attendance, absence, and progression using the prescribed system.
• Prepare learners for assessment and complete all duties related to internal assessment. Mark and assess learners' work and record their development progress and attainment in class and elsewhere. Give learners formative and summative feedback to enhance the learning experience within the classroom.

• Conduct any assessments and evaluations appropriate to the delivery of QQI and other certifying bodies. This may include internal verification as required by the programme manager. Comply with the policies/guidelines of Donegal ETB's Quality Assurance System.
• Evaluation and review of one's teaching methods, materials, and schemes of work and making changes as appropriate individually or in cooperation with the relevant programme.
• To keep up to date with current educational thinking and practice through study and attendance at courses, workshops, and meetings. Attend any mandatory or appropriate continuous professional development as agreed with management.
• To provide reports when required, such as attendance, incidents, results, estimates, etc.
• Work with all stakeholders, including all ETB staff, information, recruitment and guidance, DSP, and community groups, as appropriate and assigned by the coordinator.
• To participate in all committees/groups to which they are a member or have been assigned.
• Responsible for Donegal ETB's property and equipment and supervising the packing or unpacking of that equipment during transportation from one Centre to another.
• To fulfil other duties incidental to the proper management of and the evaluation/assessment of the progress of their class.
• Provide locally agreed substitution cover for absent staff.
• To provide/deliver Professional Development and training as required and relevant to FET programme staff.
• To oversee the service's Health and Safety requirements, including the Health and Safety of staff, learners, buildings, etc., and assist and input into the wider Donegal ETB Health and Safety programme.
• To maintain an ethos appropriate to lifelong learning within FET.
• To carry out the lawful orders of the Donegal Education and Training Board and fulfil the rules and requirements of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation, and Science. To comply with conditions and regulations that may be prescribed.

• Eligible candidates should be aware 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. Some posts may require special security clearance. In the event of potential conflicts of interest, candidates may not be considered for certain posts.

• PERSON SPECIFICATION
• Excellent ICT skills/experience (including any relevant experience in Learner Management Systems and Spreadsheets/Databases)
• Experience working with and facilitating groups
• Experience in motivating people
• Knowledge of tracking students on placements, engaging with employers, and assessing students' needs related to work placements.
• Deliver/facilitate programmes, including induction, learning to learn online, pre/post assessment, key skills, language support, one-to-one support, and other introductory programmes as required.
• Fluency in English, both written and verbal
• Experience with assessment processes and procedures
• Experience in assessing initial training needs, devising, delivering and evaluating individual learning plans.
• Keen understanding and awareness of social exclusion and the issues some students present with.
• Experience managing and administering learning projects
• Awareness of Online Learner Management systems for online learning and assessment

QUALIFICATIONS

Essential

• A qualification at Level 6, or higher, on the National Framework of Qualifications, or equivalent.

Desirable

• A Tutor or Teacher Training Qualification, e.g. PGDE, PGCE, HDip, Masters in Education, JEB, Train the Trainer, Training and Development.
• A qualification at Level 7, or higher, on the National Framework of Qualifications, or equivalent.

• EXPERIENCE

Desirable

• A minimum of 2 years tutoring experience, and/or
• A minimum of 2 years experience with experience/knowledge of QQI and/or other relevant awarding bodies.

SPECIALIST KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND EXPERTISE

• Have excellent interpersonal and communication skills - capable of showing patience and understanding in a pleasant and helpful way when dealing with students.
• Commitment to the values, policies and procedures of Donegal ETB.
• Can demonstrate strong leadership skills
• Confident approach to work.
• Flexible approach to work and adapt to change as necessary
• Punctual and reliable
• Be self-motivated and creative
• Have empathy with and positive regard for adult learners
• Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team.
• Maintains a strong focus on meeting the needs of service users
• Excellent planning and organisational skills
• Good time management skills and ability to work on own initiative
• Have specific skills e.g. Childcare/Healthcare/Business/Horticulture or relevant practical skills in the specific subject area.

COMPETENCIES

• Programme Development & Delivery
• Administrative & Technical Skills
• Teamwork & Delivery of Results
• Interpersonal & Communication
• Specialist Knowledge, Expertise and Self-Development
• Drive & Commitment to Public Service Values

About Donegal ETB

Donegal Education and Training Board provides a broad range of education and training services, supporting learners, staff, and communities to reach their full potential in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Our people are our greatest asset, and we are committed to delivering high-quality services through strong governance, best practice, and continuous improvement