Coordinator
(23 hours per week)

Job details

Job Title: SCP Coordinator

Employer: Kilkenny School Completion Programme Local Management Committee

Reporting: Chairperson of Kilkenny SCP Local Management Committee Nature of Position: Specific Purpose Contract

Hours of Work: 23 hours per week

Place of Work: The postholder will be based on SCP offices, Kilkenny.

Salary Scale: The pay scale applicable to the post will be pro-rated based on the full-time equivalent of salary of €46,664 to €70,797 (based on 35 hours per week over 52 weeks) as per Department of Education and Youth Circular Letter CL 0017/2025.
The above pay rate will be pro-rata based on the post holder working 23 hours per week.
As per Department of Education and Youth guidelines, new appointees who are entering this grade for the first time will start at the minimum point of the scale. Rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy.

Pay: €46,664–€70,797 a year

Job type: Part-time

Location: Kilkenny, County Kilkenny

Annual Leave: 26 days per annum (full time equivalent).

Other Conditions: Offers of employment are subject to garda vetting and, reference checks and pre-employment health assessment

Job Purpose

This position is covering an approved leave of absence, with one staff member working 12 hours per week and the other staff member working 23 hours per week, equivalent to one full time position. Together the post holders will collaborate and take responsibility to support the implementation, development, and delivery of the School Completion Programme (SCP). The post holders will be responsible for coordinating targeted interventions for children and young people at risk of early school leaving, liaising with schools, families, and community partners to promote retention in education.

School Completion Programme (SCP)

The School Completion Programme is a Department of Education and Youth initiative funded by Tusla Educational support Services (TESS), the child and family Agency. It is a targeted programme which aims to increase the numbers of children and young people staying in primary and post primary school and in doing so improve the number that successfully complete the Senior Cycle, or equivalent. The School Completion programme works with students aged 4-18. The focus of the Programme is to work with those who may be at risk of educational disadvantage through early school leaving.

The School Completion Programme aims to impact positively on school:

• Attendance • Retention • Participation

The School Completion Programme is a national programme, and an action under the Department of Education DEIS – ‘Delivering Equality of Opportunity in School’ Plan (2017).

The Programme provides a range of local targeted interventions in disadvantaged schools and communities designed to support the retention of children and young people in education.

The School Completion Programme Kilkenny operates in six Primary and six Post Primary schools across Kilkenny City and County.

Kilkenny and Carlow ETB provide administrative support in the areas of Finance and HR to the Kilkenny School Completion Programme. Tusla Education and Support Service are responsible for the operational oversight of SCP.

List of Kilkenny Cluster Schools

The 11 Schools attached to the Kilkenny SCP Cluster Group are:

Post Primary Schools (6) 

1. Colaiste Pobail Osrai, Kilkenny City
2. Kilkenny City Vocational School, Kilkenny City
3. Castlecomer Community School
4. Colaiste Mhuire, Johnstown
5. Duiske College, Graignamanagh
6. Grennan College, Thomastown

Primary Schools (5) 

1. St Patricks De La Salle, Kilkenny City
2. GaelScoil Osrai, Kilkenny City
3. St Johns Junior, Kilkenny City
4. St Johns Senior, Kilkenny City
5. Scoil Íosagáin, Castlecomer

The Position

The Coordinator/s will be responsible for managing the overall delivery of the programme. They will work closely with the LMC and LMC Subcommittees to ensure that the programme is delivered in line with the overall strategic plan (Retention Plan). You will also work with other stakeholders such as KCETB (who administer the HR & Finance Functions), TESS (Overall Operational Responsibility for

Kilkenny SCP), School Principals, teachers, care teams, HSCLs, Educational Welfare officers and Community organisations to develop, implement and monitor interventions aimed at supporting students at risk of educational disadvantage. Your role will include overseeing the delivery of in school, out of school, after school and holiday programmes for targeted students, leading the SCP team and ensuring that the programme runs efficiently and effectively in line with the overall strategic plan (Retention Plan).

Duties

1. Develop and implement the SCP plan in collaboration with your job share & the Local Management Committee
2. Maintain up-to-date records, reports, and documentation in line with TUSLA reporting requirements.
3. Organise and facilitate in school, after School, out of school and holiday programmes for targeted children and young people.
4. Lead and manage the SCP team, providing support and supervision to ensure effective delivery of the programme
5. Work closely with school staff to identify students in need of support and plan appropriate interventions using the SCP Intake Framework
6. Deliver one on one and group interventions to students in both Primary and Secondary to support their attendance, participation and retention in School.
7. Identifying and responding to the education welfare needs of targeted young people in particular those identified as at risk of leaving school early.
8. Keeping up to date with local, regional and national developments in the education and welfare sector, in relation to both policy and practice.
9. Undertaking any other duty that may be decided by the Local Management Committee from time to time.

Planning, Reporting and Monitoring

• Strategic Planning
  • Support the development and implementation of the SCP Annual Retention Plan and Annual Report in line with Tusla guidelines and local needs.
  • Ensure local programme is rolled out adhering to and in accordance with TESS Service Level Agreement
  • Arrange and chair regular Intake Framework meetings in collaboration with HSCLs and EWOs
  • Organise, schedule and facilitate LMC meetings as per SLA
  • Engage in evidence-based needs analysis to inform programme planning and prioritisation.
  • Collaborate with key stakeholders (school principals, HSCL, EWS, educational welfare officers) to ensure alignment with DEIS and educational goals.
     
• Programme Monitoring
  • Monitor delivery and outcomes of all SCP interventions, both universal and targeted, ensuring they are child-centred, inclusive, and outcomes-focused.
  • Analysis of statistical information gleaned from Project workers, Principals, 3rd Parties & Intake framework meetings for use in report writing
  • Establish and maintain systems/databases for:
    • Intake Framework meetings
    • Tracking student engagement and progression
    • Types of interventions used for one to one and group work
  • Oversee the use of case management tools, attendance records, and other data monitoring systems.
  • Coordinate regular review meetings with project workers and iScoil mentors to evaluate effectiveness.
     
• Reporting and Compliance
  • Prepare and submit timely and accurate reports to Tusla Education Support Services (TESS) including mid-year and end-of-year reports.
  • Ensure compliance with all Tusla and SCP operational requirements including data protection (GDPR), child safeguarding, and financial accountability.
  • Work closely with the LMC to provide strategic and operational updates.
  • Maintain all records required for Tusla audits and inspections.
     
• Evaluation and Continuous Improvement
  • Lead internal evaluation of programme outcomes and use findings to inform practice and future planning.
  • Promote a culture of reflective practice, learning, and continuous improvement among the SCP team.
  • Keep up-to-date with best practices and emerging research in school retention and educational welfare.

Human Resources

• Oversee day-to-day HR functions in line with SCP guidelines, including recruitment, induction, supervision, and support of project workers and part-time staff (e.g. iScoil mentors, activity coordinators).
• Coordinate rotas, leave management (in collaboration with KCETB), and staff scheduling to ensure continuity of service during school terms and holiday provision.
• Manually sign weekly timesheets for SCP team via the KCETB payroll system.
• Conduct regular supervision and support sessions with team members to ensure professional accountability, wellbeing, and programme quality.
• Facilitate ongoing staff development and training in areas such as child safeguarding, mental health, trauma-informed practice, and educational interventions.
• Lead on staff development, including coordinating CPD, training, and professional supervision
• Develop and implement HR policies and procedures (where appropriate) aligned with TESS guidelines.
• Recruit, engage and manage 3rd party contractors and ensure compliance with legal and policy obligations (e.g., therapists, facilitators)
• Ensure the SCP team complies with relevant child protection legislation, best practice, and the Children First National Guidance.
• Maintain confidential HR records (through KCETB) including contracts, Garda vetting, CPD logs, and performance evaluations.
• Participate in professional development, networking to extend knowledge and skill set and keep up to date with current educational thinking and practice
• Ensure compliance with child protection and safeguarding procedures.

Finance

• Work with the LMC treasurer or designated finance person to manage the SCP budget in line with Tusla financial governance requirements.
• Develop and monitor annual budgets, ensuring appropriate allocation of funds to interventions, staffing, and supports.
• Oversee purchasing, petty cash, and invoice processing, ensuring accurate documentation and accountability.
• Prepare and submit financial reports (e.g, quarterly accounts, Financial Compliance returns) to TESS as required (Collaborating with KCETB)
• Maintain transparent and auditable financial records for internal and external review.
• Identify funding needs and liaise with the LMC regarding applications for additional resources or grants where appropriate.
• Ensure proficiency in the use of systems/portals such as MS Teams, Core HR (KCETB)and financial platforms such as P2P (KCETB)

Facilities Management

• Oversee facilities management and ensure safe and appropriate workspaces for all staff
• Conduct regular stock takes using the KCETB inventory system.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

Professional

• Qualifications A Degree qualification in a relevant area such as: · Education/teaching, or · Youth/Community Work, or · Psychology, or · Social Science/Social Care; or related discipline

Experience 

• A minimum of three years relevant work experience working with young people/children preferably in an educational setting.
• A proven track record of operating Budgets of a substantial nature and completing quarterly returns. To work collaboratively with Job Share Partner and other team members Two years’ experience of leading, managing and supporting a large team Excellent planning, networking, organising and communication skills Proficiency in MS word, excel, Powerpoint, S. Media, Using other platforms eg Teams, HR Platforms eg CoreHR, Database Packages
• Driving Licence The successful applicant must have access to a car and hold a full clean driving licence. The role will involve travelling within the Kilkenny SCP School Cluster.

Other Criteria Proven 

• Leadership skills Interpersonal and Communication Skills Analysis and Decision Making Management and Delivery of Results Specialist Knowledge, Expertise and Self-Development Drive and Commitment
• Excellent interpersonal skills will include the ability to liaise with a wide range of contacts and build and maintain effective working relationships
• Ability to be proactive, use own initiative and work effectively within a pressurised environment.
• Strong communicator and team player
• Positive and flexible approach to team working.
• Good written communications skills, including ability to draft summary information and correspondence.

Competences:

The person appointed to the above post will be required to show evidence of the following competences:

Specialist Knowledge, Expertise and Self Development

• Has a clear understanding of the roles, objectives and targets of self and team and how they fit into the work of the unit and Department/Organisation and effectively communicates this to others.
• Has high levels of expertise and broad Public Sector knowledge relevant to his/her area of work.
• Focuses on self development, striving to improve performance.

Team Leadership

• Works with the team to facilitate high performance, developing clear and realistic objectives and addressing performance issues if they arise.
• Provides clear information and advice as to what is required of the team.
• Strives to develop and implement new ways of working effectively to meet objectives.
• Leads the team by example, coaching and supporting individuals as required.
• Places high importance on staff development, training and maximising skills and capacity of team.
• Is flexible and willing to adapt, positively contributing to the implementation of change.

Judgement, Analysis and Decision Making

• Gathers and analyses information from relevant sources, whether financial, numerical or otherwise weighing up a range of critical factors.
• Takes account of any broader issues, agendas, sensitivities and related implications when making decisions.
• Uses previous knowledge and experience in order to guide decisions.
• Uses judgement to make sound decisions with a well reasoned rationale and stands by these.
• Puts forward solutions to address problems.

Management and Delivery of Results

• Takes responsibility and is accountable for the delivery of agreed objectives.
• Successfully manages a range of different projects and work activities at the same time.
• Structures and organises their own and others work effectively.
• Is logical and pragmatic in approach, delivering the best possible results with the resources available.
• Delegates work effectively, providing clear information and evidence as to what is required.
• Proactively identifies areas for improvement and develops practical suggestions for their implementation.
• Demonstrates enthusiasm for new developments/changing work practices and strives to implement these changes effectively.
• Applies appropriate systems/processes to enable quality checking of all activities and outputs.
• Practices and promotes a strong focus on delivering high quality customer service, for internal and external customers.

Interpersonal and Communication Skills

• Builds and maintains contact with colleagues and other stakeholders to assist in performing role.
• Acts as an effective link between staff and senior management.
• Encourages open and constructive discussions around work issues.
• Projects conviction, gaining buy-in by outlining relevant information and selling the benefits.
• Treats others with diplomacy, tact, courtesy and respect, even in challenging circumstances.
• Presents information clearly, concisely and confidently when speaking and in writing.
• Collaborates and supports colleagues to achieve organisational goals.

Drive and Commitment to Public Service Values

• Strives to perform at a high level, investing significant energy to achieve agreed objectives.
• Demonstrates resilience in the face of challenging circumstances and high demands.
• Is personally trustworthy and can be relied upon.
• Ensures that customers are at the heart of all services provided.
• Upholds high standards of honesty, ethics and integrity

Conditions of Service

Citizenship Requirement
Candidates should note that eligibility to compete 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, Norway, Switzerland and Norway. Swiss citizens under EU agreements may also apply.

Vetting
School Completion Programme Kilkenny (through Kilkenny and Carlow ETB) is registered with the National Vetting Unit (NVU). As part of the Board’s recruitment and selection process, offers of employment to all posts may be subject to NVU disclosure.

References 
The School Completion Programme Kilkenny reserves the right to seek both written and verbal references from current and previous employers, educational institutions or any other organisations with which the candidate has been associated. The School Completion Programme Kilkenny also reserves the right to determine the merit, appropriateness and relevance of such references and referees. Please note that candidates are requested not to submit references with their application form.

Pre-Employment Health Assessment
A candidate for, any person holding, the office must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the office and in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of the ability to render regular and efficient service.
Candidates will be required to undergo a pre-employment Health Assessment which will be reviewed by the School Completion Programme Kilkenny (through KCETB) Occupational Health Service. An offer of employment is subject to satisfactory pre-employment health assessment.

Probation
Where a person is appointed to the position of School Completion Co-ordinator, the first six months of their contract will be regarded as the probationary period.

Superannuation 
Membership of the superannuation scheme is not applicable to this position. Access to a Personal Retirement Savings Accounts (PRSA) will, on request, be facilitated.

Sick Leave
Sick leave will be in accordance with established procedures and conditions for School Completion Progamme staff generally.

Notice/Termination 
This appointment is terminable by one month’s notice in writing from either side subject to statutory provisions.

General
The above represents the principal conditions of service and is not intended to be the comprehensive list of all terms and conditions of employment which will be set out in the successful candidate’s employment contract.

Closing Date: Monday, 15 August 2025

Please click here to apply