Title of Post:Irish Language Education Officer (One Year Fixed-Term Contract)

Role Profile

Title of Post: Irish Language Education Officer (One year fixed-term contract) Location: East Belfast Mission, 239 Newtownards Road, Belfast Accountable to: Manager Turas Salary: £26,000 p.a. Hours: 37.5 hours per week (in a flexible work pattern to include evenings) Leave: 20 days plus 12 statutory days Pension: National Employment Savings Trust (NEST) Pension Scheme Health Care: An employee health care plan is available after successful probation Probation: This post is subject to a 6-month probationary period. The Company reserves the right to extend this probationary period. Date: April 2016

Overall Responsibility

Reporting to the Manager, Turas, the main purpose of the job is to develop and co-ordinate Irish Language activities based at East Belfast Mission (EBM). The post- holder will work closely with a team of mentors and volunteers to maintain a creative and engaging programme of educational support.

The post-holder will work with other departments within EBM, as well as other educational/community organisations, to ensure that the programme is integrated into the wider community provision within East Belfast.

Main Duties

 To co-ordinate relevant research projects involving Irish language, history and culture

 To develop Irish language classes within Skainos, creating shared space where the Irish Language is treated with respect

 To develop and implement the programme of Irish language activities

 To develop methods of attracting the Protestant community and Belfast’s new ethnic communities to Irish

 To be the EBM link with Irish Language Centres

 To establish Skainos as the focal point and ‘heart’ of Irish language activity in Inner East Belfast

 To develop shared cultural experiences based on Irish language and culture

 To encourage the tenants and users of Skainos to participate in all East Belfast Mission Programmes

 To agree other appropriate objectives and to monitor these on an on-going basis  To carry out evaluations of the programme to drive the promotion of Irish in East Belfast

 To prepare reports for funders

 To maintain contact with schools throughout Northern Ireland

 To encourage and support other community groups to run their own Irish language events

 To find new sources of funding to add to provide sustainability to the programme

 To represent EBM positively professionally at all times

 To be able to work outside normal office hours i.e. evenings and weekends as required

 To be prepared to travel to various locations as required to fulfil the duties of this role

 Any other duties conducive to the effective operation of the post and deemed to be within the post-holder’s competencies PERSONNEL SPECIFICATION

Criteria Essential/ Desirable

Qualifications A relevant degree in Irish E

A recognised teaching qualification E

A relevant post-graduate qualification D

Experience Minimum 2 years’ experience teaching Irish E

Minimum 2 years’ experience in developing educational programmes for youth, children or adults E

Significant experience of research involving Irish language, history E and culture

Experience of report writing and budgeting E

Experience of outreach initiatives to develop the Irish Language E and culture

Experience of managing and developing mentors and/or E volunteers

Knowledge & Good interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to E Skills interact with a wide variety of internal and external stakeholders

Excellent written and verbal presentation skills E

Experience of working with individuals and organisations within the East Belfast Community D

A flexible and positive approach E

Ability to demonstrate leadership and initiative E

Good team-working skills with the ability to take effective E decisions on own initiative when required

Ability to demonstrate enthusiasm for the Irish Language E

Excellent IT skills E

Excellent networking skills E

Ability to act positively and professionally at all times when E representing EBM Other Clean driving licence and use of a car for work, or ability to travel E frequently and regularly to off-site meetings. The criteria will be waived if a disability prohibits and the job holder can demonstrate the effectiveness of alternative transport arrangements

Ability to work outside office hours as required including evenings E and weekends

A clear understanding of and willingness to work within the ethos E of EBM.

This position may give the post-holder access to children and/or young people and vulnerable adults, and therefore may be subject to disclosure background checks of any criminal convictions, including spent, bind-over orders and cautions in accordance with the Access NI Vetting and Baring Scheme and our organisation’s Children and Vulnerable Adult’s Protection Policy and Procedure. An AccessNI check will be carried out prior to any employment.

By applying for this position, you are in agreement for the organisation to carry out this necessary background check.

East Belfast Mission is an Equal Opportunities Employer