Roots of Empathy Co-ordinator

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Louisa Williamson
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1 Title of Post Location Employment Type Roots of Empathy Co-ordinator Cork base but working across counties Cork and Waterford. Part Time (32 hrs per week) and 3 Year Fixed Term Contract Annualised Hours In this role there are various peaks and troughs of demand, the co-ordinator will be required to work in excess of 32 hours per week at times and will have the benefit of reduced hours when schools are closed. Salary 33,573-48,249 Contact Person Deirdre Moran on To apply, application form to deirdre.moran@barnardos.ie Please put your name followed by ROE Co-ordinator in the subject heading of your . Note: Only applicants who have completed our application form will be considered for the role. Closing Date 12 noon Friday 1 st December Interview Date Tuesday 12 th December 2017 in Cork. Experience Required Qualifications Required A minimum of three years post qualification experience working with children is essential. Experience of working in or delivering programmes in school settings essential. Experience of a lead or supervisory role highly desirable and demonstrate competencies in terms of management ability essential. Experience of working with disadvantage highly desirable Relevant professional 3 rd level qualification essential, for example: Bachelor of Education, Youth and Community Work, Psychology,Social Work, Social Care, Child Care or equivalent. Leadership training highly desirable. Application Procedure Applicants should complete the Application Form and it to the contact person listed above. Shortlisting will apply Candidates who are moved to the 2 nd stage of our Recruitment process are required to complete a medical questionnaire and the E-Vetting process. References will be taken up at this stage.

2 Information Note for this Post Name of the Project: Roots of Empathy Location: Based in Cork but working across both counties Cork and Waterford Contact details: What is Barnardos? Barnardos supports children whose well being is under threat, by working with them, their families and communities and by campaigning for the rights of children. Barnardos was established in Ireland in 1962 and is Irelands leading Children s charity. What does the Roots of Empathy project do? Roots of Empathy is an evidence-based programme that has shown significant effect in reducing levels of aggression among school children by raising social/emotional competence and increasing empathy. At the heart of the programme is a baby and parent who visit the classroom every three weeks over the school year. A trained Roots of Empathy Instructor coaches students to observe the baby's development and to label the baby's feelings. In this experiential learning, the baby is the "Teacher", which the instructor uses to help children identify and reflect on their own feelings and the feelings of others.the programme is universal, can be delivered in any class in the primary cycle and contains 9 themes, spread out over 27 class room visits, with the instructor meeting the class pre and post the family visit to prepare and reinforce lessons using a specialised plan for each visit. Barnardos has been the Lead Agency, managing the delivery of Roots of Empathy in Ireland since 2011 and the programme is currently operating in over 100 classes in primary schools across the country Where does the work take place? This role is to expand the Barnardos Roots of Empathy Programme to 90 schools across counties Cork and Waterford over a three year period. How will the working hours be annualised? In this role there are various peaks and troughs of demand, the co-ordinator will be required to work in excess of 32 hours per week at times and will have the benefit of reduced hours when schools are closed. Who do we work with? Barnardos staff locally, regionally and nationally. The Barnardos Roots of Empathy national office and the Roots of Empathy international office, Instructors, statutory, voluntary and community agencies, Principals, Class Teachers and other school personnel and Roots of Empathy families. Where can I find out more about Roots of Empathy? or

3 Roots of Empathy Co-ordinator Job Description Post: Location: Responsible to: Works with: Roots of Empathy Co-ordinator (ROE) Cork base but working across county Cork and Waterford Roots of Empathy Project Leader Barnardos management and personnel, school personnel, Roots of Empathy personnel and other agencies Job Purpose To ensure the co-ordination, delivery and development of the Roots of Empathy (ROE) programme across a number of school sites in the counties of Cork and Waterford and participate in the overall development of the programme. Barnardos is the lead agency for the Roots of Empathy Programme in the Republic of Ireland. Roots of Empathy is a universal evidence based classroom programme that has demonstrated positive effects in reducing levels of aggression among school children by raising social/emotional competence and increasing empathy. The ROE S programme s outcomes are to increase empathy, emotional development, knowledge, social understanding and pro social behaviours among peers whilst decreasing levels of aggression. A baby and parent from the community come to the classroom regularly over the school year for a classroom visit. The baby is considered the teacher, but a trained ROE Instructor coaches children to observe the baby s development and to label and understand the baby s feelings. Through the baby, the children identify and reflect on their own feelings and the feelings of others through questions and prompting from the ROE Instructor. The ROE Instructor meets the class pre and post the family visit to prepare and reinforce lessons using a specialised plan for each visit. Core Job Requirements Service delivery and management Responsible for the delivery, management, development and review of Barnardos ROE programme within counties Cork and Waterford. To be responsible for the recruitment and retention of Instructors to deliver ROE. To identify suitable schools and support them to host the programme

4 To manage an approved budget(s) for your area of responsibility in line with Barnardos financial procedures. Ensure that the protection and welfare of children is a primary concern of all personnel involved in Roots of Empathy, and that, when child protection issues arise, Barnardos policies and procedures are fully adhered to. To prepare reports on the work as required and to maintain effective working relationships with the Roots of Empathy organisation and funders as appropriate. To ensure all case, financial and administrative records and files are maintained to a high standard. To ensure information for the Electronic Record Keeping System (ERK) is gathered and inputted within the required time scale. To develop and facilitate a culture of Service Users consultation and involvement in all aspects of the work. Requirements Specific to this Post Co-ordinates annual start-up of Programme Responsible for the recruitment, development and maintenance of collaborative partnerships with school principals and teachers at each host school including making information available about ROE to interested school representatives; principals, teachers and parent groups. Assist the School Principals in finding families with young babies to participate in ROE and oversee the Instructor-classroom pairings. Develop ongoing contacts with community partners and schools to identify potential schools for each new school year; including organising and chairing meetings as required. Lead the recruitment of volunteer instructors for the delivery of ROE. Liaise with ROE International Office, who are responsible for instructor applications, certification, professional development and quality assurance. Supporting new and returning instructors to ensure all programs start in the necessary time frame. Preparation of programme projection figures each year.

5 Training Responsible for the planning and co-ordination of ROE Instructor training including organising venues, co-ordinating logistics and ensuring that all required processes, paperwork, ordering of materials etc. are completed in the necessary timeframes. Attend training and support the ROE Trainer throughout the training period. Programme Maintenance: Maintaining regular contact with School Representatives, Instructors, Agencies providing instructors, and the ROE National/International Office. Support the organisation and delivery of Professional Development Workshops for certified ROE Instructors. Work with ROE National/International Office, and Barnardos Communications department, to promote public awareness of the ROE programme at community events and when dealing with electronic or print media. Prepare and present information sessions to community organisations, schools, representatives, teachers and principals, local networks and committees. Year End Co-ordinate all year end activities, including planning and hosting Baby Celebration events and the distribution of Student, Family, Teacher and Principal Certificates. Ensures that feedback forms are distributed and forwarded to the ROE National/International Office. Organisational Role To gather, analyse data and prepare reports as required. To participate in all relevant internal and external meetings. To participate in budget planning and manage an approved budget for the service in line with Barnardos financial procedures. To undertake your work in a manner that is friendly, flexible and informal. To undertake specific regional / organisational tasks, and all other duties, as requested by the line manager. To participate at regional management level and other appropriate groups to contribute to the development of strategies and policies relating to the ROE programme within the organisation. To represent Barnardos ROE as appropriate at local / regional or national level, this may involve media and advocacy work.

6 Requirements of all Barnardos staff Commitment to the purpose of Barnardos and to work within the values, policies and procedures of the organisation and in the context of current legislation and regulations. To participate in regular supervision with your line manager. To actively participate in team and staff meetings and service reviews/ evaluations and to contribute to the development of policy and practice with your area of work and within Barnardos as a whole. To report any area of concern to your line manager in a timely manner. To show reasonable flexibility in relation to hours of attendance to meet the needs of the work. Work during unsocial hours may be required. Have a flexible approach to the work in response to organisational change, development and review of best practice. Participate in and engage with a performance management programme. Identify training needs with your line manager and participate in training opportunities appropriate to the role. To be vigilant to any Health, Safety and Welfare risks in the workplace and bring any concerns to the attention of your line manager or local Health & Safety Officer. To be vigilant to any concerns regarding the protection and welfare of children and to bring them to the attention of the Barnardos Designated Person in a timely manner, in keeping with the Barnardos Child Protection policies. To participate in the efficient flow of information within the organisation by sharing and seeking information as appropriate. To undertake other duties as may be requested by the line manager from time to time. To undertake your work in a manner that is friendly, flexible and informal. Note: This Job Description will be reviewed and updated in line with the needs of the work.

7 Roots of Empathy Co-ordinator Person Specification Personal attributes Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to manage in a dynamic and busy environment. Teamwork required and the ability to work in collaboration with others. Ability to prioritise competing demands. Ability to work autonomously but seek advice as appropriate. Flexibility and adaptability in terms of tasks and time is essential for this post. Ability to develop, manage and maintain internal and external relationships with a range of stakeholders. Ability to manage the complexity and diversity within the service. Ability to write clear reports as required. Demonstrate an understanding of the Management role. Proficient user of IT packages e.g. Work, Excel. Ability to ensure that practice is child-centred and needs led. A strong understanding and belief in the mission, goals and values of the Roots of Empathy and Barnardos organisations. Experience A minimum of three years post qualification experience working with children is essential. Experience of working in or delivering programmes in school settings essential. Experience of a lead or supervisory role highly desirable and demonstrate competencies in terms of management ability essential. Experience of working with disadvantage highly desirable. Qualifications Relevant professional 3 rd level qualification essential, for example: Bachelor of Education, Youth and Community Work, Psychology,Social Work, Social Care, Child Care or equivalent. Leadership training highly desirable. Full driving licence and access to the use of a car essential. The post holder is assigned to work in the ROE project across the counties of Cork and Waterford but will be required in to work the Dublin and other areas nationally on occasion in line with organisational and programme needs.

Administration Worker Cork city.

Title of Post Administration Worker Cork city. Location Employment Type Meade Street, Cork City. Full Time (37hrs) and Specific Purpose contract to cover maternity leave (estimated to run until end of