JOB DESCRIPTION REPORTS TO: Head of Service for Shared Education & Sectoral Support RESPONSIBLE FOR: Supporting Shared Education Partnerships to plan, monitor and evaluate Shared Education Programmes Developing and implementing Teacher Professional Learning to support the delivery of highly effective Shared Education Identifying, collating and disseminating best practice in Shared Education partnerships Working collaboratively with key partners to promote, encourage and facilitate Shared Education JOB PURPOSE: The Shared Education Act, 2015, places a duty upon the Education Authority to Promote, Encourage & Facilitate Shared Education. To date two major projects have helped to expand Shared Education Partnership working and now 66% of schools across Northern Ireland work as part of a Shared Education Partnership. The purpose of this role will be to Inspire, Support and Challenge Shared Education Partnerships, across all school types, to develop and progress Shared Education. The Shared Education Officers will be required to work in a in a multidisciplinary capacity and within a team to implement existing policy, identify best practice, disseminate learning, develop Teacher Professional Learning and promote the ethos and culture of Shared Education. The officers will also work closely with a range of statutory and non-statutory organisations to develop resources and materials for the wider school system. MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Policy and Strategy Development Support the development and implementation of the Shared Education across existing Partnerships Support the development of strategic approaches to Shared Education across the agreed spectrum of sharing, aimed at improving educational and reconciliation outcomes. This post has a specific focus on the development and delivery of a teacher professional learning Provide support for planning of the delivery of the Shared Education through statutory nursery, primary, special and post-primary schools; Provide support for the development and implementation of Shared Education Action Plans Assist in the promotion and co-ordination of the holistic development of Shared Education involving principals, teachers, parents, community and other stakeholders/partners; Implement agreed monitoring and quality assurance procedures for the Shared Education across partnership schools. Professional Learning, Training and Support Support the delivery of an annual training programme for schools involved in Shared Education; Support the establishment of professional learning communities for school leaders and teachers participating in the Shared Education, Embed experience of sharing and best practice across the system; Support schools and partnerships to implement effective methods of self-evaluation, utilising the tools developed by the Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI); Provide advice and guidance on the use of resources to support the delivery of Shared Education; Liaise with Line Manager and provide support, access to information and documentation as appropriate in relation to evaluation Management and Administration Work as part of a team of education professionals to support and deliver the Shared Education in statutory nursery, primary, special and post-primary schools Implement assessment procedures, processes and selection criteria to review and select applications for support and applications for Shared Education Partnerships. Ensure adherence to governance and accountability systems which are in place for the management of public and charitable funds; Monitor allocated budget spend against agreed implementation commitments and provide reports to the Line Manager; Other Duties Liaise with the Line Manager and all other Shared Education Officers and stakeholders in the development of Shared Education; Represent the Shared Education Team at appropriate conferences, fora and meetings; The range of duties may vary from time to time and opportunities may be made available for the professional development of the officer appointed. This job description will be subject to review in light of changing circumstances and is not intended to be rigid and inflexible but should be regarded as providing guidelines within which the individual works. Other duties of a similar nature and appropriate to the grade may be assigned from time to time. In accordance with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act (1998), the post-holder is expected to promote good relations, equality of opportunity and pay due regard for equality legislation at all times. To view the summary of terms and conditions for this post, click here. PERSON SPECIFICATION NOTES TO JOB APPLICANTS 1. You must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question, how, and to what extent you meet the required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. You should clearly demonstrate this for both the essential and desirable criteria, where relevant. 2. You must demonstrate how you meet the criteria by the closing date for applications, unless the criteria state otherwise. 3. The stage in the process when the criteria will be measured is outlined in the table below. 4. Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out in Section 1 below, using the information provided by you on your application form. 5. Please note that the Selection Panel reserves the right to shortlist only those applicants that it believes most strongly meet the criteria for the role. 6. In the event of an excessive number of applications, the Selection Panel also reserves the right to apply any desirable criteria as outlined in Section 3 at shortlisting, in which case these will be applied in the order listed. It is important therefore that you also clearly demonstrate on your application form on how you meet any desirable criteria. Section 1 - Essential Criteria The following are essential criteria which will initially be measured at the shortlisting stage and which may also be further explored during the interview/selection stage. You should therefore make it clear on your application form how, and to what extent you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. Factor Essential Criteria Method of Assessment Qualifications/ Experience Hold a teaching qualification which meets the requirements for recognition to teach in grant-aided schools in Northern Ireland; OR Hold a Bachelor's Degree (UK Qualification and Credit Framework Level 6) or an equivalent or higher qualification in education, community relations, youth work or education administration. A minimum of four years’ experience in the last seven years of leading Shared Education across a Partnership(s). Shortlisting by Application Form Knowledge Demonstrable evidence of leading the development and delivery of teacher professional learning across partnerships and/or clusters. Demonstrate experience of monitoring and evaluating the impact of Shared Education Programmes across schools/partnerships. Have a knowledge of current educational policy relating to Shared Education. Shortlisting by Application Form Other The successful candidate will be required: to have access to a suitable vehicle (appropriately maintained and insured for Education Authority business) that will enable them to carry out the mobility requirements of the post in an efficient and effective manner and thus meet this essential criterion; OR be able to provide sufficient information on the application form that will satisfy the employer that he/she has access to an appropriate alternative form of transport that will enable them to carry out the mobility requirements of the post in an efficient and effective manner and thus meet this essential criterion. Shortlisting by Application Form S ection 2 - Essential Criteria The following are additional essential criteria which will be measured during the interview/selection stage in line with EA’s Game Changing People Model. Factor Essential Criteria Method of Assessment Skills/ Abilities In line with EA’s Game Changing People Model we will look for evidence of\: Demonstrate knowledge of effective Shared Education practice when working with partnerships. Demonstrate knowledge and current challenges facing the growth and development of Shared Education. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Work effectively with school staff and management, and other relevant professionals. Ability to lead and motivate others as part of a team. Ability to use own initiative, solve problems, be proactive and deliver effective results on time. Interview Values Orientation Evidence of how your experience and approach to work reflect EA’s ethos and values. You will find information about our Values here. Interview Section 3 - Desirable Criteria Some or all of the desirable criteria may be applied by the Selection Panel in order to determine a manageable pool of candidates. Desirable criteria will be applied in the order listed. You should make it clear on your application form how, and to what extent you meet the desirable criteria, as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. Factor Desirable Criteria Method of Assessment Experience Demonstrable experience using ICT as an effective means of communication. Demonstrable experience of contributing to whole school initiatives which have resulted in improved pupil outcomes. Shortlisting by Application Form Our Values Through the selection process we will also seek evidence that the personal values of candidates align with those of the EA. This will include evidence of commitment to equality and excellence in service delivery. These reflect our aim which is to meet the needs of all our children and young people equally, removing barriers to learning and ensuring equality of access to excellent education services so that every child can develop to his or her full potential. DISCLOSURE OF CRIMINAL BACKGROUND The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007 defines working directly with children or young people or in specified places as ‘regulated activity’. In the event that you are recommended for appointed to a post that involves ‘regulated activity’, the Education Authority will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background. Please note that you WILL be expected to meet the cost of an Enhanced Disclosure Certificate. Details of how to make payment will be sent to you at the pre-employment stage. Further information can be accessed at NI Direct or the Department of Justice. APPLICANT GUIDANCE NOTES To view the applicant guidance notes, please click here. To learn about the many great benefits of joining the Education Authority, click here The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer.