HELPLINE / INFORMATION OFFICER
INTRODUCTION TO NPC
National Parents Council (NPC) is the representative organisation for
parents of children in education. NPC was established in **Apply on
the website**, under the Programme for Government, as the
representative organisation for parents of children attending primary
school. It received statutory recognition in the Education Act **Apply
on the website**.
NPC exists to ensure that all parents are supported and empowered to
become effective partners in their children’s education. NPC works
to increase the capacity and capability of the education sector, to
achieve true partnership and deliver better outcomes for all children.
NPC now wishes to recruit a HELPLINE/INFORMATION OFFICER to provide a
confidential Helpline service to parents of children in early years,
primary and post primary education and other stakeholders. The
HELPLINE/INFORMATION OFFICER will also be dedicated to further
advancing new initiatives that support parents’ involvement in their
children’s education in partnership with schools, in line with the
mission and vision of NPC.
TERMS & CONDITIONS
* The SALARY for this role is € *,**Apply on
the website** per annum pro rata (€ *,**Apply
on the website**).
* HOURS: *.5 hours per week (flexibility is
required: weekend and evening work may be a feature of this
employment).
* Reporting to the Services Manager
* PLACE OF WORK: Dublin City Centre location
* The contract is for a three-year fixed term with a nine-month
probationary period.
ROLE
The Helpline/Information Officer will be responsible for all NPC
Helpline duties.
THIS ROLE WILL BROADLY INCORPORATE THE FOLLOWING:
* Manage all queries to the NPC Helpline via phone and
email§Provide accurate information to parents and other stakeholders
as appropriate in relation to early years, primary and post primary
education and NPC activities and policies§Critical analysis of
proposals, reports and other data
* Examination of complex information and decision-making relevant to
the role and job level
* Research and preparation of submissions on the full range of
issues impacting NPC (includingsubmissions for funding)
* Accurate recording, preparation & management of data within the
Helpline
* Engage with third parties to represent the interests of NPC,
including suppliers, clients, membersof the public, media,
contractors, government and non-government agencies and bodies,
ensuringprofessional communications at all times
* Ensure all policies, procedures and regulatory requirements are
fully adhered to in their area ofresponsibility
* Prioritise and manage work within own area of responsibility
including delegation of task asappropriate, monitoring and reviewing
of work and overall supervision of staff
* Be responsible and accountable for the timely and accurate
completion of projects and taskswithin the Helpline
* Consistently and regularly review work practices and methodologies
within own area ofresponsibility and apply improvements and
efficiencies wherever possible
* Play an active role in contributing to the overall objectives of
NPC both in planning andimplementation
* Continuously develop knowledge and skills to ensure a high level
of technical competence withinown area of responsibility
* Share learning & knowledge with other members of staff
* Other duties that may be assigned from time to time
EXPERIENCE
ESSENTIAL:
* Excellent active listening skills
* Excellent communicator both written and verbal
* Experience/knowledge of the Irish early years’, primary and post
primary education system.Excellent administration skills and attention
to detail
* Excellent IT skills- particularly Microsoft Office and other
applications.
* Be an effective team player
DESIRABLE:
* Experience of working on a Helpline
* Experience of communicating with individual adults and groups to
achieve real outcomes
* Experience of networking and promoting
* A working knowledge of child protection legislation and its
implementation in practice.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
The individual should be able to demonstrate the following
competencies:
Communications -
Builds rapport by listening and responding to the needs of others.
Utilises a persuasive approach to positively influence outcomes.
Presents written material in a clear, concise, comprehensive and
convincing manner to inform and influence the reader(s). Clarifies
information when required to do so.
Interpersonal Effectiveness -
Shows empathy and understanding when dealing with others, utilising
tact and diplomacy at all times. Treats others with respect. Works
well with a wide range of people from different backgrounds both
within and outside the organisation and builds rapport by listening to
and understanding their viewpoints.
Planning & Managing Resources -
Plans and organises resources, prioritising as required, to meet
goals, targets or objectives within agreed timeframes. Monitors
progress and reviews plans where necessary. Identifies potential
problems and develops contingencies. Plans and organises own work
effectively.
Analysis / Problem Solving -
Sources and accurately gathers all relevant information. Conducts an
in-depth review, considering issues thoroughly. Draws conclusions
backed up by available evidence and makes appropriate recommendations.
Handles and manipulates numerical information with accuracy and
attention to detail.
Decision-making / Judgment -
Evaluates information available before making decisions, weighing up
the pros and cons of various options or courses of action. Is aware of
the wider implications of proposed decisions and recognises when it is
appropriate to consult others. Follows through on decisions made,
taking responsibility where appropriate.
Team working -
Works collaboratively with others to achieve shared goals.
Participates fully, sharing knowledge, ideas and expertise. Shows an
appreciation for other people’s positions and values their input.
Willingly takes on additional responsibility to achieve team
objectives. Shows a willingness to learn from others.
Commitment to Quality Results -
Takes ownership of tasks and is determined to see them through to
satisfactory conclusions. Takes all necessary measures to ensure work
is completed to a high standard and within agreed timeframes, even
where it involves routine or mundane tasks. Monitors and checks work
for accuracy and ensures guidelines and procedures are followed.
Reliable and dependable, can work on own initiative.
Customer / Client Focus -
Is aware of the service delivery requirements of the organisation and
the varying needs of his/her customers or clients. Deals with
customers / clients in a professional and courteous manner, showing
diplomacy and tact, particularly in difficult situations.
Self-Awareness & Development -
Reviews own performance regularly and is committed to developing own
skills and knowledge base and applying this learning on a regular
basis. Keen to learn new skills, systems and processes.
Flexibility & Change Orientation -
Is flexible in his/her approach, open to change in work practices and
adapts readily to recommendations for change. Involves others in and
implements change initiatives. Able to deal with changing demands and
different situations / circumstances.
Initiative -
Actively suggests improvements within area of responsibility. Can work
without excessive guidance or support yet knows when the involvement
of others is appropriate.
Technical Knowledge / know-how -
Has the practical, specialised or technical knowledge required to meet
the goals and objectives of the role to the highest standards. Has
knowledge or expertise that others would rely on and have confidence
in it.
APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE IN THE FORM OF A LETTER OF APPLICATION AND CV
(MAX 2 PAGES) AND BE EMAILED TO **APPLY ON THE WEBSITE** WITH
“HELPLINE/INFORMATION OFFICER” IN THE SUBJECT LINE OR BY POST
MARKED CONFIDENTIAL TO ROB WALPOLE, DEPUTY CEO, NATIONAL PARENTS
COUNCIL, **APPLY ON THE WEBSITE** MARLBOROUGH COURT, MARLBOROUGH
STREET, DUBLIN 1, D**APPLY ON THE WEBSITE** XP**APPLY ON THE
WEBSITE**. CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: CLOSE OF BUSINESS ON THE
**APPLY ON THE WEBSITE**TH OF JANUARY **APPLY ON THE WEBSITE**.
INTERVIEWS FOR THOSE WHO ARE SHORTLISTED WILL BE HELD IN THE NATIONAL
PARENTS COUNCIL OFFICE.
NATIONAL PARENTS COUNCIL IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.
We need : English (Good)
Type: Permanent
Payment:
Category: Others
