Candidate Information:
Job Title
Early Years Practitioner
20- 37.5 hours per week; to be worked between 8:30-5:00
Closing Date
Friday, September 20, 2024, but applications will be considered on a rolling basis.
Campaign Specific
Selection Process
Shortlisting / Interview
Short listing and/or ranking may be carried out on the basis of information supplied in your Letter of application, C.V. and achievements to date
The criteria for short listing and/or ranking are based on the requirements of the post as outlined in the eligibility criteria and skills, competencies and/or knowledge section of this job specification. Therefore, it is very important that you think about your experience in light of those requirements. Failure to include information regarding these requirements may result in you not being called forward to the next stage of the selection process.
Those successful at the short listing and/or ranking stage of this process (where applied)
will be called forward to interview.
Location of Post
Southside Child & Family Centre, Roxboro Road, Galvone, Limerick
Reporting Relationship
The post-holder will report to the Early Years Manager
Informal Inquires and Applications (applications by e-mail only)
Liesa Mullins, Early Years Manager, Southside CFC, 061- 319094 Email: liesa.mullins@lssc.ie
Background and Purpose of the Post
The Limerick Social Service Council (LSSC) is a leading voluntary service, working in communities in Limerick for five decades. The LSSC delivers its services at the LSSC Centre in Henry Street, Limerick, The Southside Child and Family Centre and through outreach in a range of locations throughout Limerick City and County.
Services include the Child and Family Service, the Southside Child and Family Centre, the Early Years Service, the Counselling and Psychotherapy Service, and Services for Older People.
The Southside Child and Family Centre provides an integrated early years service, family support service and additional services such as parenting programmes and counselling.
The Early Years practitioner will work with the management team and other staff members of Southside Child and Family Centre Early Years’ Service to provide a high quality, child-centred and creative early years’ service.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities of the Post

• To work as part of a team to provide high quality, creative and stimulating early years education to children from the ages of 6 months to 5 years
• To support children in their social, emotional, physical and learning development
• To support the development and implementation of an emergent, play-based curriculum
• To carry out observations and assessments, ensuring that there are up to date and ongoing records for children in the setting
• To support the development and implementation of individual child care plans
• To plan and organise activities and programmes that contribute to children’s learning and development and support positive parent/child interactions
• To recognise that parents are children’s first and primary educators and to include parents in their child’s learning journey
• To engage with parents and families in positive and creative ways and ensure that there is regular communication between the home and the early years setting
• To work in partnership with colleagues in other agencies including social services, health services, pre-school and school providers
• To adhere to the principles of Children First and to promote the welfare of children To participate in all relevant staff training and capacity building
• To ensure that all appropriate records are maintained
• To promote ethnically sensitive and anti-discriminatory practice and ensure that equal opportunities policies and procedures are fully integrated into the work of the CFC
• To take part in regular supervision
• To participate in research and evaluation and quality improvement projects as required.

Qualifications and Experience
Essential

• A recognised qualification in Early Years Care and Education
• A minimum of 2 years’ experience in working as an early years’ practitioner

Desirable

• Good knowledge of Aistear / Síolta
• Previous experience of working in a community based service

Person Specification

• Excellent communication skills
• Knowledge and understanding of the issues facing children and families, particularly in disadvantaged communities
• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the early years sector
• Commitment to work creatively to achieve better outcomes for children and families
• Capacity to implement and review plans and programmes to respond to needs of service users
• Capacity to work in partnership with a wide range of stakeholders, including partner agencies, parents and children
• Capacity to work with adaptability and sensitivity and to work flexible hours as required
• Ability to identify and appropriately address child protection concerns
• Capacity to self-motivate and work independently and in collaboration with a team
• A commitment to his/her own continuing professional development

Terms and Conditions

• Permanent positions subject to 6 months’ probation, Garda Vetting and continued funding from statutory funding agencies.
• Salary: Commensurate with experience and adhering to JLC/ERO Recommendations
• Generous annual leave
• Pension scheme

Ongoing Continuous Professional Development opportunities
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent
Pay: Up to €16.93 per hour
Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Limerick, County Limerick: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Language:

• English (preferred)

Licence/Certification:

• Level 5 in Early Years Education (required)

Work authorisation:

• Ireland (required)

Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 20/09/2024