Basic Function

The National Placement Specialist is responsible for the operational and quality assurance management of work-based learning, Practical Learning Period (PLP) across all Teagasc Programmes.  They organise and safeguard Irish and overseas placements for learners on Teagasc training programmes. They will oversee the recruitment, approval and monitoring of hosts and will maintain host and learner records.

The role involves managing PLP documentation (host applications, insurance confirmations, Garda vetting and safety records) and advising learners, hosts and management on welfare, legal and health-and-safety obligations.

The successful applicant will coordinate and deliver standardisation and placement‑officer training, contribute to policy and resource development for Teagasc education, investigate incidents and manage complaints arising from placements

Background

Teagasc is a leading provider of accredited education and training for the land‑based sector. It delivers further education and apprenticeship training and co‑delivers higher education programmes with universities/technical universities. Teagasc provides training to the agricultural, horticultural, forestry and equine sector. It also delivers continuous professional development to the sector through a series of short training courses.  Around 1,000 learners undertake work experience (PLP) with Teagasc annually

The Teagasc Curriculum Development and Standards Unit (CDSU) support academic governance and quality assurance by developing and reviewing education programmes, aligning them with QQI standards and monitoring teaching, learning and assessment.

The successful candidate will join the Curriculum Development and Standards Unit (CDSU) and contribute to the efficient operation of the unit by coordinating and overseeing PLP programmes.

• Manage and co‑ordinate PLP for learners on Teagasc and Teagasc‑supported training programmes.
• Manage overseas foreign PLP, including the approval of foreign work experience arrangements and hosts based overseas.
• Co‑ordinate and consult with PLP officers in the delivery of an annual PLP programme.
• Maintain an up‑to‑date register of active Teagasc hosts and benchmark farms.
• Oversee the approval, inspection and registration of suitable hosts.
• Ensure Garda Vetting for hosts where learners are minors or vulnerable adults and record compliance with Child Safeguarding obligations and reporting pathways (including Tusla where relevant).
• Ensure appropriate employer’s liability and public liability cover for all placements (domestic and overseas), and record proof of cover.
• Investigate and report on accidents and incidents occurring during PLP programmes and ensure timely statutory reporting where required.
• Administer learner feedback, complaints, disciplinary and grievance procedures arising from placements and escalate as necessary.
• Monitor and quality-assure training environments offered by hosts and benchmark farms to ensure they meet required standards of safety and welfare.
• Maintain records and provide regular, appropriate reports on PLP and benchmark farm activities.
• Collate and analyse placement performance indicators and learner outcomes for continuous improvement reporting.
• Review the effectiveness of PLP delivery and identify innovative approaches to enhance operational efficiency and programme quality.
• Identify training needs and co‑ordinate appropriate in‑service training for Teagasc hosts and PLP officers.
• Advise hosts, learners, college placement officers and other Teagasc staff on requirements including working conditions, insurance, health and safety obligations, Child Safeguarding and Garda Vetting and learner welfare.
• Consult with key stakeholders including statutory bodies, host associations, colleges, placement officers and foreign work experience agencies.
• Assist in the preparation and updating of education content material for the Teagasc website and other promotional materials relating to placements.
• Maintain and update the Teagasc PLP brochure, PLP policies and procedures, and documentation relating to the administration of Teagasc PLP programmes.
• Review the effectiveness of PLP and investigate innovative approaches to ensure efficient management and continuous improvement of PLP.
• Support re‑validation of Teagasc training programmes and contribute to the updating of curriculum and teaching support materials.
• Support the development and updating of module specifications.
• Assist in the development and updating of Teagasc quality assurance policies and implementation of QA procedures.
• Support in‑service training for tutors in relation to placement management and quality assurance requirements.
• Assist with external authentication.
• Ensure compliance with data protection (GDPR) for all learner and host records, and maintain secure storage of personal data and consent forms
• Participate in continuous professional development through active participation in PMDS.
• Assist Teagasc in meeting the commitments of the Quality Customer Charter and Teagasc Customer Action Plan.
• Undertake other duties as required from time to time.

• Fully co-operate with the provisions made for ensuring the health, safety and welfare of themselves, fellow staff and non-Teagasc staff and co-operate with management in enabling Teagasc to comply with legal obligations. This includes full compliance with the responsibilities outlined in the Safety Statement.
• Any other duties as may be assigned from time to time

 * This job specification is intended as a guide to the general range of duties and is intended to be neither definitive nor restrictive.  It will be reviewed from time to time with the post holder.

 Note:  The ‘essential’ qualifications, knowledge, skills and behavioural competencies outlined above are ‘must-have’ which will be used in the selection process.

Note:  Alternative location(s) may be considered solely at the discretion of Teagasc management.