NALA’s Distance Learning Service
NALA operate a Freephone line as part of its Distance Learning Service (DLS).
Adults call the Freephone line for advice, learning support and access to distance
learning. There are usually 15 to 20 Distance Learning Tutors and Learning
Support Workers on the NALA panel.
The Role of the Distance Learning Tutor Co-ordinator (Part-time)
The Distance Learning Tutor Co-ordinator supports NALA’s Distance Learning
Service Tutors and will fulfil a number of roles including:
Supporting Distance Learning Tutors and Learning Support Workers
through phone calls, email and meetings by:
 discussing and reviewing with tutors initial assessment, learning plans,
learning sessions, materials used and learning logs/student folders;
 documenting and sharing innovative telephone tutoring methods and
techniques;
 suggesting other new teaching methods and techniques;
 facilitating discussion between tutors about their work;
 identifying and arranging support meetings and training for tutors
where appropriate;
 providing technical and content support for NALA's online systems,
including its Salesforce CRM;
 providing weekly written updates on progress and issues arising; and
 co-ordinating invoicing and other administrative functions required of
tutors.
Supporting Distance Learning Tutors and Online Assessors as they
work with learners towards QQI Levels 1 to 3 accreditation by:
 ensuring NALA’s QA system and validated programme requirements
are followed;
 providing training and guidance on the use of NALA's various online
recording systems;
 supporting the development of evidence;
 facilitating training for tutors around accreditation;
 working with tutors to determine best educational options for learners;
 identifying learners who are ready for assessment; and
 supporting the internal verification, external authentication, results
appeals, results approval and corrective action processes.
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Participating and assisting in the evaluation of the DLS by:
 liaising with the evaluation team;
 communicating requirements of evaluation to tutors;
 collecting data and other information required for evaluation;
 facilitating interviews between evaluation team and tutors;
 organising focus groups; and
 performing a range of administrative duties such as writing verification
reports, keeping records of communications, entering data into
databases and liaising with couriers.
Completing other tasks such as:
 providing regular updates to key NALA staff;
 providing data and statistical evidence;
 sourcing and advising on teaching materials where appropriate;
 preparing and delivering training and presentations on the DLS to
outside organisations; and
 liaising with NALA and Freephone staff.
Administration
This role is varied and involves significant administration as well as tutoring.
These tasks need to be handled in line with NALA's data protection policies and
procedures. The DLT Co-ordinator will be required to have very high ICT and
administrative skills.
ICT Skills
The DLT Co-ordinator will work from NALA’s office and from home and will need
a reliable personal computer and broadband Internet connection. The role
involves the use of Salesforce CRM to upload content, assign learners to tutors
and access data for ongoing evaluation and support. To support tutors, the Coordinator must be comfortable using software packages and have excellent ICT
skills.
The Co-ordinator must be a proficient user of:
 Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Outlook)
 Various browsers including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox,
Internet Explorer and Safari
 Basic graphics packages such as MS Paint, Corel Draw and so on
 Simple Video editing tools such as MS Moviemaker
 Skype and other VOIP applications
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Previous experience in using learner and content management tools will be a
distinct advantage.
Training
The Co-ordinator will be required to prepare and deliver training to the tutoring
team. This training will cover:
 administration processes;
 best practice distance learning literacy tuition;
 assessing learners and setting goals;
 designing and collating a learning programme through distance;
 reviewing and assessing progress;
 supporting tutors to prepare portfolio and evidence for QQI awards;
and
 using various software and hardware packages.
Training for this role will take place on the job. Training for tutoring team typically
happens twice a year, in the summer and before Christmas. This may require
overnight stays.
Working Hours and Pay
The DLT Co-ordinator position is for 22.5 hours per week, to be worked over 4 days
in agreement with the Distance Learning Co-ordinator.
The DLT Co-ordinator is expected to be available to support Distance Learning
Tutors and Learning Support Workers as they are working. This involves being
available most evenings and weekends to take calls and follow up with emails where
required. This flexibility is a key requirement of the position.
Salary: Grade 5 Local Authority Salary Scale (€40,213 - €48,495) pro
rata for 22.5 hours (€24,128 - €29,097)
Travel
Travel is a requirement for this position, so applicants must have a full driving
licence with their own transport. Public transport should be used as much as
possible, but we recognise that occasional private transport will be necessary.
Mileage and subsistence rates are in line with civil service rates.
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