Activity Leader Ireland, Marino Institute of Education

MLA (Move Language Ahead) is an industry leader in providing safe, educational, and cultural holidays to students from around the world. Each year thousands of students travel with MLA as part of our short-term English as a second language (ESL) programmes. Along with our proprietary ESL curriculum, we also provide our students with great excursions featuring some of the most popular historical and tourist destinations across the globe.

ACTIVITY LEADER

Join the MLA Move Language Ahead team as an Activity Leader and embark on an extraordinary summer adventure filled with joy, cultural exchange, and the chance to make a lasting impact on the lives of international students.

As a full-time, seasonal position running from mid-June to mid-August, you'll be at the heart of our immersive language programme, working closely with the Activity Manager, Centre Administrator, and Centre Director to create a dynamic and unforgettable experience for our students.

Your role as an MLA Activity Leader goes beyond just ensuring safety and well-being; it's about fostering a sense of excitement and connection among our diverse group of international students. Your days will be filled with creativity as you design and lead engaging activities, from afternoon sports to evening dance parties, ensuring every moment is brimming with energy and enthusiasm.

We're on the lookout for someone who thrives on flexibility, cares deeply about making a positive difference, and is genuinely excited to work with kids. Your infectious energy will be key as you guide students on local and regional excursions, sharing your passion for the attractions they explore and creating memories that last a lifetime.

As a vital member of the MLA team, your commitment is essential to ensuring our international students feel cared for throughout their entire journey with us — from the excitement of their arrival at the airport to the bittersweet farewell at the end of their transformative experience.

If you're ready to blend fun with purpose, eager to contribute to the growth and cultural exchange of young minds and seek a summer experience that goes beyond the ordinary, apply now to join us as an MLA Activity Leader. Let's make this summer unforgettable together

POSITION OVERVIEW

• Responsible for the activity and excursion programme for international students
• Reports to Activity Manager / Centre Director
• Non-residential/residential employment available from late June – mid August
• 6 days per week

Lead quality programming that engages students into activities and excursions both on and off the MLA Centres. To provide an environment which promotes student health, safety, and welfare.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE

Activity Leaders must have a high school degree and related experience in working with children/teenagers. They must represent MLA Move Language Ahead values and model those values to subordinates and colleagues.

Required skills include:

• Enthusiasm
• Excellent organisational and interpersonal skills
• Self-Motivated
• Ability to work in a high-pressure environment
• Flexibility and adaptability
• Ability to work as part of a team

Preferred qualifications include:

• A First Aid qualification or willingness to obtain
• Lifeguard and/or other coaching qualification
• Experience of training for or working in the Sport, Leisure, Theatre or similar industry
• Knowledge of the rules and organisation of one or more sports/games
• An interest and ability to organise activities such as drama, arts & crafts, talent shows

COVID-19 HEALTH AND SAFETY

MLA encourages all employees to be fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus. The EU Green Pass may be requested prior to being admitted at the Centre. Employees may be required to wear face masks while working in areas where social distancing is not possible.

MLA MOVE LANGUAGE AHEAD WELFARE AND SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT

MLA Move Language Ahead is committed to safe practices in recruitment and selection that includes consideration of issues to do with child protection, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Successful applicants will undergo a Garda check, have their references verified and checks completed in line with our Safeguarding & Safer Recruitment Policies.

KEY POSITION ACCOUNTABILITIES

As an Activity Leader you are responsible for entertaining, guiding, planning and leading the students through a variety of activities, which you will both lead and partake in. Duties include taking part and leading activities which take place on and off site. In addition, you will be responsible for residential supervision such as at meal times and pastoral duties. Summer centres are very busy places and there may be duties to perform in addition to those detailed below;

Activities/Responsibilities

• To ensure adequate preparation & set up for on/offsite activities and excursions.
• Lead, supervise, motivate & engage students on activities and excursions, through active participation yourself.
• Pro-actively encouraging the children to take part in planned activities both during the day and in the evenings.
• Preparing full activity plans for each activity, and ensuring that you have read all the risk assessments. To assist in the organisation and preparation of a wide range of activities, including during the day, evenings, weekend excursions and pastoral duties.
• To participate in, supervise and lead all activities including sports, karaoke, disco nights, etc.

Welfare/Safeguarding

• You must take reasonable responsibility for the students under your charge and act to always secure and never to endanger their physical and moral welfare.
• Checking all students are accounted for in the classrooms and during activities/excursions.
• To maintain proper levels of student discipline, safety and welfare.
• To carry out residential supervision duties, including meal and pastoral supervision and guardian duties.
• Welcoming new students to the centre.
• Airport assistance.
• Arrival/Departure procedures.
• To address any student or staff concerns raised to you and report them to the relevant persons involved.
• To be aware of safeguarding duties regarding under 18's.

Company Quality Performance

• To ensure customer satisfaction in the leading of activities and trips at your centre.
• To enthusiastically promote the Activity Programme.

Administration Duties

• Preparing Welcome Packs, Excursion Packs and student ID badges.
• Designing and displaying posters and programme information. Photocopying and general office administration.
• To assist in day to day general duties as instructed by senior management.
• To complete post activity/excursion evaluation and observation forms.

Liaising

• To develop and maintain open lines of communication with Group Leaders.
• To liaise with all other members of the Go Languages Team keeping all lines of communication open.
• To develop a strong rapport with all departments in Go Languages developing working and professional relationships.

On an Excursion/During an Activity/At the Centre

• To behave in a professional manner and demonstrate leadership skills.
• To adhere to Safeguarding and Welfare duties.
• To provide support to all students, Group Leaders and Staff at all times.
• Please refer to the Activity Leaders Manual for more detailed information of duties on an Excursion and During an Activity.

Staff Training/Induction

• To attend all required paid training and induction meetings and take an active part in discussion and feedback prior to start of employment.
• Review itineraries and become knowledgeable about attractions.
• Complete any required training sessions/courses both online and in person as directed.
• Provide all necessary paperwork prior to employment.

Health & Safety

• To comply with all health and safety, first aid and welfare procedures as required by the Company.
• Being aware of relevant fire, health and safety issues in the classroom and around the centre and during excursions.
• Wear company issued PPE as required.

Child Protection & Safeguarding

• All staff share the responsibility for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and must adhere to, and comply with, Go Languages Worldwide Safeguarding Policy.
• To provide safety and welfare assistance to students.
• To be vigilant for possible welfare problems of students.

COMPENSATION

Non-Residential Activity Leaders will be paid EUR14.00 per hour. Average working hours per week is 44.

*Pay is inclusive of holiday pay.

Residential Activity Leaders will be paid EUR 490

*Pay is inclusive of holiday pay.

*Housing deduction of EUR 55.00 per week will apply.

Residential Activity Leaders will be paid weekly based on the employee age. Average working hours per week is up to 44 hrs.

MLA REPUTATION & CODE OF CONDUCT

• To actively support MLA in its mission to provide quality learning.
• To provide courses that will challenge the students (realise their potential) and work together to reach their academic targets and support them.
• To comply with management requests to follow the guidelines of external organisations such as British Council in a timely and accurate manner.
• To be dressed in a presentable professional way and always start on time and if this is not possible to inform your manager as early as possible.
• Develop a good rapport with the students and Group Leaders and avoid absences as much as possible.
• There is a specific list of what code of conduct we expect from all staff members in our Staff Handbook.

THE EMPLOYMENT EQUALITY ACTS 1998-2015

MLA Move Language Ahead is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to excellence through diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, marital status, being pregnant or on maternity leave, race (including ethnic or national origin, nationality and colour), disability, sexual orientation or expression, religion, beliefs, or any other non-job related criteria.