Classroom Assistant Special Educational Needs

Education Authority (Northern Ireland); Carrickfergus; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

Education Authority (Northern Ireland) seeks a Classroom Assistant to support pupils with special educational needs under the guidance of the class teacher. You will assist with learning activities, manage the environment, and help with personal care to promote inclusion and safety.

Candidates should have a Level 2 qualification or equivalent and at least 6 weeks’ experience in a learning setting; 12 months’ experience is desirable.

Qualifications

• Hold a Level 2 (or equivalent) qualification in a relevant area from a recognised awarding body.
• Minimum of 6 weeks experience in a formal learning environment or as part of your Level 2 qualification.
• Have a minimum of 12 months’ experience of working in a formal learning environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the support and care of pupils with SEN, enabling access to the curriculum and attending to personal needs.
• Develop understanding of each pupil's needs and support authorised programmes (e.g., Education Plan, Care Plan).
• Contribute to inclusion and support with behavioural management.
• Assist with classroom administration and maintain pupil progress records.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Team collaboration

ICT skills

Flexibility

Education

Level 2 qualification

6 weeks experience in learning environment

12 months experience in learning environment

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Classroom Assistant - Special Educational Needs

REPORTS TO: The Principal, through the class teacher

JOB PURPOSE Under the direction of the class teacher/outreach teacher/Education Authority, assist with the educational support and the care of the pupil(s) with special educational needs who is/are in the teacher’s care in or outside the classroom.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The precise duties of the post will be determined by the principal/outreach teacher/ Education Authority officer.

SPECIAL CLASSROOM SUPPORT

• Assist the teacher with the support and care of pupil(s) with special educational needs e.g. enable access to the curriculum, attend to personal needs including dietary, feeding, toileting etc.
• Develop an understanding of the specific needs of the pupil(s) to be supported.
• Assist with authorised programmes (e.g. Education Plan, Care Plan), participate in the evaluation of the support and encourage pupil(s) participation in such programmes.
• Contribute to the inclusion of the pupil in mainstream schools under the directions of the class teacher.
• Assist with operational difficulties and non-invasive medical/clinical difficulties pertaining to pupil(s) disabilities.
• Support in implementing behavioural management programmes as directed.
• Assist pupil(s) in moving around school and on and off transport.

GENERAL CLASSROOM SUPPORT

• Assist pupil(s) learn as effectively as possible both in group situations and on their own by assisting with the management of the learning environment through:

• clarifying and explaining instruction;
• ensuring the pupils are able to use equipment and materials provided;
• assisting in motivating and encouraging the pupil(s) as required;
• assisting in areas requiring reinforcement or development;
• promoting the independence of pupils to enhance learning;
• helping pupil(s) stay on work set;
• meeting physical/medical needs as required whilst encouraging independence.

• Be aware of school policies, procedures and of confidential issues linked to home/pupil/teacher/school work and to keep confidences appropriately.
• Establish a supportive relationship with the pupils concerned.
• Prepare and produce appropriate resources to support pupil(s) and take care of material for play sessions.
• Supervise groups of pupils, or individual pupils on specified activities including talking and listening, using ICT, extra curricular activities, and other duties, as directed by the class teacher/officer.
• Under the direction of the teacher, and following an appropriate risk assessment, assist with off-site activities.
• Provide continuity of adult care of e.g. supervising play and cloakrooms including hand washing, toileting etc.
• Provide supervision/support including the administration of prescribed medicines and drugs for children who are ill and deal with minor cuts and grazes.
• Ensure as far as possible a safe environment for pupils.
• Report to the class teacher any signs or symptoms displayed which may suggest that a pupil requires expert or immediate attention.

ADMINISTRATION

• Assist with classroom administration.
• Assist the class teacher and/or other professionals with the implementation of the system for recording the pupil(s) progress.
• Contribute to the maintenance of pupil(s) progress records.
• Provide regular feedback about the pupil(s) to the teacher/officer.
• Duplicate written materials, assist with production of charts and displays, record radio and television programmes, catalogue and process books and resources.

OTHER DUTIES

• Attend relevant in-service training.
• Assist work placement students with practical tasks.
• Such other duties as may be assigned by the principal/outreach teacher/Education Authority officer within the level of the post.

This job description will be subject to review in light of changing circumstances and is not intended to be rigid and inflexible but should be regarded as providing guidelines within which the individual works. Other duties of a similar nature and appropriate to the grade may be assigned from time to time. In accordance with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act (1998), the post-holder is expected to promote good relations, equality of opportunity and pay due regard for equality legislation at all times.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

NOTES TO JOB APPLICANTS

• You must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question, how, and to what extent you meet the required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. You should clearly demonstrate this for both the essential and desirable criteria, where relevant.
• You must demonstrate how you meet the criteria by the closing date for applications, unless the criteria state otherwise.
• The stage in the process when the criteria will be measured is outlined in the table below.
• Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out in Section 1 below, using the information provided by you on your application form.
• Please note that the Selection Panel reserves the right to shortlist only those applicants that it believes most strongly meet the criteria for the role.
• In the event of an excessive number of applications, the Selection Panel also reserves the right to apply any desirable criteria as outlined in Section 3 at shortlisting, in which case these will be applied in the order listed. It is important therefore that you also clearly demonstrate on your application form how you meet any desirable criteria.

SECTION 1 - ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

The following are essential criteria which will initially be measured at the shortlisting stage and which may also be further explored during the interview/selection stage. You should therefore make it clear on your application form how, and to what extent you match these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.

Option 1

Factor

Essential Criteria

Method of Assessment

Qualifications and Experience

• Hold a minimum of a Level 2 (or equivalent) qualification in a relevant area from a recognised accredited awarding body. Qualification must be at Certificate or Diploma level. Award level is not acceptable.
• AND
• Have a minimum of 6 weeks experience which has been gained either through working in a formal learning environment or through a placement completed as part of your level 2 (or equivalent) qualification.

OR

Option 2

Have a minimum of 12 months’ experience of working in a formal learning environment.

Sifting by Application Form

Sifting by Application Form and verified at Interview

Core Knowledge

• The requirements of a Classroom Assistant (special educational needs)
• Child development issues
• Health and safety requirements, relevant to the role
• Evidence of how your experience and approach to work reflect the school's values/ethos. You will find information about the school's values/ethos on our school website

Interview/Assessment

Skills

• Evidence of an ability to work flexibly and creatively to help ensure a child-centered learning experience.
• Highly effective interpersonal and communication skills
• Proven team working and collaborative skills
• Evidence of effective planning and organising skills to ensure work is completed on time to the required standard.
• Evidence of a working knowledge of information technology systems including: Microsoft Word and Outlook and/or C2K schools IT systems.

Core Behaviours

Interview

SECTION 2 - DESIRABLE CRITERIA

• Have a minimum of one years' experience of working with a child/children with special educational needs.
• Have a minimum of six month's experience working as a Classroom Assistant with a child/children with special educational needs.

DISCLOSURE OF CRIMINAL BACKGROUND

The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007 defines working directly with children or young people or in specified places as ‘regulated activity’. In the event that you are recommended for appointed to a post that involves ‘regulated activity’, the Education Authority will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background.

Please note that you WILL be expected to meet the cost of an Enhanced Disclosure Certificate. Details of how to make payment will be sent to you at the pre-employment stage.

Further information can be accessed at NI Direct or the Department of Justice.

The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer