Early Years Officer - Special Educational Needs

Ballybeen Women's Centre; Dundonald; On-site; GBP 10,000; Part time

Job summary

A community centre in Northern Ireland is seeking an Early Years Officer to assist with the educational support of children with special educational needs. The role involves developing care plans, ensuring inclusion in mainstream settings, and supporting personal needs. Ideal candidates should possess a Level 2 qualification and have experience working with children with SEN. This is a part-time position offering £9,523.80 per annum pro rata, working 15 hours a week until June 2026.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 6 months experience working with children with special educational needs.
• 1 year experience in a related role.
• Training in social, emotional & behavioural difficulties.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the educational support and care of pupils with special needs.
• Develop understanding of specific needs and support inclusion.
• Report any signs requiring expert attention to the Early Years Leader.

Skills

Knowledge of health & safety requirements

Effective planning & organising skills

Teamwork and flexibility

Use of digital technologies for learning

Education

Minimum Level 2 qualification in a relevant area

Level 3 qualification in a relevant area

Job description

Early Years Officer - Special Educational Needs

Under the direction of the Early Years Manager, assist with the educational support and the care of the pupil with special educational needs who is in the Preschool's care in or outside the classroom.The precise duties of the post will be determined by the Early Years Manager in consultation with the Education Authority Officer.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Early Years Leader with the support and care of the pupil 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 to be supported.
• Assist with relevant plans, participate in the evaluation of the support and encourage pupil participation in their plan.
• Contribute to the inclusion of the pupil in mainstream Preschool setting under the directions of the Early Years Leader.
• Assist with operational difficulties and non-invasive medical/clinical difficulties pertaining to pupil disabilities where appropriate.
• Support in implementing conduct management.
• Assist pupil in moving around the setting and on occasional outings.
• Assist the pupil learn as effectively as possible both in group situations and on their own by assisting with the management of the learning environment.
• Be aware of policies, procedures and confidential issues relating to pupil and keep these confidences appropriately.
• Establish a supportive relationship with the pupil.
• Take care of materials provided for play sessions.
• Provide continuity of care. Provide supervision/support including the administration of prescribed medicines and drugs for child who is ill and deal with minor cuts and grazes - when applicable.
• Report to the Early Years Leader any signs or symptoms displayed which may suggest that a pupil requires expert or immediate attention.

Skills and Qualifications

• Hold a minimum of a Level 2 (or equivalent) qualification in a relevant area from a recognised accredited awarding body AND have a minimum of 6 months experience working with a child/ren with SEN
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of health & safety requirements; development needs of children; child protection & safeguarding
• Evidence of the following skills to support child-centred learning & assist with the management of the learning environment:effective planning & organising skills; follow agreed systems & plans; work as part of team; work flexibly & creatively
• Level 3 (or equivalent level) qualification in a relevant area from a recognised accredited awarding body.
• Have 1 year experience of working with a child/ren with SEN
• Have completed training relevant to the role e.g. social, emotional & behavioural difficulties; language & communication; ASD; ADHD
• Ability to use digital technologies to assist in learning & the preparation of resources.

Further Information

To apply email your CV to the employer.£9,523.80 per annum pro rata.This post is 15 hours per week, term-time only, temporary, fixed term until June 2026. Please e-mail CV with cover letter showing how you meet the criteria together with a completed monitoring form.Ballybeen Women's Centre is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

Area: Republic of Ireland
Closing date: 20 Dec 2025