26005190)
: Antrim-Belfast-St Louise's Comprehensive College
Contract Type : Various Contract Types Available (e.g. Permanent, Fixed-Term, Casual, Seasonal…)
Duration of Contract/Contract End Date : N/A
Status : Part-Time
Contract Options : Flexible working arrangements available during school holidays (E.g. Option 1, 2, 3)
Hours per Week : Various posts ranging from 12.5 hpw - 32.5 hpw
Working Pattern : Monday - Friday
Grade/Scale : Classroom Assistant (Special Educational Needs) | NJC pt 11 - 14 | £14.9917 - £15.7367 per hour
Additional Allowance(s) : Not Applicable
Anticipated Interview Date(s) : TBC
Additional Information: Hours ranging from 12.5pw - 32.5hpw posts available.
JOB TITLE: Classroom Assistant – Special Educational Needs
REPORTS TO: The Principal, through the class teacher
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.
GENERAL CLASSROOM SUPPORT
- 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.
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.
Duplicate written materials, assist with production of charts and displays, record radio and television programmes, catalogue and process books and resources.
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.
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.
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 meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.
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.
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.
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
Demonstrate a working knowledge of:
Health and safety requirements
Development needs of children and/or young people.
Child protection and safeguarding
Evidence of the following skills to support child-centred learning and assist with the management of the learning environment:
Effective planning and organising skills.
Ability to follow agreed systems and plans.
Ability to work as part of team
Ability to work flexibly and creatively to help ensure a child-centred learning experience.
Effective and positive communication skills.
Ability to build positive and supportive relationships.
SECTION 2 - DESIRABLE CRITERIA
Some or all of the desirable criteria may be applied by the Selection Panel in order to determine a manageable pool of candidates. Desirable criteria will be applied in the order listed. You should make it clear on your application form how, and to what extent you meet the desirable criteria, as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.
Qualifications and Experience
Have completed training relevant to the role/statement, for example:
Hold a Level 3 (or equivalent level) qualification in a relevant area from a recognised accredited awarding body.
Hold a minimum of level 2 passes in English and/or Mathematics, or higher-level qualifications.
Additional working experience in a formal learning environment.
Specific experience of working with a children/ young person with special educational needs/ particular need as per statement.
Experience of working as a Classroom Assistant with pupils in a post primary school setting.
Ability to use digital technologies to assist in learning and the preparation of resources.
Sifting by Application Form
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.
