Advisory Teacher - Autism (Local Impact Teams) - NHSCT Area in Ballymena

PERSON SPECIFICATION NOTES TO JOB APPLICANTS

1. 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.

2. You must demonstrate how you meet the criteria by the closing date for applications, unless the criteria state otherwise.

3. The stage in the process when the criteria will be measured is outlined in the table below.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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 on how you meet any desirable criteria.

Section 1 - Essential Criteria

• Qualifications: Be a qualified teacher as recognised by the Department of Education to teach in grant-aided schools.
• Experience: Have a minimum of three years’ demonstrable experience of directly teaching pupils with Special Educational Needs, arising from a diagnosis of autism, in mainstream primary and/or post-primary schools, Special Schools, in a Specialist Provision attached to a mainstream school and/or within Pupil Support Services. Demonstrable experience of a range of appropriate evidence-based interventions that can be applied in school settings to support autistic pupils. Have experience of working collaboratively with a range of professionals to support children with SEN.
• Knowledge: Demonstrable knowledge of appropriate teaching strategies and approaches to meet the learning needs of autistic children and young people.
• Other: The successful candidate will be required to have access to a suitable vehicle (appropriately maintained and insured for Education Authority business) that will enable them to carry out the mobility requirements of the post in an efficient and effective manner.

Section 2 - Essential Criteria

• Knowledge: Illustrate a range of experiences of successfully teaching autistic children and young people. Experience and knowledge of using relevant teaching strategies to support autistic children and young people. Experience and knowledge of a range of evidence-based interventions that can be used to support autistic children and young people. Knowledge of the Dyad of Impairments associated with a diagnosis of autism and knowledge of the strengths associated with autism. Knowledge of associated challenges which may be associated with autism and knowledge of appropriate strategies used to support them.
• Skills/Abilities: Ability to use appropriate teaching strategies and support packages that can be applied in school settings to support children and young people with autism. Have a high degree of interpersonal skills and an ability to use initiative, working logically and with precision. The ability to engage and communicate sensitively and professionally with families, setting staff and a range of professionals to promote the best interests of the child. The ability to work as a member of a team and a strong commitment to teamwork. Ability to manage a complex workload and make priorities to meet deadlines particularly when addressing challenging situations and change. Ability to build trust and strong working relationships with stakeholders and colleagues from other areas/agencies.
• Values Orientation: Evidence of how your experience and approach to work reflect EA’s ethos and values.

Section 3 - Desirable Criteria

• Qualifications: Completed accredited training on a minimum of two of the following: TEACCH, PECS, Attention Autism, PEP-3, SCERTS, Interactive Play, Intensive Interaction, Zones of Regulation, Solihull, Post Graduate Certificate in Autism Studies, Masters of Science (Autism Spectrum Disorders), Masters of Education (Autism Spectrum Disorders).
• Experience: Have experience of providing advisory support/training to school staff, parents, colleagues or other professionals.

Our Values: Through the selection process we will also seek evidence that the personal values of candidates align with those of the EA. This will include evidence of commitment to equality and excellence in service delivery.

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.

APPLICANT GUIDANCE NOTES: To view the applicant guidance notes, please click here. To learn about the many great benefits of joining the Education Authority, click here.

The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

JOB DESCRIPTION

REPORTS TO: Local Impact Team Manager

RESPONSIBLE FOR: Delivering the Programme of Offer within Local Impact Teams

JOB PURPOSE: The Autism Advisory Teacher will work within the Education Authority Local Impact Teams. The role of the Autism Advisory Teacher is to deliver training, to offer advice and support to school staff and parents/carers, and to work directly with autistic children and young people regards of their stage on the diagnostic journey.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Advise and support staff working in schools, nurseries and preschool settings.
• Contribute to the implementation of a range of interventions.
• Work directly with selected individual pupils.
• Develop Autistic Specific Training Programmes.
• Promote Parental Involvement.
• Provide Advice to the Education Authority.
• Liaise with other Agencies.
• Be involved with Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
• Complete Other Duties.

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.

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.