Classroom Assistant (Additional Special Educational Needs) in Belfast

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 obtained through 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.
  • OR have a minimum of 12 months’ experience of working in a formal learning environment.
• Knowledge
  • Demonstrate a working knowledge of health and safety requirements, development needs of children and/or young people, child protection and safeguarding.
• Skills
  • Evidence of effective planning and organising skills.
  • Ability to follow agreed systems and plans.
  • Ability to work as part of a team.
  • Ability to work flexibly and creatively to help ensure a child-centred learning experience.
• Additional Skills
  • Undertaking more comprehensive or invasive medical/clinical procedures.
  • Assisting pupils with specialist communication needs or sensory difficulties to access the curriculum.
  • Working with pupils with challenging behaviour.
  • Working knowledge of specific areas of SEN and implications for learning.
  • Effective strategies to support the learning of pupils with SEN/particular needs.
• Behaviours
  • Effective and positive communication skills.
  • Ability to build positive and supportive relationships.
  • Empathy.
  • Confidentiality.

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
  • Additional training/qualification e.g., Makaton, First Aid, Team Teach training, manual handling training, feeding training.
  • Level 3 (or equivalent level) qualification in a relevant area.
  • Hold a minimum of level 2 passes in English and/or Mathematics, or higher-level qualifications.
• Experience
  • Additional working experience in a formal learning environment.
  • Experience of working with a child and/or young person with a specific special educational need/physical disability/complex medical needs/SLD/PMLD etc.
  • Experience of working as a Classroom Assistant with pupils in a particular setting.
• Further SEN Skills
  • Ability to use assistive technology.
  • Ability to proactively support pupils with specific needs.
  • Ability to deal with challenging behaviour.
  • Ability to use digital technologies to assist in learning and the preparation of resources.

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 appointment 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.

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 PURPOSE

Under the direction of the class teacher/outreach teacher/Education Authority officer, 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.

• ADDITIONAL SPECIAL CLASSROOM SUPPORT
  • Undertake more comprehensive or invasive medical/clinical procedures.
  • Help pupils with specialist communication skills and/or sensory difficulties access the curriculum.
  • Deal with pupils with very challenging behaviour as identified by the Educational Psychology Service as requiring additional provision.
• SPECIAL CLASSROOM SUPPORT
  • Assist the teacher with the support and care of pupil(s) with special educational needs.
  • Develop an understanding of the specific needs of the pupil(s) to be supported.
  • Assist with authorised programmes and encourage pupil(s) participation.
  • Contribute to the inclusion of the pupil in mainstream classroom under the direction of the class teacher.
  • 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.
  • Be aware of school policies, procedures and of confidential issues linked to home/pupil/teacher/school work.
  • Establish a supportive relationship with the pupils concerned.
  • Prepare and produce appropriate resources to support pupil(s).
  • Supervise groups of pupils, or individual pupils on specified activities.
  • Provide continuity of adult care.
  • 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.
  • Contribute to the maintenance of pupil(s) progress records.
  • Provide regular feedback about the pupil(s) to the teacher.
  • Duplicate written materials and assist with production of charts and displays.
• OTHER DUTIES
  • Attend relevant in-service training.
  • Assist work placement students with practical tasks.
  • Such other duties as may be assigned by the Principal 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.