Classroom Assistant (ASEN) - Exceptional Teaching Arrangements Service in Newtownabbey

Overview

Classroom Assistant (ASEN) - Exceptional Teaching Arrangements Service

Join to apply for the Classroom Assistant (ASEN) - Exceptional Teaching Arrangements Service role at Education Authority (Northern Ireland).

Job Description

ETA offers a multi-disciplinary approach to education with a team of teachers, support staff and wider agencies. The service provides education on an individualised programme based on the needs of young people who are currently unable to access mainstream education due to a range of Mental Health challenges. Pupils are taught on a small group basis. The aim is reintegration where possible.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Support pupils who have a range of abilities, ensuring the best possible outcomes; build positive, supportive, and nurturing relationships.
• Work under the direction of the class teacher/outreach teacher/Education Authority officer.
• Provide educational support and care for pupils with special educational needs in or outside the classroom.

Specific duty blocks include:

• 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 with access to the curriculum, attending to personal needs, implementing authorised programmes (e.g., Education Plan, Care Plan), supporting pupil participation, and aiding inclusion in mainstream classroom settings; assist with medical and behavioural management needs; support movement around school and transport.
• General Classroom Support: assist with learning, manage learning environment, motivate and encourage pupils, promote independence, supervise groups or individuals, and maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Administration: assist with classroom administration, maintain pupil progress records, provide feedback, and help prepare materials and resources.
• Other Duties: attend in-service training and assist work placement students; perform other duties as assigned by the Head of Service & Senior Teacher within the level of the post.

Qualifications and Criteria

Section 1 - Essential Criteria

• Hold a minimum of Level 2 (or equivalent) qualification in a relevant area obtained through a recognised awarding body.
• Qualification must be at Certificate or Diploma level; an Award level is not acceptable.
• Have a minimum of 6 weeks experience in a formal learning environment or through a placement as part of Level 2 qualification, or have a minimum of 12 months’ experience in a formal learning environment.
• Demonstrate knowledge of health and safety requirements, development needs of children/young people, and child protection and safeguarding.
• Evidence of effective planning and organising skills; ability to follow systems and plans; ability to work as part of a team; capacity to work flexibly and creatively to support child-centred learning.
• Evidence of at least one of the following or related skills/experience in a learning environment: more comprehensive medical procedures, assisting pupils with specialist needs, working with pupils with challenging behaviour, knowledge of SEN and implications for learning, or related areas of SEN (communication, cognition, social/mental health, sensory/physical).
• Demonstrate effective and positive communication, ability to build relationships, empathy, and confidentiality.

Section 2 - Desirable Criteria

• Additional training/qualification (e.g., Braille, Makaton, First Aid, speech and language support, Team Teach).
• Hold Level 3 (or equivalent) qualification in a relevant area.
• Hold passes in English and/or Mathematics or higher-level qualifications.
• Experience of working as a Classroom Assistant in a specialist provision or setting.
• Ability to use assistive/digital technologies to support learning and resources; ability to support pupils with specific needs.

Other Provisions

The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer. A Disclosure of Criminal Background may be required for posts involving regulated activity, with the applicant meeting the cost of the Enhanced Disclosure Certificate at pre-employment. Further information is available via NI Direct or the Department of Justice.

Applicants should note that the selection includes values alignment with EA and that shortlisting may apply desirable criteria as required.

Job Details

• Reports to: Senior Teacher, via class teacher.
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Administrative
• Industries: Education Administration Programs