Classroom Assistant. Job in Newtownabbey Education & Training Jobs

JOB PURPOSE
Under the direction of the class teacher/outreach teacher/board officer assist with the educational support and care of the pupils in a designated class or classes in or outside the classroom.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The precise duties of the post will be determined by the principal.

CLASSROOM SUPPORT

• Assist the teacher in the efficient running of the class.
• Assist as required pupils learn as effectively as possible both in group situations and on their own by assisting with the management of the learning environment through:

• clarifying and explaining instruction;
• ensuring the pupils are able to use equipment and materials provided;
• assisting in motivating and encouraging the pupils as required;
• contributing to areas requiring reinforcement or development e.g. language behaviour reading spelling handwriting/presentation etc;
• promoting independent learning;
• helping pupils concentrate on and finish work set.

ADMINISTRATION

• Assist with classroom administration e.g. collecting dinner money, lost property etc.
• Duplicate written materials, assist with production of charts and displays, record radio and television programmes, catalogue and process books and resources.
• Contribute to the maintenance of pupil progress records.
• Provide regular feedback about the pupils to the teacher.

OTHER DUTIES

• Attend relevant in-service training.
• Assist work placement students with practical tasks.
• Such other duties as may be assigned by the principal/outreach teacher/Education Authority officer 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. 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.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

SECTION 1 - ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

• Hold a minimum of a Level 2 (or equivalent) qualification in a relevant area from a recognised accredited awarding body.
• 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, effective and positive communication skills.

Behaviours

• Ability to build positive and supportive relationships, empathy, confidentiality.

SECTION 2 - DESIRABLE CRITERIA

• 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 child/children.
• Experience of working as a Classroom Assistant with pupils in a particular setting i.e. nursery/primary.
• 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.

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