Classroom Assistant (Special Educational Needs) - Specialist Provision Unit in Derry

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Details on how the application will be assessed are stated within the following sections.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

• Hold a minimum of a Level 2 (or equivalent) qualification from a recognised accredited awarding body – Certificate or Diploma level (award level not acceptable).
• Have a minimum of 6 weeks of experience gained either through working in a formal learning environment or through a placement completed as part of your Level 2 qualification.
• Have a minimum of 12 months’ experience working in a formal learning environment.

Core Knowledge

• Health and safety requirements
• Development needs of children and/or young people
• Child protection and safeguarding
• Interview/Assessment Skills
• 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 ensure a child-centred learning experience
• Effective and positive communication skills

Core Behaviours

• Ability to build positive and supportive relationships
• Empathy
• Confidentiality

DESIRABLE CRITERIA

• Completed training relevant to the role, for example in social, emotional and behavioural difficulties, language and communication, ASD, ADHD.
• Hold a Level 3 (or equivalent) qualification from a recognised accredited awarding body.
• 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
• Specific experience of working with children/young people with special educational needs or particular needs as per statement
• Experience working as a Classroom Assistant with pupils in a particular setting (nursery, primary, post-primary, specialist provision unit attached to a mainstream or special school setting)
• 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 in specified places as ‘regulated activity’. For post appointments involving regulated activity, the Education Authority will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background. Applicants will be expected to meet the cost of an Enhanced Disclosure Certificate – details of payment will be provided at the pre-employment stage.

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB PURPOSE

Under the direction of the class teacher/outreach teacher/Education Authority, assist with the educational support and the care of pupil(s) with special educational needs who are in the teacher’s care in or outside the classroom.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

SPECIAL CLASSROOM SUPPORT

• Assist the teacher with the support and care of pupil(s) with special educational needs – enable access to the curriculum, attend to personal needs including dietary, feeding, toileting, etc.
• Develop an understanding of the specific needs of the pupil(s) to be supported.
• Assist with authorised programmes (e.g. Education Plan, Care Plan), participate in the evaluation of the support and encourage pupil(s) participation.
• Contribute to the inclusion of the pupil in mainstream schools under the directions of the class teacher.
• Assist with operational difficulties and non-invasive medical/clinical difficulties pertaining to pupil(s) disabilities.
• 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 by assisting with the management of the learning environment.
• This includes clarifying and explaining instruction; ensuring the pupils are able to use equipment and materials; motivating and encouraging the pupil(s); reinforcing or developing areas as required; promoting independence; helping pupils stay on work set; meeting physical/medical needs as required while encouraging independence.
• Be aware of school policies, procedures and confidential issues linked to home/pupil/teacher/school work and keep confidences appropriately.
• Establish a supportive relationship with the pupils concerned.
• Prepare and produce appropriate resources to support pupils and take care of material for play sessions.
• 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.
• Under the direction of the teacher and following an appropriate risk assessment, assist with off-site activities.
• Provide continuity of adult care – supervising play and cloakrooms including hand washing, toileting, etc.
• Provide supervision/support including the administration of prescribed medicines and drugs for children who are ill and deal with minor cuts and grazes.
• Ensure, as far as possible, a safe environment for pupils.
• Report to the class teacher any signs or symptoms that may suggest a pupil requires expert or immediate attention.

ADMINISTRATION

• Assist with classroom administration.
• Assist the class teacher and/or other professionals with the implementation of the system for recording the pupil(s) progress.
• Contribute to the maintenance of pupil(s) progress records.
• Provide regular feedback about the pupil(s) to the teacher/officer.
• Duplicate written materials, assist with production of charts and displays, record radio and television programmes, catalogue and process books and resources.

OTHER DUTIES

• Attend relevant in-service training.
• Assist work placement students with practical tasks.
• Assist with any other duties 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. The post holder is expected to promote good relations, equality of opportunity and pay, and due regard for equality legislation at all times. The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer.