Classroom Assistant (Special Educational Needs) x 2 SPECIALIST PROVISION UNIT in Derry

Reports to: The Principal, through the class teacher

Job Purpose

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

Key Responsibilities

• Special Classroom Support
  • Assist the teacher with support and care of pupils with special educational needs, enabling access to the curriculum and attending to personal needs including dietary, feeding, toileting, etc.
  • Develop an understanding of the specific needs of the pupils to be supported.
  • Assist with authorised programmes (e.g., Education Plan, Care Plan), participate in the evaluation of the support and encourage pupil 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 pupils’ disabilities.
  • Support in implementing behavioural management programmes as directed.
  • Assist pupils in moving around school and on and off transport.
• General Classroom Support
  • Assist pupils to learn as effectively as possible in both group situations and individually by managing the learning environment.
  • Clarify and explain instruction.
  • Ensure pupils can use equipment and materials provided.
  • Assist in motivating and encouraging pupils as required.
  • Assist in areas requiring reinforcement or development.
  • Promote the independence of pupils to enhance learning.
  • Help pupils stay on work set.
  • Meet physical/medical needs of pupils whilst encouraging independence.
  • Be aware of school policies, procedures and confidential issues linked to home/pupil/teacher/school work, and keep confidences appropriately.
  • Establish supportive relationships with pupils.
  • 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.
  • Assist with off-site activities following an appropriate risk assessment.
  • Provide continuity of adult care, including supervision of play and cloakroom duties such as hand washing and toileting.
  • Administer 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 displayed which may suggest that 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 pupils’ progress.
  • Contribute to the maintenance of pupils’ progress records.
  • Provide regular feedback about pupils 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.
  • Perform any other duties assigned by the principal/outreach teacher/Education Authority officer within the level of the post.

Requirements

• Hold a Level 2 (or equivalent) qualification in a relevant area from a recognised accredited awarding body.
• Have a minimum of 6 weeks of experience in a formal learning environment or as part of a Level 2 (or equivalent) qualification placement. Or have a minimum of 12 months’ experience working in a formal learning environment.
• Demonstrate working knowledge of health and safety requirements, development needs of children/young people and child protection and safeguarding.
• Show evidence of skills to support child-centred learning: effective planning and organising, ability to follow agreed systems and plans, ability to work as part of a team, flexibility and creativity, effective and positive communication.
• Be able to build positive and supportive relationships, show empathy and maintain confidentiality.
• Have completed training relevant to the role (e.g., Reframing Behaviour, Autism and Communication, Attention and Listening, Autism and Anxiety, Sensory Processing and Autism, Supporting autistic learners using the PEO model, Fine motor skills development, Language and communication, ASD).
• Hold a Level 3 (or equivalent) qualification in a relevant area, and/or hold a minimum of Level 2 passes in English and/or Mathematics, or higher-level qualifications.
• Have additional working experience in a formal learning environment; experience working with children/young people with special educational needs; experience as a Classroom Assistant in nursery/primary/post-primary/specialist provision units; ability to use digital technologies to assist in learning and resource preparation.
• Will be expected to cover the cost of an Enhanced Disclosure Certificate (subject to the Education Authority’s Enhanced Disclosure requirement).

The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer.