Technician 2 (Art) in Newtownards

JOB PURPOSE
To provide technical support and assistance to teaching staff in the implementation of the school’s/department's educational programme.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervision
  This is a discretionary element of the job description. The grade may be awarded if supervision is not a component of the post. Supervise appropriate staff (shared supervision), including managing and allocating duties. Identify and provide on the job training to appropriate staff.
• Provision and Maintenance of Facilities and Practical Resources
  Assist teaching staff in developing and manufacturing teaching aids and models. Prepare resources for all classes including setting up, testing, demonstrating and dismantling suitable resources as per agreed schemes of work. Collect, clean and store all equipment and materials securely in designated storage areas. Ensure items are maintained in a state of 'ready for use'. Dispose of used materials in a safe and approved manner. Ensure that mandatory and/or statutory checks of materials and equipment are carried out by qualified personnel. Inform designated line manager of materials and equipment found to be in an unsatisfactory/unsafe condition and arrange for repair and disposal of such items. Ensure no unauthorised person has unsupervised access to equipment and materials when not in use. Advise on health and safety issues in relation to the use of equipment.
• Administration
  Develop, maintain and operate manual and/or computerised systems in relation to administrative tasks associated with the area of work. Maintain an inventory/records of departmental resources. Assist in ordering/purchasing, receiving, checking, storing and distributing resources.
• General
  Support all staff in ensuring the general safety of pupils. Assist with evacuation in emergencies. Undertake photocopying as required. Undertake any of the following duties: Handling cash in relation to the purchase of practical materials. Assisting with hospitality at meetings and school functions. Carrying out minor maintenance repairs throughout the school within the competence of the employee.

FLEXIBLE WORKING OPTIONS AVAILABLE

• OPTION 1: You are required to be on duty during school term plus two additional weeks. The timing of the two additional weeks is at the discretion of the Principal of the school.
• OPTION 2: You are required to be on duty for the contracted weekly hours, working during periods of school closure except when on annual leave or other authorised absence. Duties will normally be provided by the school. However, where necessary, alternative work and/or training will be provided by the Authority at any other such place of employment as may be reasonably required.
• OPTION 3: To work as for option 2 with a further option to request periods of unpaid leave during extended school holidays or closures.

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
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: Five GCSE’s (Grades A*-C) to include English Language, Mathematics and a higher level qualification in a creative subject area.
• Experience: A minimum of one year’s experience in the management and supervision of staff. Experience in a school or educational environment assisting with whole school creative projects. A minimum of two years' experience working with children in an educational setting.
• Knowledge: Demonstrable evidence of knowledge of: The requirements of a Technician 2, Health and safety regulations, as relevant to the role, General administrative processes and records.

SECTION 2 - ESSENTIAL CRITERIA
The following are additional essential criteria which will be measured during the interview/selection stage.

• Skills / Abilities: Proven effective planning and organisational skills and an ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines. Proven effective people management skills. Ability to work effectively as part of a team to achieve outcomes. Evidence of sound interpersonal and communication skills. Evidence of proficiency in the use of computer packages, to include use of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Values Orientation: Evidence of how your experience and approach to work reflect the school’s values/ethos.

SECTION 3 - 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.

• Experience: A minimum of one year's experience of leading a team responsible for the design and creation of props and background scenery for a drama production.

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 appointed 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.