Classroom Assistant (Special Educational Needs) in Portadown

SECTION 1 - ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

• Qualifications and Experience: Hold a minimum of a Level 2 (or equivalent) qualification in a relevant area from a recognised accredited awarding body. Qualification must be at Certificate or Diploma level. Award level is not acceptable. AND 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.
• Core 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 skills to support child-centred learning and assist with the management of the learning environment, including 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, and effective and positive communication skills.
• Core Behaviours: Ability to build positive and supportive relationships, empathy, confidentiality.

SECTION 2 - DESIRABLE CRITERIA

• Qualifications and Experience: Have completed training relevant to the role, for example, social, emotional and behavioural difficulties, language and communication, ASD, ADHD. Hold a Level 3 (or equivalent level) qualification in a relevant area from a recognised accredited awarding body. Hold a minimum of level 2 passes in English and/or Mathematics, or higher-level qualifications.
• Experience: Specific experience of working with children/young persons with special educational needs/particular need as per statement.

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.

JOB PURPOSE

Under the direction of the class teacher/outreach teacher/Education Authority, assist with the educational support and the care of the pupil(s) with special educational needs who is/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, develop an understanding of the specific needs of the pupil(s), assist with authorised programmes, contribute to the inclusion of the pupil in mainstream schools, assist with operational difficulties and non-invasive medical/clinical difficulties, support in implementing behavioural management programmes, assist pupil(s) in moving around school and on and off transport.
• GENERAL CLASSROOM SUPPORT: Assist pupil(s) learn effectively by managing the learning environment, clarifying and explaining instruction, ensuring pupils can use equipment and materials, motivating and encouraging pupils, promoting independence, helping pupils stay on work set, meeting physical/medical needs, establishing supportive relationships, preparing resources, supervising groups or individual pupils, assisting with off-site activities, providing continuity of adult care, and ensuring a safe environment for pupils.
• ADMINISTRATION: Assist with classroom administration, implementation of the system for recording pupil(s) progress, maintenance of pupil(s) progress records, provide regular feedback about the pupil(s), duplicate written materials, assist with production of charts and displays.
• OTHER DUTIES: Attend relevant in-service training, assist work placement students, and perform other duties as assigned by the principal/outreach teacher/Education Authority officer.

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.