Specialist Behaviour Support Teaching Assistant in Reading

To ensure that the children and young people of Gwynedd and Ynys Môn are central to everything we do. Support pupils aged 3-16 as a response to their needs, especially those with emotional, behavioural and social needs, to eliminate obstacles for learning in schools and units in Gwynedd and Anglesey as part of an ALN and Inclusion integrated team. Implement the Special Needs Practice Code in relation to supporting pupils. Establish an operative, effective relationship with the pupils and act as a professional individual. Work under the management and supervision of a Specialist Behaviour Support Teacher.

Responsibilities – Support for Pupils

• Provide outreach input for individuals and groups of children in mainstream schools under the leadership of the Specialist Behaviour Support Teachers, Senior Educational Psychologist and Senior Mental Health Worker according to the requirements of the ALN&I Area Forum, that develop the mental health and emotional development and behaviour of the pupils.
• Provide input for groups of children in the Behaviour Support Team Centres for specific periods under the leadership of the Specialist Behaviour Support Teachers, Senior Educational Psychologist and Senior Mental Health Worker according to the requirements of the ALN&I Area Forum.
• Receive and supervise pupils who for periods are not following the usual learning programme.
• Assist the teaching staff in the mainstream and Centres with developing and operating the pupils' Individual Development Plan / Individual Communication Plan to promote the progress of their emotional and behavioural health.
• Collaborate with the Specialist Teachers in the field of Behaviour Support and other relevant agencies ensuring levels of pastoral care to individuals under the guidance of teaching staff.
• Collaborate with the Teaching Assistants in mainstream schools to model intervention packages for the pupils receiving attention from the Behaviour Support team.
• Support the therapeutic provision for pupils with additional needs, especially emotional and behavioural difficulties.
• Use IT effectively to support learning activities and develop pupils' competence and independence through its use.
• Under the supervision of the Senior Mental Health Worker, present mental health promotion programmes in small groups or one-to-one.
• Ensure information and advice to pupils to enable them to make decisions and choices regarding their education, behaviour and attendance.
• Support and challenge pupils' approach, promoting and enriching their self-respect.
• Ensure feedback for pupils in the context of their progress, achievements, behaviour and attendance.

Responsibilities – Support for Teachers

• Establish a productive working relationship with the pupils and colleagues.
• Provide information for a composite assessment of pupils' needs and progress.
• Provide specialist work packages for pupils in accordance with their Individual Development Plan / Individual Communication Plan / Medical Plan (if relevant), under the guidance of teaching staff.
• Share good practice with staff within the school and model techniques as required.
• Respond to pupils' personal needs and offer advice regarding emotional and behavioural development, their health, cleanliness and care.
• Support teaching staff to develop pupil mentoring arrangements and ensure support for vulnerable individuals.
• Ensure a swift and effective transfer for pupils through the specific interaction steps, giving attention to individuals who return to school after a period of absence.
• Communicate with catchment area schools and other agencies to collect information about individuals.
• Ensure appropriate support for administration e.g. phone calls, dealing with correspondence, updating data, attendance information, exclusions.
• Be aware of a range of activities, courses, establishments and individuals that are available to offer support for individuals and add to their learning experiences.
• Ensure and use specialist resources, plans and equipment to support pupils.
• Support pupils' access to resources and relevant strategies to enrich their education.
• Assist teaching staff to plan, analyse and adapt teaching activities as appropriate.
• Establish a constructive relationship with parents/carers, exchanging information, facilitating the support of their child's attendance, access and learning and support home, school and community links.
• Be aware and alert to differences to ensure pupils have equal opportunities for access to education.

General

• Awareness of the policies and procedures of the ALN and safeguarding children, health and confidentiality security and data protection, and refer any concern to the relevant person.
• Contribute towards the general ethos/work/objectives of our integrated ALN and Inclusion team.
• Responsible for self-development.
• Participate in training and other learning activities, as required.
• Identify own strengths and specialist fields and use these to advise and support others.
• Ensure compliance with Health and Safety rules in the workplace in accordance with the responsibilities noted in the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Council's Health and Safety Policy.
• Work within the Council's policies in relation to equal opportunities and equality.
• Responsibility for managing information in accordance with the Council's information management standards and guidelines. Ensure that personal information is treated in accordance with Data Protection legislation.
• Undertake any other reasonable duty which corresponds to the salary level and responsibility level of the post.
• Commitment to reducing the Council's carbon emissions in accordance with the Carbon Management Plan, and to encourage others to act positively towards reducing the Council's Carbon Footprint.
• Responsible for reporting any concern or suspicion that a child or vulnerable adult is being abused.

Special Circumstances

• Ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of people.
• Ability to deal with people confidently, calmly and courteously.
• Effective time management.
• Clear communication skills.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Ability to work flexibly.
• Enthusiasm.
• Full driving licence and access to transport.
• Ability to consistently produce accurate and neat work, good numeracy and literacy skills.
• NVQ Level 3 for Teaching Assistants.
• Training in relevant strategies to support additional learning needs and/or inclusion.
• Commitment to undertake a Level 2/3 Certificate or Diploma (e.g. NVQ) or specific courses in the field.

Essential Experience

• Experience of working with pupils with additional learning needs.

Desirable

• Use of Person-Centred approaches.
• Contributing to and implementing Individual Development Plans.

Specialist Skills and Knowledge

• Essential Awareness of the Gwynedd and Anglesey ALN (Additional Learning Needs) Strategy.
• Understanding of ALN legislation and the Code of Practice.
• Understanding of a range of different needs.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with others and respect confidentiality.
• Good IT skills - effective use of ICT to support learning.
• Ability to confidently present ideas and strategies to colleagues.

Desirable

• Understanding of Person-Centred approaches.
• Understanding of Individual Development Plans.
• General understanding of national/foundation phase, curriculum, and other basic learning programmes/strategies as appropriate.
• Basic understanding of child development and learning.

Language Requirements

• Listening and Speaking - Advanced Level: Ability to follow conversations or discussions in Welsh and English at a professional level and discuss general day-to-day topics in the field to present information and express opinions. Ability to deliver a pre-prepared presentation and respond to comments and questions in both Welsh and English.
• Reading and Understanding - Advanced Level: Ability to understand standard, formal and informal written Welsh and English. Able to gather information from various sources such as letters, reports and articles in both languages in order to carry out the role.
• Writing - Advanced Level: Confidently present written information in the form of letters, more detailed and technical reports, and respond to written requests, conveying information, ideas and opinions in both Welsh and English. (Support can be provided for proofreading).

Gwynedd Council operates internally through the medium of Welsh, and offers all its services bilingually. The applicant will be required to reach the linguistic level noted as one of the essential skills in the Person Specification.