Classroom Assistant (Special Educational Needs) in Ballymena

Primary Location: Antrim-Ballymena-Harryville Primary School

Contract Type: Permanent

Status: Part-Time

Contract Options: Flexible working arrangements available during school holidays.

Hours per Week: Post 1 - 20 hours, Post 2 - 22.5 hours, Post 3 - 30 hours

Grade/Scale: Classroom Assistant (Special Educational Needs) | NJC pt 11 - 14 | £14.9917 - £15.7367 per hour

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

• 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) 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 in such programmes.
• 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.
• Be aware of school policies, procedures and of confidential issues linked to home/pupil/teacher/school work.
• Establish a supportive relationship with the pupils concerned.
• Prepare and produce appropriate resources to support pupil(s).
• Supervise groups of pupils, or individual pupils on specified activities.
• Provide continuity of adult care, e.g. supervising play and cloakrooms.
• 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.
• 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.

OTHER DUTIES

• Attend relevant in-service training.
• Assist work placement students with practical tasks.
• Such other duties as may be 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.

SECTION 1 - ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

• Hold a minimum of a Level 2 (or equivalent) qualification in a relevant area from a recognised accredited awarding body.
• Have a minimum of 6 weeks experience in a formal learning environment or through a placement completed as part of your level 2 qualification.
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of health and safety requirements, development needs of children and/or young people, child protection and safeguarding.
• Evidence of effective planning and organising skills, ability to follow agreed systems and plans, and ability to work as part of a team.

SECTION 2 - DESIRABLE CRITERIA

• Have completed training relevant to the role, e.g. social, emotional and behavioural difficulties, language and communication, ASD, ADHD.
• Hold a Level 3 (or equivalent level) qualification in a relevant area.
• Additional working experience in a formal learning environment.

DISCLOSURE OF CRIMINAL BACKGROUND

The Education Authority will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background for posts involving ‘regulated activity’.