Assistant Director, SEN and Youth Directorate - 3 posts(
Job Reference:
25006365)
Primary Location
:Antrim-Belfast-Belfast Office
Other Locations
:Down-Dundonald-Dundonald Office, Armagh-Armagh-Armagh Office, Antrim-Ballymena-Ballee Centre, Tyrone-Omagh-Omagh OfficeContract Type:Permanent Duration of Contract/Contract End Date:N/AStatus:Full-TimeHours per Week:The normal hours of work are 36 per week.Working Pattern:Monday- Friday The post-holder will be required to work flexibly in order to successfully carry out the duties of the role.Grade/Scale:Assistant Director | £80,581 - £88,908 per annum. Progression through the salary scale will be dependent upon satisfactory performance and linked to a performance management framework for Directors and Assistant DirectorsAdditional Allowance(s):Not ApplicableAnticipated Interview Date(s):17 December 2025Additional Information:Base location to be discussed and agreed with the Chief Transformation Officer - SEN. As the role carries regional responsibility, travel across Northern Ireland (and on occasion further afield) will be required in order to attend meetings and fulfill the full range of duties and responsibilities. The successful candidate can expect to be placed at the minimum point of the pay scale. Applicants will be required to submit one application form. Applicants may indicate in order of preference the role(s) they wish to be considered for, this will be taken into consideration at appointment stage however appointees may be required to work across any three of the roles to meet the needs of the directorate. Shortlisted applicants will be required to attend one interview.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Candidates must demonstrate on their application form that they meet the following essential criteria.
FactorEssential CriteriaMethod of AssessmentExperience
A minimum of two years’ experience in a senior management role* successfully leading services across several areas and having an impact on multiple people.
Experience of working collectively across a senior team to align goals, resources, policies and processes to optimise use of the organisation’s resources to deliver maximum value for the public/customers.
Experience of leading and championing continuous improvement in complex** service delivery that has delivered improved outcomes for the public/customers.
Strong communicator with proven skills to engage across a range of stakeholders, demonstrating successful impact.
Demonstrates an understanding of the potential and the challenges of delivering SEND related services to children and young people and schools.
*Senior management role includes providing advice or being party to decisions affecting strategic issues concerning the organisation in which the individual is working.
**Significant/challenging/complex: defined as cross-cutting across a number of business areas, involving internal and external stakeholders, and having an impact on multiple people/groups.
Application Form/
Interview
Other
The successful candidate will be required:
to have access to a suitable vehicle (appropriately maintained and insured for Education Authority business) that will enable them to carry out the mobility requirements of the post in an efficient and effective manner and thus meet this essential criterion;
OR
be able to provide sufficient information on the application form that will satisfy the employer that he/she has access to an appropriate alternative form of transport that will enable them to carry out the mobility requirements of the post in an efficient and effective manner and thus meet this essential criterion.
Application Form
Our Values
Through the selection process we will also seek evidence that the personal values of candidates align with those of the EA. This will include evidence of commitment to equality and excellence in service delivery. These reflect our aim which is to meet the needs of all our children and young people equally, removing barriers to learning and ensuring equality of access to excellent education services so that every child can develop to his or her full potential.
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. Details of how to make payment will be sent to you at the pre-employment stage.
Further information can be accessed at or the