JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE: Classroom Assistant – Special Educational Needs
REPORTS TO: The Principal, through the class teacher
JOB PURPOSE Under the direction of the class teacher/outreach teacher/Education Authority, assist with the educational support and the care of pupil(s) with special educational needs who are in the teacher’s care in or outside the classroom.
RESPONSIBILITIES
SPECIAL CLASSROOM SUPPORT
* Assist the teacher with the support and care of pupil(s) with special educational needs to enable access to the curriculum and attend to personal needs including dietary, feeding, toileting, etc.
* 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 participation in such programmes.
* Contribute to the inclusion of the pupil in mainstream schools under the direction of the class teacher.
* Assist with operational difficulties and non-invasive medical/clinical difficulties pertaining to pupil disabilities.
* Support the implementation of behavioural management programmes as directed.
* Assist pupils in movement around the school and on and off transport.
GENERAL CLASSROOM SUPPORT
* Assist pupils to learn as effectively as possible by helping manage the learning environment, including clarifying and explaining instruction, ensuring use of equipment and materials, and supporting motivation and independence.
* Be aware of school policies and maintain appropriate confidentiality.
* Establish a supportive relationship with pupils; prepare and produce resources to support pupils and manage materials for play sessions.
* Supervise groups or individual pupils during activities, including ICT use, extracurricular activities, and other duties as directed.
* Under teacher direction and following risk assessment, assist with off-site activities.
* Provide continuity of adult care (e.g., supervising play and cloakrooms, hand washing, toileting).
* Provide supervision/support including administration of prescribed medicines and care for minor injuries.
* Ensure as far as possible a safe environment for pupils and report signs requiring expert or immediate attention to the class teacher.
ADMINISTRATION
* Assist with classroom administration and the recording of pupil progress as directed.
* Contribute to the maintenance of pupil progress records and provide regular feedback to the teacher/officer.
* Duplicate written materials, assist with production of charts and displays, and assist with cataloguing resources.
OTHER DUTIES
* Attend relevant in-service training.
* Assist work placement students with practical tasks.
* Carry out other duties as assigned by the principal/outreach teacher/Education Authority officer within the level of the post.
This job description may be reviewed in light of changing circumstances and is intended to provide guidelines. Other duties of a similar nature and appropriate to the grade may be assigned from time to time. The post-holder is expected to promote good relations, equality of opportunity and comply with equality legislation at all times.
To view the summary of terms and conditions for this post, click here.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
NOTES TO JOB APPLICANTS
1. You must clearly demonstrate on your application how you meet the essential and desirable criteria; failure to do so may result in not being shortlisted.
2. Demonstrate how you meet the criteria by the closing date for applications, unless stated otherwise.
3. The stage in the process when criteria will be measured is outlined in the table below.
4. Shortlisting will be based on the essential criteria in Section 1 below, using information provided on your application form.
5. The Selection Panel may shortlist only those applicants who most strongly meet the criteria for the role.
6. In the event of many applications, the Panel may apply desirable criteria at shortlisting. It is important that you clearly demonstrate how you meet any desirable criteria on your application form.
SECTION 1 - ESSENTIAL CRITERIA
The following are essential criteria to be measured at shortlisting and may be explored during the interview/selection stage. You should clearly show how you meet them on your application form.
Factor
Essential Criteria
Method of Assessment
Qualifications and Experience
Option 1:
Hold a minimum of Level 2 (or equivalent) qualification in a relevant area from a recognised awarding body. The qualification must be at Certificate or Diploma level. An awarding level is not acceptable. AND
Have a minimum of 6 weeks experience in a formal learning environment or as part of your Level 2 qualification.
OR
Option 2:
Have a minimum of 12 months’ experience working in a formal learning environment.
Core Knowledge
* Health and safety requirements
* Development needs of children and/or young people
* Child protection and safeguarding
Skills
* Effective planning and organisational skills
* Ability to follow agreed systems and plans
* Ability to work as part of a team
* Ability to work flexibly and creatively to support a child-centred learning experience
* Effective and positive communication skills
Core Behaviours
* Ability to build positive and supportive relationships
* Empathy
* Confidentiality
SECTION 2 - DESIRABLE CRITERIA
Desirable criteria may be used to determine a manageable pool of candidates. Apply criteria in order listed and show how you meet them on your application.
Qualifications and Experience
* Hold a minimum of Level 2 passes in English and/or Mathematics, or higher-level qualifications
Experience (options)
* Experience of working as a Classroom Assistant with pupils in a particular setting post-primary
* Ability to use digital technologies to assist learning and resource preparation
The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007 defines regulated activity. If appointed to a post involving regulated activity, an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background will be required. You will be expected to meet the cost of an Enhanced Disclosure Certificate. Details will be provided at pre-employment.
Further information can be accessed at NI Direct or the Department of Justice.
APPLICANT GUIDANCE NOTES
To view applicant guidance notes, click here. To learn about benefits of joining the Education Authority, click here.
The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer
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