Classroom Assistant – Special Educational Needs
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.
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The precise duties of the post will be determined by the principal/outreach teacher/Education Authority officer.
SPECIAL CLASSROOM SUPPORT
* Assist the teacher with the support and care of pupil(s) with special educational needs, e.g. enable access to the curriculum, 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 directions of the class teacher.
* Assist with operational difficulties and non-invasive medical/clinical difficulties pertaining to pupil 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 by assisting with the management of the learning environment, including:
o clarifying and explaining instruction
o ensuring the pupils are able to use equipment and materials provided
o assisting in motivating and encouraging the pupil(s) as required
o assisting in areas requiring reinforcement or development
o promoting the independence of pupils to enhance learning
o helping pupil(s) stay on work set
o meeting physical/medical needs as required whilst encouraging independence
* Be aware of school policies, procedures and confidential issues related to home/pupil/teacher/school work and maintain appropriate confidences.
* Establish a supportive relationship with the pupils concerned.
* Prepare and produce appropriate resources to support pupil(s) and take care of material for play sessions.
* Supervise groups of pupils or individual pupils on specified activities including talking and listening, ICT use, extra-curricular activities, and other duties as directed by the class teacher/officer.
* Under the direction of the teacher, and following an appropriate risk assessment, assist with off-site activities.
* Provide continuity of adult care (e.g. supervising play and cloakrooms, including hand washing and toileting).
* Provide supervision/support including the administration of prescribed medicines and deal with minor cuts and grazes.
* Ensure as far as possible a safe environment for pupils.
* Report to the class teacher any signs or symptoms that may indicate a pupil requires expert or immediate attention.
ADMINISTRATION
* Assist with classroom administration.
* Assist the class teacher and/or other professionals with the implementation of the system for recording pupil progress.
* Contribute to the maintenance of pupil progress records.
* Provide regular feedback about the pupil(s) to the teacher/officer.
* Duplicate written materials, assist with production of charts and displays, record radio/TV programmes, catalogue and process books and resources.
OTHER DUTIES
* Attend relevant in-service training.
* Assist work placement students with practical tasks.
* Other duties as may be assigned by the principal/outreach teacher/Education Authority officer within the level of the post.
This job description will be reviewed in light of changing circumstances and is provided as guidance. 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 to equality legislation at all times. To view the summary of terms and conditions for this post, click here.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
NOTES TO JOB APPLICANTS
* You must clearly demonstrate on your application form how, and to what extent you meet the required criteria, for both essential and desirable criteria where relevant.
* You must demonstrate how you meet the criteria by the closing date for applications, unless the criteria state otherwise.
* The stage in the process when criteria will be measured is outlined in the table below.
* Shortlisting will be carried out based on the essential criteria set out in Section 1 below, using the information provided on your application form.
* The Selection Panel reserves the right to shortlist only applicants who most strongly meet the criteria.
* In the event of an excessive number of applications, the Selection Panel may apply desirable criteria at shortlisting, in which case these will be applied in the order listed. Demonstrate how you meet any desirable criteria in your application.
SECTION 1 - ESSENTIAL CRITERIA
The following are essential criteria which will be measured at shortlisting and may be explored during interview/selection. Demonstrate on your application form how you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in not being shortlisted.
Qualifications and Experience
* Hold either (A) or (B):
* Hold a minimum of Level 2 (or equivalent) qualification in a relevant area from a recognised awarding body. Qualification must be at Certificate or Diploma level. Award level is not acceptable.
* AND have a minimum of 6 weeks experience in a formal learning environment or through a placement as part of Level 2 (or equivalent).
* OR have a minimum of 12 months’ experience of 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 organising skills
* Ability to follow agreed systems and plans
* Ability to work as part of a team
* Ability to work flexibly and creatively to help ensure 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
Some or all of the desirable criteria may be applied to determine a pool of candidates. Desirable criteria will be applied in the order listed. Demonstrate how you meet the criteria in your application.
Qualification
* Hold a minimum of Level 2 passes in English and/or Mathematics, or higher-level qualifications
Experience
* Specific experience of working with a child with special educational needs
* Ability to use digital technologies to assist in learning and resource preparation
DISCLOSURE OF CRIMINAL BACKGROUND
The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007 defines working directly with children or young people as regulated activity. If appointed to a post involving regulated activity, an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background will be undertaken, and you will be required to meet the cost of the certificate.
Further information can be accessed at NI Direct or the Department of Justice.
APPLICANT GUIDANCE NOTES
To view the applicant guidance notes, please click here. To learn about the benefits of joining the Education Authority, click here.
The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer
Seniority level: Entry level
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Administrative
Industries: Education Administration Programs
Note: This refined description preserves the core information while removing extraneous boilerplate and improving structure for readability and accessibility.
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