Classroom Assistant (Additional Special Educational Needs)

Overview

JOB TITLE: Classroom Assistant – Additional Special Educational Needs

REPORTS TO: School Principal, through class teacher

JOB PURPOSE Under the direction of the class teacher/outreach teacher/Education Authority officer, 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.

Additional Special Classroom Support

• Undertake more comprehensive or invasive medical/clinical procedures.
• Help pupils with specialist communication skills and/or sensory difficulties access the curriculum.
• Deal with pupils with very challenging behaviour as identified by the Educational Psychology Service as requiring additional provision.

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(s) participation in such programmes.
• Contribute to the inclusion of the pupil in mainstream classrooms under the direction of the class teacher.
• Assist with operational and medical 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 by assisting with the management of the learning environment, including clarifying and explaining instruction; ensuring the pupils are able to use equipment and materials provided; assisting in motivating and encouraging the pupil(s) as required; reinforcing development where needed; promoting independence.
• Be aware of school policies, procedures and confidential issues related to home/pupil/teacher/school work and maintain confidences appropriately.
• Establish a supportive relationship with the pupils concerned.
• Prepare and produce appropriate resources to support pupil(s) and manage materials for play sessions.
• Supervise groups or individual pupils in activities including talking and listening, using ICT, extracurricular activities, and other duties as directed by the class teacher.
• Under the direction of the teacher, and following an appropriate risk assessment, assist with off-site activities.
• Provide continuity of adult care including supervision of play and cloakrooms, including hand washing and toileting as required.
• Provide supervision and support including administration of prescribed medicines and drugs for children who are ill and deal with minor injuries.
• Ensure as far as possible a safe environment for pupils.
• Report to the class teacher any signs or symptoms indicating a pupil may require 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.
• Duplicate written materials, assist with creation of charts and displays, and process books and resources as required.

Other Duties

• Attend relevant in-service training.
• Assist work placement students with practical tasks.
• Such other duties as may be assigned by the Principal within the level of the post.

This job description will be reviewed in light of changing circumstances and is not intended to be rigid or inflexible. Other duties of a similar nature and appropriate to the grade may be assigned from time to time. In accordance with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act (1998), the post-holder is expected to promote good relations, equality of opportunity and to pay due regard for equality legislation at all times. To view the summary of terms and conditions for this post, click here.

Section 1 – Essential Criteria

The essential criteria measured at shortlisting and may be further explored during the interview/selection process. You should clearly demonstrate on your application how and to what extent you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in not being shortlisted.

• Hold a minimum of a Level 2 (or equivalent) qualification in a relevant area obtained through a recognised accredited 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 via a placement as part of your level 2 qualification.
• Have a minimum of 12 months’ experience of working in a formal learning environment.

Section 1 – Knowledge and Skills

• 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; ability to follow agreed systems and plans; ability to work as part of a team; ability to work flexibly and creatively to support child-centred learning.

• Demonstrate evidence of at least one of the following in a learning/caring environment: undertaking more comprehensive or invasive medical/clinical procedures; assisting pupils with specialist communication needs or sensory difficulties; working with pupils with challenging behaviour; working knowledge of specific SEN areas and implications for learning.

Section 1 – Behaviours

• Effective and positive communication skills.
• Ability to build positive and supportive relationships.
• Empathy
• Confidentiality

Section 2 – Desirable Criteria

The desirable criteria may be applied to determine a manageable pool of candidates. Desirable criteria will be applied in the order listed. Demonstrate on your application how you meet the desirable criteria to avoid missing shortlisting opportunities.

• Additional training or qualifications (e.g., Trauma Informed Practice, Makaton, speech and language support, Team Teach).
• Level 3 (or equivalent) qualification in a relevant area.

• Additional experience in a formal learning environment; experience as a Classroom Assistant in a special school; experience with pupils with SLD.

• Ability to deal with behaviours that challenge; ability to use visual strategies and sensory integration.

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. If recommended for appointment to a post that involves regulated activity, an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background will be undertaken. You will be expected to meet the cost of the Enhanced Disclosure Certificate. Further information is available at NI Direct or the Department of Justice.

Applicant Guidance

To view applicant guidance notes or to learn about benefits of joining the Education Authority, please follow the provided links.

Equality Claim

The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

#J-18808-Ljbffr…