Classroom Assistant (Additional Special Educational Needs)

1. You must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question how and to what extent you meet the required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. You should clearly demonstrate this for both the essential and desirable criteria where relevant.
2. You must demonstrate how you meet the criteria by the closing date for applications unless the criteria state otherwise.
3. The stage in the process when the criteria will be measured is outlined in the table below.
4. Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out in Section 1 below using the information provided by you on your application form.
5. Please note that the Selection Panel reserves the right toshortlist only those applicants that it believes most strongly meet thecriteria for the role.
6. In the event of an excessive number of applications the Selection Panel also reserves the right to apply any desirable criteria asoutlined in Section 3 at shortlisting in which case these will be applied in the order listed. It is important therefore that you also clearly demonstrate on your application form how you meet any desirable criteria.

The following areessentialcriteria which will initially be measured at the shortlisting stage and whichmay also be further explored during the interview/selection stage. You should therefore make it clear on your application form how and to what extent you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.

Hold a minimum of a Level 3 (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 12 months experience of working in a formal learning environment.

Sifting by Application Form

Sifting by Application Form and verified at Interview

Demonstrate a working knowledge of:

• Health and safety requirements
• Development needs of children and/or young people.
• Child protection and safeguarding

Evidence of the following skills to support child-centred learning and assist with the management of the learning environment:

• Effective planning and organising skills.
• Ability to follow agreed systems and plans.
• Ability to work as part of team
• Ability to work flexibly and creatively to help ensure a child-centred learning experience.

In addition to the above to be appointed to an ASEN Classroom Assistant post you must be able to demonstrate evidence of at least one or more of the following sets of skills obtained in a learning/caring environment with children/young people:

• Undertaking more comprehensive or invasive medical/clinical procedures.
• Assisting pupils with specialist communication needs or sensory difficulties to access the curriculum.
• Working with pupils with challenging behaviour.
• Working knowledge of specific areas of SEN* and implications for learning.

*Areas of SEN could include:

• • Communication and interaction
  • Cognition and learning
  • Social mental and emotional health
  • Sensory and/or physical
• Working knowledge of effective strategies to support the learning of pupils with SEN/particular needs.

Interview/Assessment

Effective and positive communication skills.

Ability to build positive and supportive relationships.

Empathy

Confidentiality

Interview

Some or all of the desirable criteria may be applied by the Selection Panel in order to determine a manageable pool of candidates. Desirable criteria will be applied in the order listed. You should make it clear on your application form how and to what extent you meet the desirable criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.

Qualifications

• Additional training/qual e.g. Braille Makaton First Aid speech and language support Team Teach training.
• Level 4 (or equivalent level) qualification in a relevant area.
• Hold a minimum of level 2 passes in English and/or Mathematics or higher-level qualifications

Experience

• Additional working experience in a formal learning environment.
• Experience of working with a child and/or young person with a specific special educational need/MLD/SLD etc.
• Experience of working as a Classroom Assistant with pupils in a particular setting i.e. specialist provision unit attached to mainstream/ special school setting.

Sifting by Application Form

Further information can be accessed atNI Director theDepartment of Justice.