Education Authority Northern Ireland
General Assistant 1
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General Assistant 1
General Assistant 1 (Special Needs)
Reporting
Reports to: The Principal through the class teacher
Job Purpose
To provide assistance to teachers and classroom assistants in and outside school with the care and support of pupils, particularly those with special needs.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
General Assistance
- Assist pupils with toileting, personal hygiene, and dressing, including the use of basic toileting aids
- Ensure the safe mobility and supervision of pupils within school premises, including playgrounds, school outings, and transport of pupils’ belongings (if required)
- Accompany teachers, assistants, or therapy staff during outings like swimming or out-of-classroom activities, as well as for individual or group therapy, such as hydrotherapy
- Provide appropriate care and feeding of pupils during meal times
- Ensure pupils adhere to normal school rules and routines throughout the school day
- Clean equipment used in daily classroom activities and assist with setup as directed
- Perform other non-curricular duties as assigned within the scope of this role
Compliance and Conditions
- Adhere to:
- The Health and Safety at Work (NI) Order 1978
- Acts of Parliament, Statutory Instruments, Regulations, and other legal requirements
- Codes of Practice
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Perform all duties to the standard of typical working conditions for the post
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Complete all required administrative paperwork
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Carry out duties for roles up to and including those within the same grade, ensuring those duties are within your competence
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Maintain flexibility as this job description may evolve with changing circumstances
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Equality and Diversity Compliance: In accordance with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998:
- Promote good relations
- Ensure equality of opportunity in all aspects of employment
- Pay due regard to equality legislation at all times
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
Experience
- At least three months of experience working with children in a formal environment (school, nursery, or playgroup).
- Demonstrable experience within one or more of the following specific supports:
- Providing direct support to a child or children within a formal setting
- Supporting teachers or other school staff inside and outside the classroom
Skills
- Demonstrable knowledge of the responsibilities specific to the General Assistant 1 (Special Needs) role.
Attitude
- Willingness to undertake job-related training as and when necessary.
Additional Essential Criteria (Interview Stage)
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Knowledge
- Experience and understanding of:
- Child protection and safeguarding practices
- Health and safety regulations relevant to the role
Skills & Abilities
- Ability to work flexibly in supporting a child-centred learning environment
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Proven team-working skills
- Proven ability for effective planning and organisation to meet required standards on time
Values Orientation
- A demonstrated alignment of personal approach and experience with the school’s values and ethos.
Desirable Criteria
Experience and Knowledge
- Experience or knowledge of commonly used IT systems, such as:
- Microsoft Word and Outlook
- C2K schools IT systems
Applicant Requirements
- Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background may be required for appointment, requiring payment of costs for an Enhanced Disclosure Certificate. For further details, consult NI Direct or the Department of Justice (NI).
Additional Guidance
- For full application guidance: Applicant Guidance Notes
- To see employment benefits: Education Authority Benefits
The Education Authority operates under principles of equal opportunities.
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