Education Authority Northern Ireland
General Assistant 1
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General Assistant 1
General Assistant 1
JOB TITLE: General Assistant 1
REPORTS TO: The Principal through class teacher
About the Role
To be responsible to the Principal for the provision of assistance to teachers/classroom assistants, both within and outside of school, with the care of pupils.
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 the playground) and on school outings, while safely transporting pupils’ belongings if required.
- Accompany teachers, classroom assistants, and/or therapy staff on outings or for individual/group therapy programmes (e.g., swimming, educational outings, hydrotherapy).
- Oversee appropriate care and feeding during meal times, ensuring pupils follow normal school routines.
- Enforce school rules and routines to maintain a structured school day.
- Clean classroom equipment and assist with setup as directed.
- Carry out any approved duties pertinent to the job role, ensuring they are non-curricular in nature.
General Conditions
- Adhere to steadfast compliance with:
- The Health and Safety at Work (NI) Order 1978
- All applicable legislation, statutory instruments, and regulations
- Codes of Practice
- Strict adherence to reasonable working conditions.
- Complete all mandatory paperwork accurately.
- Conduct duties for jobs at or below the same grade, provided tasks fall within your competency.
- The post description is adaptable to meet evolving circumstances, detailing guidelines rather than rigid specifications.
In accordance with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act (1998), candidates must:
- Promote good relations
- Offer equality of opportunity
- Comply with equality legislation
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Person Specification
Notes to Job Applicants
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Applicants must clearly outline, for both essential and desirable criteria, how they meet each requirement.
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Shortlisting occurs based on essential criteria from your application form. Demonstrative evidence is applied to interviews later.
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If a high number of applications is received, the Selection Panel reserves the right to add desirable criteria considerations during shortlisting.
Section 1 – Essential Criteria (Shortlisted via Application Form)
| Factor | Essential Criteria | Measurement Method |
|---|---|---|
| Experience | Minimum of three months’ work experience in a formal environment (school, nursery, playgroup). Demonstrated experience in: <br> - Providing direct support to children <br> - Assisting teachers or staff (inside or outside classrooms) | Shortlisting by Application Form |
| Factor | Essential Criteria | Measurement Method |
|---|---|---|
| Knowledge | Demonstrable understanding of a General Assistant 1 role’s core demands. | Shortlisting by Application Form |
| Other | Willingness to undertake job-related training when necessary. | Shortlisting by Application Form |
Section 2 – Essential Criteria (Interview Stage)
| Factor | Essential Criteria | Measurement Method |
|---|---|---|
| Knowledge | Understanding of: <br> - Child Protection and Safeguarding <br> - Health and Safety regulations | Interview |
| Skills / Abilities | Evidence of: <br> - Flexible approach for child-centred learning <br> - Strong interpersonal & communication skills <br> - Proven teamwork ability <br> - Punctuality, organisation & adaptability | Interview |
| Values Orientation | Demonstrated alignment with the school’s values/ethos (access via school website). | Interview |
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Section 3 – Desirable Criteria (Shortlisted via Application Form)
| Factor | Desirable Criteria | Measurement Method |
|---|---|---|
| Experience / Knowledge | Familiarity with IT systems, including: <br> - Microsoft Word & Outlook <br> - C2K schools’ IT systems | Shortlisting by Application Form |
Disclosure of Criminal Background
- This role falls under ‘regulated activity’ as defined by the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007.
- Upon recommendation for appointment, the Education Authority will perform an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background.
- Enhanced Disclosure cost will be applied pre-employment.
Additional Resources
- Applicant guidance notes
- Benefits of joining the Education Authority The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
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