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Co-Educational

Educate Together

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Yes

Goatstown Educate Together National School invites applications for a part-time Additional Needs Assistant position.

Please note that we use the term “Additional” rather than “Special”, and the successful candidate will be referred to as an Additional Needs Assistant (ANA) within our school.

The position is for 16 hours per week across five days. The hours are currently expected to be approximately 10:50 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, but may be subject to change according to the needs of the pupils and the school.

The position will initially be based in mainstream. However, the successful candidate must be flexible and willing to work across the school, including in mainstream classes or our autism class, depending on where support is required. Deployment may be changed at the discretion of the principal.

We are a restorative, equality-based and values-led primary school where relationships, inclusion and children’s rights are central to our work. We are also proud to be a UNICEF Rights Respecting School at Gold level.

We prioritise a caring and collaborative school environment and value communication, flexibility, initiative and collegiality. We regard our ANAs as professionals and as essential members of our learning, teaching and caring team.

Qualifications and Experience

Applicants must meet the minimum educational requirements for employment as an SNA:

A Level 3 major qualification on the National Framework of Qualifications; or
A minimum of three Grade Ds at Junior Certificate level; or
An equivalent qualification.

Additional qualifications in special needs assisting, childcare or education, particularly in relation to autism, are highly desirable.

Experience of supporting children with autism, ADHD, sensory processing differences, communication needs, emotional regulation needs and/or behaviours of concern would be advantageous.

Experience of supporting pupils with personal or intimate care needs would also be desirable.

Relevant additional training, such as First Aid, Manual Handling, PECS, positive behaviour support or trauma-informed practice, would be an advantage.

The successful candidate should:

Be warm, patient and child-centred.
Be flexible and able to respond to changing needs.
Work well as part of a team while also using their own initiative.
Have strong communication skills.
Understand the importance of confidentiality and professional boundaries.
Be willing to undertake relevant training and professional development.
Be committed to the Educate Together ethos and the values and restorative practices of our school.

The terms and conditions of the position will be in accordance with the relevant Department of Education circulars.

Application Instructions

Applications should be submitted using the Standard Application Form for SNA Posts.

Applicants who hold a Panel Form 1 (PF1) should submit a certified copy with their application.

Applications must be:

Submitted by email only.
Sent in PDF format.
Unzipped.
Marked “Part-Time ANA Application” in the subject line.

Applications should be emailed to: ana24getns@gmail.com

Closing date: 31/08/2026 @ 5pm

Proposed interview date: During the week of the 7th of September after school.

Appointment will be subject to satisfactory references, Garda vetting, occupational health clearance and completion of the required Statutory Declaration and Form of Undertaking.

An internal panel of suitable applicants may be established to fill ANA vacancies arising during the school year.

We look forward to hearing from candidates who would like to join our warm, committed and collaborative school team.