ADVERT ID 260994
Special Needs Assistant
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Scoil Chomhghain Naofa
Killeshin National School
Killeshin
R93XF53
Killeshin
R93XF53
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MAIN DETAILS
Status:
Active
Level:
Primary
Date Posted:
Mon Aug 17 2026
Application Closing Date:
Mon Aug 31 2026
Commencement Date:
Fri Sep 11 2026
Status of Post:
Part-Time
Number of Vacancies:
1
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SCHOOL DETAILS
School Type:
Mainstream with Special Classes
School Structure:
Vertical
Gender:
Co-Educational
School Patronage:
Catholic
Total No. of Teaching Staff:
23
Current Enrolment:
383
Droichead school:
Yes
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POST DETAILS
Panel of Applicants:
An internal panel of suitable applicants may be set up to fill vacancies which may occur within a specific time period (four months for teacher posts and the duration of the school year for SNA posts) from the date on which the Board approves the successful candidate.
Additional Information:
Killeshin N.S. is seeking applications for a 0.5 part time position - 16 hours per week, across five days. Start times may be subject to change according to the needs of the pupils and the school. The job may include a bus escort role. The school has a current advertisement for a school transport bus escort.
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.
The school prioritises a caring and collaborative school environment and values good communication, flexibility, initiative and collegiality.
The positions will involve working closely with class teachers and the Special Education Team to support pupils with additional care needs.
The successful candidates will be required to support more than one pupil during the school day, and are expected to maintain the highest standards of confidentiality and professionalism at all times.
The successful candidates will be able to work effectively as part of a team, demonstrate a strong work ethic and show a willingness to engage in ongoing relevant professional development.
Criteria - Qualifications and Experiences:
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.
Relevant additional training, such as First Aid, Manual Handling, PECS, positive behaviour support or trauma-informed practice, would be an advantage.
Experience in a special school or special class would be advantageous.
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.
The successful candidate should:
*Be warm, patient and child-centred.
*Be flexible and able to respond to changing needs.
*Be committed to the Catholic ethos and the Christian values of our school.
*Work well as part of a team while also using their own initiative.
*Demonstrate strong communication skills.
*Demonstrate the ability to relate well to people solving issues as they arise.
*Understand the importance of confidentiality and professional boundaries.
*Be willing to undertake relevant training and professional development.
Appointments will be subject to, but not limited to, current Garda vetting requirements, Occupational Health Screening and satisfactory references.
Please include a copy of your Garda Vetting with your application.
Only those shortlisted for interview will receive a reply.
Applicants with panel rights should include their PF1 Form with their application.
Interviews will be held in person, early in the week of the 7th of September, after school hours.
It is a requirement to hold a valid Statutory Declaration and to complete the Form of Undertaking for this position upon offer of employment.
The terms and conditions of the position will be in accordance with the relevant Department of Education circulars.
Application Instructions:
Applications must be posted. Envelopes should be marked with ‘Part time SNA application’.
Applications must be received by post by the 31st of August 2026.
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.
Applicants must provide an email address as invitations to interview will be sent by email.
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.
The school prioritises a caring and collaborative school environment and values good communication, flexibility, initiative and collegiality.
The positions will involve working closely with class teachers and the Special Education Team to support pupils with additional care needs.
The successful candidates will be required to support more than one pupil during the school day, and are expected to maintain the highest standards of confidentiality and professionalism at all times.
The successful candidates will be able to work effectively as part of a team, demonstrate a strong work ethic and show a willingness to engage in ongoing relevant professional development.
Criteria - Qualifications and Experiences:
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.
Relevant additional training, such as First Aid, Manual Handling, PECS, positive behaviour support or trauma-informed practice, would be an advantage.
Experience in a special school or special class would be advantageous.
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.
The successful candidate should:
*Be warm, patient and child-centred.
*Be flexible and able to respond to changing needs.
*Be committed to the Catholic ethos and the Christian values of our school.
*Work well as part of a team while also using their own initiative.
*Demonstrate strong communication skills.
*Demonstrate the ability to relate well to people solving issues as they arise.
*Understand the importance of confidentiality and professional boundaries.
*Be willing to undertake relevant training and professional development.
Appointments will be subject to, but not limited to, current Garda vetting requirements, Occupational Health Screening and satisfactory references.
Please include a copy of your Garda Vetting with your application.
Only those shortlisted for interview will receive a reply.
Applicants with panel rights should include their PF1 Form with their application.
Interviews will be held in person, early in the week of the 7th of September, after school hours.
It is a requirement to hold a valid Statutory Declaration and to complete the Form of Undertaking for this position upon offer of employment.
The terms and conditions of the position will be in accordance with the relevant Department of Education circulars.
Application Instructions:
Applications must be posted. Envelopes should be marked with ‘Part time SNA application’.
Applications must be received by post by the 31st of August 2026.
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.
Applicants must provide an email address as invitations to interview will be sent by email.
.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
- Letter of Application
- Referees (name, role, contact no.)
- Copy of Certificates, Diplomas, Degrees
- Standard Application Form for SNA Posts - in English
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Applications may be submitted by
- Post
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