ADVERT ID 249680
Special Needs Assistant
.
St Joseph's SS
Moyola Lane
Thomas Hynes Road
Newcastle
Galway
H91K095
Thomas Hynes Road
Newcastle
Galway
H91K095
.
MAIN DETAILS
Status:
Active
Level:
Primary
Date Posted:
Tue Mar 31 2026
Application Closing Date:
Wed Apr 15 2026
Commencement Date:
Tue Aug 25 2026
Status of Post:
Standard SNA
Number of Vacancies:
1
.
SCHOOL DETAILS
School Type:
Special School
School Structure:
Vertical
Gender:
Co-Educational
School Patronage:
Other
Total No. of Teaching Staff:
15
Current Enrolment:
81
Droichead school:
Yes
.
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:
Special Needs Assistant (SNA) Positions for September 2026 school year
The Board of Management invites applications for Special Needs Assistant (SNA) posts, subject to allocation by the Department of Education.
We are seeking kind, calm, and motivated individuals with a genuine passion for supporting pupils with very complex needs, who are interested in developing a long-term career in special education and contributing positively to the life of the whole school.
Available Positions
1 x Standard SNA post (resignation)
1 x 0.5 SNA post (covering a Career Break)
Anticipated Hours: 8:55am–2:15pm, Monday, Tuesday and Friday
Fixed-term contract to end August 2027
2 x Temporary SNA post (covering a Career Breaks / jobsharers)
Fixed-term contract to end August 2027
In addition, a panel will be formed from which substitute cover and any further SNA vacancies that may arise over the next 6 months will be filled.
Key Responsibilities
Assist in the care, support, and supervision of students with special educational needs.
Support pupils with very complex needs using calm, consistent and effective de-escalation techniques.
Work collaboratively with teachers and the wider school team to implement Individualised Education Plans (IEPs) and Positive Behaviour Support Plans.
Promote inclusion and contribute to a safe, supportive and respectful school environment.
Demonstrate flexibility, professionalism and the ability to work calmly under pressure.
Engage positively as a team player, with an understanding of the school community as a whole.
Person Specification
A caring, patient and kind approach to working with children.
This school is a special school - ALL our children have complex needs.
Ability to remain calm in challenging situations and follow de-escalation strategies.
Strong commitment to teamwork and to making a meaningful contribution to the whole school.
Flexible, reliable and able to respond to the changing needs of pupils and the school.
Experience is desirable but not essential; applicants without experience will be considered where they can demonstrate a proven commitment to the role and to special education at St Josephs.
Application Process
Applicants should submit three files only by email to snaseptember2026@stjosephspns.ie
Short CV
Letter of application outlining suitability and relevant experience
Completed Standard Application Form for SNAs
Interview Process
Shortlisting will apply.
Successful candidates will be notified before May 11th and will be invited to meet us for interview on Tuesday 19th of May.
Only candidates selected for interview will be contacted.
Additional Information
We also welcome expressions of interest for Bus Escort work and for inclusion on our SNA Substitute Panel.
For further information on those roles, please email:
theoffice@stjosephspns.ie
Important Notes
Appointment is subject to current Garda Vetting requirements and compliance with relevant Department of Education circulars.
The Board of Management invites applications for Special Needs Assistant (SNA) posts, subject to allocation by the Department of Education.
We are seeking kind, calm, and motivated individuals with a genuine passion for supporting pupils with very complex needs, who are interested in developing a long-term career in special education and contributing positively to the life of the whole school.
Available Positions
1 x Standard SNA post (resignation)
1 x 0.5 SNA post (covering a Career Break)
Anticipated Hours: 8:55am–2:15pm, Monday, Tuesday and Friday
Fixed-term contract to end August 2027
2 x Temporary SNA post (covering a Career Breaks / jobsharers)
Fixed-term contract to end August 2027
In addition, a panel will be formed from which substitute cover and any further SNA vacancies that may arise over the next 6 months will be filled.
Key Responsibilities
Assist in the care, support, and supervision of students with special educational needs.
Support pupils with very complex needs using calm, consistent and effective de-escalation techniques.
Work collaboratively with teachers and the wider school team to implement Individualised Education Plans (IEPs) and Positive Behaviour Support Plans.
Promote inclusion and contribute to a safe, supportive and respectful school environment.
Demonstrate flexibility, professionalism and the ability to work calmly under pressure.
Engage positively as a team player, with an understanding of the school community as a whole.
Person Specification
A caring, patient and kind approach to working with children.
This school is a special school - ALL our children have complex needs.
Ability to remain calm in challenging situations and follow de-escalation strategies.
Strong commitment to teamwork and to making a meaningful contribution to the whole school.
Flexible, reliable and able to respond to the changing needs of pupils and the school.
Experience is desirable but not essential; applicants without experience will be considered where they can demonstrate a proven commitment to the role and to special education at St Josephs.
Application Process
Applicants should submit three files only by email to snaseptember2026@stjosephspns.ie
Short CV
Letter of application outlining suitability and relevant experience
Completed Standard Application Form for SNAs
Interview Process
Shortlisting will apply.
Successful candidates will be notified before May 11th and will be invited to meet us for interview on Tuesday 19th of May.
Only candidates selected for interview will be contacted.
Additional Information
We also welcome expressions of interest for Bus Escort work and for inclusion on our SNA Substitute Panel.
For further information on those roles, please email:
theoffice@stjosephspns.ie
Important Notes
Appointment is subject to current Garda Vetting requirements and compliance with relevant Department of Education circulars.
.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
.
Applications may be submitted by
.
Roll Number:
19047H
Apply To:
Email 3 files only please:
snaseptember2026@stjosephspns.ie
snaseptember2026@stjosephspns.ie
County:
Galway
Enquiries To:
Website:
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