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Wed Jun 17 2026

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30

Yes

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.

The Board of Management of Saplings Special School invites applications for a 0.5 fixed-term Special Needs Assistant position to cover one half of a job-share arrangement for the 2026/2027 school year.

Saplings Special School is an evidence-based special school for pupils aged 4–18 years with Autism and Complex Needs. We currently support 30 students across five classrooms and are committed to providing highly individualised, evidence-based educational programmes that enable every student to achieve their full potential.

Working at Saplings Special School offers a unique opportunity to become part of a dedicated and highly skilled team of teachers and Special Needs Assistants. Staff work collaboratively with multidisciplinary professionals to support students' communication, learning, independence, wellbeing and participation in all aspects of school life.

We are seeking an SNA who is:
- Passionate about supporting autistic children and young people with complex needs.
- Highly motivated, proactive and able to demonstrate initiative in their daily practice.
- Committed to ongoing professional learning and willing to engage in training and independently develop their knowledge and skills.
- Flexible, adaptable and responsive to the individual needs of students.
- A positive team player who contributes to a supportive and collaborative school environment.
- Respectful of neurodiversity and committed to neuroaffirmative practice.

Essential Requirements:
- Qualifications as outlined by the Department of Education for appointment as a Special Needs Assistant.
- Experience supporting autistic children and young people in an educational, care or disability support setting.
- Experience supporting students who may present with behaviours of concern.

Desirable Experience and Skills:
- Positive Behaviour Support (PBS).
- Total Communication approaches.
- Neuroaffirmative practice.
- LÁMH.
- Experience working as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Experience supporting students with personal care, communication and sensory regulation needs.

Duties and conditions of employment will be in accordance with Department of Education regulations and Circulars governing Special Needs Assistant appointments.