ADVERT ID 258781
Special Needs Assistant
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MAIN DETAILS
Status:
Active
Level:
Primary
Date Posted:
Mon Jul 13 2026
Application Closing Date:
Mon Aug 24 2026
Commencement Date:
Wed Aug 26 2026
Status of Post:
Fixed-term
Number of Vacancies:
1
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SCHOOL DETAILS
School Type:
Mainstream with Special Classes
School Structure:
Vertical
Gender:
Girls with Infant Boys
School Patronage:
Catholic
Classification:
DEIS 1
Total No. of Teaching Staff:
55
Current Enrolment:
540
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:
Special Needs Assistant (SNA) – Full-Time (2026/2027 School Year)
St Joseph's National School is inviting applications for a full-time Special Needs Assistant (SNA) position for the 2026/2027 school year. The successful candidate will initially be assigned to one of our five autism classes; however, this initial assignment is subject to change in accordance with the operational needs of the school.
The successful candidate must demonstrate a strong work ethic, must work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team, and must show a commitment to ongoing professional learning, reflective practice, and supporting the diverse needs of pupils.
Essential Requirements
The successful applicant must have:
*Significant experience supporting pupils with Autism, communication differences, and complex needs.
*A strong understanding and practical application of Positive Behaviour Support and Low Arousal Approaches.
*Experience supporting pupils who present with behaviours of concern.
*Excellent communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills.
*A commitment to reflective practice and ongoing professional development.
*The ability to build positive, respectful relationships with pupils, colleagues, parents, and external professionals.
*Flexibility, initiative, and the ability to work collaboratively within a busy school environment.
Please Note: In accordance with Department of Education regulations and the operational needs of the school, Special Needs Assistants may be assigned to any SNA role within the school at the discretion of the Principal.
Conditions of Appointment
Appointment is subject to:
*Satisfactory Garda Vetting.
*Occupational Health Screening.
*Completion of TUSLA Child Safeguarding Training.
*A valid Statutory Declaration.
*Completion of the Form of Undertaking upon offer of employment.
This position is subject to NCSE allocation and SENO review.
Additional Information
*Due to the high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates may be contacted.
*Shortlisted applicants will be invited to interview by email.
*A panel may be formed from these interviews to fill any permanent or temporary SNA vacancies that arise during the 2026/2027 school year.
St Joseph's National School is inviting applications for a full-time Special Needs Assistant (SNA) position for the 2026/2027 school year. The successful candidate will initially be assigned to one of our five autism classes; however, this initial assignment is subject to change in accordance with the operational needs of the school.
The successful candidate must demonstrate a strong work ethic, must work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team, and must show a commitment to ongoing professional learning, reflective practice, and supporting the diverse needs of pupils.
Essential Requirements
The successful applicant must have:
*Significant experience supporting pupils with Autism, communication differences, and complex needs.
*A strong understanding and practical application of Positive Behaviour Support and Low Arousal Approaches.
*Experience supporting pupils who present with behaviours of concern.
*Excellent communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills.
*A commitment to reflective practice and ongoing professional development.
*The ability to build positive, respectful relationships with pupils, colleagues, parents, and external professionals.
*Flexibility, initiative, and the ability to work collaboratively within a busy school environment.
Please Note: In accordance with Department of Education regulations and the operational needs of the school, Special Needs Assistants may be assigned to any SNA role within the school at the discretion of the Principal.
Conditions of Appointment
Appointment is subject to:
*Satisfactory Garda Vetting.
*Occupational Health Screening.
*Completion of TUSLA Child Safeguarding Training.
*A valid Statutory Declaration.
*Completion of the Form of Undertaking upon offer of employment.
This position is subject to NCSE allocation and SENO review.
Additional Information
*Due to the high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates may be contacted.
*Shortlisted applicants will be invited to interview by email.
*A panel may be formed from these interviews to fill any permanent or temporary SNA vacancies that arise during the 2026/2027 school year.
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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
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Roll Number:
18178R
Apply To:
recruitment@stjosephsns.ie
Applications will only be accepted by email.
Please ensure the subject line of your email clearly states "SNA Recruitment" to ensure your application is processed correctly.
Only applications received by email with the appropriate subject line will be considered.
Applications will only be accepted by email.
Please ensure the subject line of your email clearly states "SNA Recruitment" to ensure your application is processed correctly.
Only applications received by email with the appropriate subject line will be considered.
County:
Longford
Website:
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