ADVERT ID 262208

Special Needs Assistant

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St Vincents Special School

Navan Road,
Dublin 7
Dublin 7
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MAIN DETAILS

Status:
Active
Level:
Primary
Date Posted:
Mon Sep 14 2026
Application Closing Date:
Fri Oct 2 2026
Commencement Date:
Mon Oct 19 2026
Status of Post:
Permanent
Number of Vacancies:
1
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SCHOOL DETAILS
School Type:
Special School
School Structure:
Vertical
Gender:
Co-Educational
School Patronage:
Catholic
Total No. of Teaching Staff:
14
Current Enrolment:
70
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:
St. Vincent’s Special School is a co-educational setting supporting pupils aged 5–18 years who, following psychological assessment, are identified as having a Moderate General Learning Disability.

Essential Criteria:
• Demonstrated experience working with children with communication difficulties
• Significant experience using Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) systems in a structured, consistent, and evidence-based manner
• A strong working knowledge of the Relate document, including its use in planning, implementing, and reviewing supports
• Experience supporting the development of communication, social interaction, emotional regulation, and independence

Key Attributes:
The successful candidate will:
• Be positive, flexible, and able to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Demonstrate a strong work ethic and a proactive, reflective approach to practice
• Show respect for the ethos of the school
• Be committed to promoting pupil independence, autonomy, dignity, and student voice
• Use initiative while recognizing the importance of collaboration and guidance from teaching staff
• Demonstrate willingness to engage in relevant Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
• Apply a child focused, rights-based, and evidence-informed approach in line with the Relate document

Duties may include:
• Supporting pupils’ communication, social interaction, emotional regulation, and independence in line with targets outlined in the Relate document
• Implementing AAC systems consistently, supporting pupils to develop spontaneous and independent communication
• Supporting and facilitating student voice, choice, and active participation in learning and school life
• Supporting pupils during swimming activities, ensuring safety while promoting independence and confidence
• Assisting on school outings, walks, and extracurricular activities, encouraging inclusion, participation, and independence
• Providing support with feeding and personal care, including PEG feeding where necessary, while maintaining dignity and encouraging independence wherever possible
• Administering medication where required, in line with school policy and in a manner that minimises disruption to teaching and learning
• Collaborating with teachers and relevant professionals to monitor, review, and adapt supports using an evidence-based approach
• Maintaining appropriate professional boundaries while building positive, supportive relationships with pupils

Application Requirements:
• Applications must be submitted via email only
• A completed Standard Application Form for SNA posts must be included; incomplete applications will not be considered

Appointment is subject to:
• Current Garda vetting requirements
• Occupational Health Screening
• Satisfactory references
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APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

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Applications may be submitted by

  • Email
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APPLY TO THIS JOB VACANCY

Roll Number:
19039I
County:
Dublin
Postal District:
Dublin 7

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