Nurturing Approaches Intervention Officer - 3 posts

JOB DESCRIPTIONREPORTS TO: Assistant Advisory Officer (AAO) – Nurture Advisory & Support Service (NASS) RESPONSIBLE FOR: The Nurturing Approaches Intervention Officer (NAIO) will contribute to key aspects of the NASS in relation to the DE funded Nurture Groups and supporting the implementation of the whole school nurturing approaches “Nurture in Education” model of support across all phases. This will include assisting the AAO for NASS to support cluster arrangements, disseminate and implement best practice / practical strategies and model interventions with Nurture Groups, class teachers, groups and individual pupils under the supervision of the AAO. JOB PURPOSE

The NAIO’s role is to enrich and expand the service for children with emotional and behavioural difficulties based within a Locality to support the improvement of outcomes for children and young people within education settings, across all phases, through the implementation of effective nurturing approaches and interventions, assessments and in the implementation of support plans within the context of an education environment. It will also involve discussion with parents, attendance at case discussions and meeting with staff from various agencies throughout the Locality. It will be essential that the NAIO can contribute to the enrichment of the range of educational opportunities available and can contribute collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.

Working under the supervision of the AAO, the NAIO will also support Primary and Post Primary Behaviour Support Services and the respective Head of Service, in ensuring that service delivery is focussed on meeting the needs of children and young people through provision of equal access to excellent services in line with service business plans.

The NAIO will work within a regional team and will be based within a locality area. The post holder will work with a range of education settings, school staff, parents, pupils and members of the CYPS Directorate.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist with and contribute to delivery and implementation of the whole school “Nurture in Education” model of support within a locality area under the direction of the AAO;
• Support the promotion of best practice with staff within education settings across all phases in relation to the regional framework for nurturing approaches in schools;
• Provide support and supervision of children and young people during the facilitation of nurturing approaches and interventions;
• Support and facilitate the direct delivery of social, behavioural, emotional and well-being (SBEW) programmes within the “Nurture in Education” model of support;
• Organise appropriate learning experiences and activities for children connected to SBEW;
• Maintain appropriate records, evaluations, and monitoring in relation to the effectiveness and impact of “Nurture in Education” model of support including training and interventions;
• Contribute to the work of the local team and wider service;
• Liaise with other agencies in relation to the collection of information, the assessment of need;
• Assist with the development of appropriate guidance, resources and training programmes for all education settings who wish to develop nurturing approaches;
• Complete any other duties as specified by the AAO / Regional Manager for NASS.
  
  

This job description will be subject to review in light of changing circumstances and is not intended to be rigid and inflexible but should be regarded as providing guidelines within which the individual works. Other duties of a similar nature and appropriate to the grade may be assigned from time to time.

In accordance with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act (1998), the post-holder is expected to promote good relations, equality of opportunity and pay due regard for equality legislation at all times.

To view the summary of terms and conditions for this post click here.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

NOTES TO JOB APPLICANTS

• You must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question, how, and to what extent you meet the required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. You should clearly demonstrate this for both the essential and desirable criteria, where relevant.
• You must demonstrate how you meet the criteria by the closing date for applications, unless the criteria state otherwise.
• The stage in the process when the criteria will be measured is outlined in the table below.
• Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out in Section 1 below, using the information provided by you on your application form.
• Please note that the Selection Panel reserves the right to shortlist only those applicants that it believes most strongly meet the criteria for the role.
• In the event of an excessive number of applications, the Selection Panel also reserves the right to apply any desirable criteria as outlined in Section 3 at shortlisting, in which case these will be applied in the order listed. It is important therefore that you also clearly demonstrate on your application form on how you meet any desirable criteria.
  
  

Section 1 - Essential Criteria

The following are essential criteria which will initially be measured at the shortlisting stage and which may also be further explored during the interview/selection stage. You should therefore make it clear on your application form how, and to what extent you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.

Experience

FactorEssential CriteriaMethod of AssessmentQualifications/

Hold a HNC/HND or above examination qualification and have three years’ demonstrable experience of directly working with children in an education, youth or health and social services setting;

OR

have five years’ demonstrable experience of directly working with children in an education, youth or health and social services setting.

Demonstrable experience of using direct implementation of strategies for effective management and support of pupils with social, behavioural, emotional and well-being (SBEW).

Demonstrable experience of effectively working with pupils, parents, school staff and management, and other relevant professionals.

Shortlisting by Application Form

Knowledge

Sound knowledge of appropriate ICT software packages (for example, Microsoft Word, Access, Excel etc.)

Shortlisting by Application Form

Other

The successful candidate will be required\:

to have access to a suitable vehicle (appropriately maintained and insured for Education Authority business) that will enable them to carry out the mobility requirements of the post in an efficient and effective manner and thus meet this essential criterion;

OR

be able to provide sufficient information on the application form that will satisfy the employer that he/she has access to an appropriate alternative form of transport that will enable them to carry out the mobility requirements of the post in an efficient and effective manner and thus meet this essential criterion.

Shortlisting by Application Form

Section 2 - Essential Criteria

The following are additional essential criteria which will be measured during the interview/selection stage in line with EA’s Game Changing People Model.

FactorEssential CriteriaMethod of AssessmentKnowledge

Demonstrate knowledge of appropriate approaches, strategies and interventions to meet the SBEW needs of children and young people.

The Principles of Nurture and their implementation including use of the Boxall Profile.

Interview

Skills/

Abilities

In line with EA’s Game Changing People Model we will look for evidence of\:

Demonstrable experience of designing and implementing programmes of support for children with SEN.

Work effectively as a member of a team, with a flexible and pro-active approach; and be able to work independently using your initiative under the supervision of a senior officer for NASS.

Interview

Values Orientation

Evidence of how your experience and approach to work reflect EA’s ethos and values. You will find information about our Values here.

Interview

Section 3 - Desirable Criteria

Some or all of the desirable criteria may be applied by the Selection Panel in order to determine a manageable pool of candidates. Desirable criteria will be applied in the order listed. You should make it clear on your application form how, and to what extent you meet the desirable criteria, as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.

Experience

FactorDesirable CriteriaMethod of AssessmentQualifications/

Demonstrable experience of early intervention and preventative practice within an education setting.

Demonstrable experience of working with children and young people with special educational needs.

Shortlisting by Application Form

Our Values

Through the selection process we will also seek evidence that the personal values of candidates align with those of the EA. This will include evidence of commitment to equality and excellence in service delivery. These reflect our aim which is to meet the needs of all our children and young people equally, removing barriers to learning and ensuring equality of access to excellent education services so that every child can develop to his or her full potential.

DISCLOSURE OF CRIMINAL BACKGROUND

The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007 defines working directly with children or young people or in specified places as ‘regulated activity’.

In the event that you are recommended for appointed to a post that involves ‘regulated activity’, the Education Authority will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background. Please note that you WILL be expected to meet the cost of an Enhanced Disclosure Certificate. Details of how to make payment will be sent to you at the pre-employment stage.

Further information can be accessed at NI Direct or the Department of Justice.

APPLICANT GUIDANCE NOTES

To view the applicant guidance notes, please click here.

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The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer.