Academic Support Worker

We are looking for an enthusiastic, passionate, creative and caring person to join our Education Team at the Down Syndrome Limerick.

Our vision is to provide opportunities for adults with Down syndrome for ongoing learning and growth. Through our education programmes, we not only teach new skills, we allow our learners to come confident adults and support them, as they carve out their future.

Responsibilities:

• Supporting the Teacher/Tutor in delivering the education programmes.
• Working with individual students, small groups, or the entire class, catering to a diverse range of needs and abilities to assist them to fulfil classroom activities.
• Administration duties may include recording daily attendance sheets, completing incident forms and cleaning checklists.
• Provide regular feedback to the teacher/tutor on students' progress and supporting the teacher/tutor with paperwork and documentation as required.
• Assist with the set-up of the classroom materials for each activity under the direction of the class teacher, and ensure the classroom is prepared for daily classes and left clean and tidy after use.
• Supporting the students to achieve their goals by offering assistance and guidance where needed.
• Managing classroom equipment and technology ensuring they are charged up and ready for the class e.g. iPads and stored away after use.
• Supervision of students at all times in the classroom and on field trips.
• Assist the teacher/tutor in managing student behaviour and provide care and support to any student that is unwell or upset.
• One-to-one work with students within a group setting
• Supporting the teacher/tutor with field trips and outings that reinforce classroom learning.
• Working across a range of our education programmes
• Liaising with parents and guardians to best support adult learners.
• Liaising with other professionals in Down Syndrome Ireland
• Adhere to on-site policies and procedures e.g., health & safety, safeguarding
• Attend training to further develop skills in supporting adult learners
• Communicate well with all stakeholders e.g., students, parents, staff, volunteers & members.

Experience required:

• Experience (professional or personal) supporting adults with Down syndrome or other intellectual disabilities would be an advantage
• Relevant professional qualification
• Strong computer skills
• Ability to work as part of a team under the guidance of a teacher
• Ability to use own initiative and be professional in all communication

Location & Hours:

16.5 hours per week (5.5 hours per day, Tuesday - Thursday), based in our Limerick Branch office, Castletroy, Limerick.

This is a fixed term contract until the 30th May 2025