Learning Assistant (Fixed-Term) - Start Immediately - Part-Time

Riccarton High School is a co-educational, multi-cultural secondary school with a reputation for high student achievement and strong community spirit. 

With a roll of more than 1,000 students, we work collaboratively and inclusively to inspire our active, connected, and deep-thinking learners. At our core is the Riccarton Way and the associated values of commitment, honesty, respect, and excellence.

We are looking to appoint a part-time, fixed-term learning assistant for the remainder of the 2024 school year. This is a term-time only position for 28.5 hours per week.

The role will entail working with a range of students from diverse backgrounds and with differing abilities, providing individualised support within the wider school curriculum. 

The position description for this role outlines the responsibilities as well as the personal qualities expected to be displayed by anyone holding the position and is listed below.

The hourly rate is commensurate with the Teacher Aide matrix contained in the Support Staff in Schools Collective Agreement.

Applications should include a CV and a cover letter and be emailed to [email protected] 

Specific enquiries about the role should be directed to Kerry McCarthy, HOD: [email protected]

Closing date: Friday 14th of June 2024 at 3.00pm. 

Please note: International applications are not being accepted at this time.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Purpose:

The appointee is expected to have an understanding and supportive approach to our ākonga with learning and/or behaviour needs, and be adaptable to the requirements of the classroom and our kura as a whole.

Responsibilities:

• Establish and maintain positive relationships with students of diverse needs and backgrounds
• Make minor adaptations to lesson plans and resources to ensure learning objectives are achieved in response to student needs – such as reader/writer, designing graphic organisers, brainstorming/mind mapping, etc
• Design activities to supplement programmes – such as art/literacy/numeracy activities, etc
• Support inclusion in school and amongst peers and take appropriate action to support students’ wellbeing and learning – such as supporting group activities, providing authentic positive reinforcement for achievement, etc
• Attend and contribute to professional meetings - such as department/IEP meetings
• Perform administrative activities – such as updating KAMAR records, bookings, maintaining petty cash, filing, organising, etc
• Respect and accommodate language, heritage and culture in a multicultural environment such as pronouncing names correctly
• Provide direct support for specific health, behavioural and/or other needs of student(s) in order to enhance the student's ability to integrate, improve, be independent and participate more fully at school – such as following behaviour plans, tracking at break times, implementing provided speech-language therapy exercises, supervising onsite and offsite activities/work experience/sport/recreational activities, etc
• Be responsible for a range of physical care of students and ensure their dignity is maintained – such as assistance with eating, toileting, showering, etc
• Have input and contribute to IEPs, IBP, ITPs and any specialist assessments for students and/or their whanau
• Act as a reader/writer or supervisor for special assessment conditions.
• Have a flexible mindset, with the ability to ‘go with the flow’
• Welcome educational specialists as required. Discuss individual student needs
• Have occasional supervisory responsibility for other employees or volunteers

SUPPORT STAFF - PERSON SPECIFICATION

Any person employed by Riccarton High School is expected to display the following personal qualities:

• Models the ideas and behaviours that exemplify the vision and principles of the school
• Highly motivated, energetic and organised with the ability to work under pressure to meet specified deadlines
• Has the ability to maintain a professional and personable attitude at all times and can work co-operatively as a member of a team
• Can show leadership, respect and support to staff and students.
• Has a clear understanding of the wider issues of education in the school environment
• Can respond to difficult situations in a proactive manner and complete tasks accordingly
• Can give and receive constructive feedback
• Demonstrates a high level of personal presentation, integrity and loyalty
• Has the ability to maintain confidentiality
• Is willing to consider extra hours of work when necessary
• Will show enthusiasm and commitments to promoting fiscal responsibility
• Is able to communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing, to a range of audiences
• Shows a willingness to pursue opportunities for professional development attending suitable training courses, as appropriate.
• Has initiative and can work independently, is innovative and can anticipate when appropriate action may be necessary.
• Supportive of the Riccarton Way ethos of commitment, honesty, respect and excellence: 
• presenting a good image and treating students, staff and visitors with courtesy 
• an awareness of the intent and spirit of the Treaty of Waitangi.
• cultural sensitivity to students and community members from all cultural backgrounds 
• demonstrating an awareness of the needs of students and visitors with physical and intellectual disabilities.