Educational Assistant - Strategies for School, Part-time

ROLE SUMMARY
SEN students form approximately 12 - 15% of WIS student population from years 7-13. Together with this number, a further 24 students will be admitted to the Learning Centre over three years. The IN Dept needs to provide both in-class and professional support to subjects across the curriculum as well as its own discrete groups of students.

The Part-Time Educational Assistant (Strategies for School) positions will be required to work 17.5 hours per week (3 school days) during term time only. Contracts will be issued until the 30th June 2017 only, renewable for further academic years on a mutually agreeable basis.

MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES
• To support intensive and needy SEN students in the development of key skills in discrete groups or within faculties
• To support coursework and homework requirements, through discrete lessons, in-class support and liaison with subject teachers
• To follow up students and support their organizational and academic needs
• To provide differentiated assistance as required by IN and subject teachers
• To provide administrative support for filing, stock taking and display as required
• Performs other duties and assumes accountabilities as apparent or as delegated, including mutually agreed upon objectives

EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION
• Preferred but not essential, degree qualifications/qualification related to special education or prior teaching experience of secondary school
• Some experience of international schools and a multi-lingual, multi-ethnic, multicultural classroom
• Some familiarity with language & curriculum demands in secondary schools

ABILITIES
• A working knowledge of the use of basic ICT skills – Microsoft Office, Excel, Inspiration and/or a willingness to learn and upskill
• Strong English speaking skills and ability to briefly clarify language for students
• Ability to work in different subject areas and pick up the required competencies to support students, on the job
• Willingness to participate in professional development – internal ( at WIS) and external (ESF)
• Willingness to collaborate with teachers and heads of school
• Initiative and enthusiasm for working with students with special needs
• Initiative and drive to perform daily tasks which allow the smooth running of the dept

KNOWLEDGE
• A working knowledge of English grammar, academic vocabulary and genre
• An understanding of student’s academic language needs as noted in the IN register
• An understanding of the role and responsibilities of an Educational Assistant in the classroom
• Willingness to create support resources and supplementary work for students where necessary to assist the class teacher (e.g., developing writing frames/proformas/taking notes)
• Ability to work in a collaborative team with teachers and support staff
• A flexible approach with difficult students and the ability to foster relationships with students being supported
• Strong communication and organisational skills
• Ability to multi-task
• Flexibility in coping with the changing needs of the job

Applicants must be a permanent Hong Kong resident or possess a valid visa to work in Hong Kong.