Special Education Needs Adviser - Secondary

The Secondary School Special Education Needs Adviser is responsible for advising and supporting the secondary schools on the identification and management of children with special educational needs, and support upper primary schools in transition of students with additional needs to secondary school. The Secondary SEN adviser will also provide leadership and management of the Career Development Service. The Secondary SEN Adviser will further assist through the development and monitoring of appropriate ESF policies and procedures and through the provision of training and support programmes to improve the knowledge and understanding of supporting students with special needs across the Foundation.

The Secondary Special Education Needs Adviser works in partnership with all Education Team Advisers and acts as a point of liaison between all secondary schools, the Manager Inclusion and Special Education and the Director of Education to ensure;

• Establish a partnership relationship with the Secondary Schools to ensure staff are supported in meeting children’s special educational needs and that staff understand the expectations of them in working with children with special educational needs.
• Provide advice to schools to meet ESF policy and procedural obligations relating to students with additional learning needs.
• Lead the development of modified and adjusted curriculum for inclusion in secondary schools.
• Lead the development, implementation and coordination of professional development and support for all schools to enable responsive approaches to meet the learning and wellbeing needs of students from diverse backgrounds and to contribute to the development of inclusive school cultures and practices.
• Co-facilitate the Special Needs Advisory Group (SNAGS) across the Foundation.
• Lead and maintain effective mechanisms for high quality professional development, support and supervision for indirect teaching staff including the Special Education Needs (SEN) Career Development Service.
• Support the Manger ISE and act as a panel member for the Admissions and Review Process (ARP).
• Plan, coordinate and monitor the ESF inclusion strategy.
• Support the development and implementation of policies to special educational needs from K-13.
• Manage and maintain systems and procedures to facilitate the effective transition from Primary School to Secondary School, and Secondary School to post 18 education or the workplace.
• Lead projects and initiatives including interagency strategies to address the needs of secondary students with complex learning needs.
• Support the coordination and implementation of new technologies, materials and assessment tools.
• Managing and responding to parent and community complaints in relation to secondary SEN under the direction of the Manager ISE.
• Prepare reports, briefings and correspondence as requested by the Director of Education through the Manager for Inclusion and Special Education Services.
• Any other reasonable activity at the request of the Manager, Inclusion and Special Education and/or Director of Education
• Commitment to upholding at all times the ESF core values in; Inspiring minds, embracing individuality, leading by example, optimising our network and being accountable.

Requirements

Teaching Qualifications and successful school based experience within K- 13.

A qualification and/or experience in special education or student services is highly desirable.

At least four years minimum in leading the provision of inclusive education, student wellbeing, special education and other student support services for secondary school settings.

Abilities

Manage time and resources across a network of secondary schools in collaboration with the central ESF Education Team, including the Educational Psychology Services Team.

Implementation and monitoring of system-wide policies to ensure school based policy and procedural alignment

Observation, assessment and documentation of student files, including the safeguarding of children

Knowledge

Understanding of special educational needs philosophies and practices in; student services, special education, inclusive education, student wellbeing, child protection

Curriculum accommodations and modifications

Education policy, systems and procedures

Ability to

Work in partnership with internal and external stakeholders to promote and uphold the ESF Vision and Mission

Lead different teams of people with effective communication skills, practical skills and a sound understanding of the impact of systems change in a school based setting.

Establish positive relationships with secondary school staff, ESFC staff, parents and children

Negotiate and influence positively

Manage and resolve conflict

Closing Date: 17 Mar 2019

For enquiries, please contact Stanley Ho at stanley.ho@esfcentre.edu.hk.

ESF is an Equal Opportunities Employer

Personal data provided by job applicants will be used strictly in accordance with the ESF's Personal Data Policy, a copy of which will be provided upon request.

Aligned with the recommendations of the International Task Force on Child Protection, we hold ourselves to a high standard of effective recruiting practices with specific attention to child protection.