JOB TITLE:  Special Needs Officer.

TEAM/PROGRAMME: ELC project

LOCATION: Amman and Camps

POST TYPE: National

External representation and communications: Level (3)

• Contacts that require the exchange of detailed explanations or discussions on matters concerning policies, regulations, programs, and services and representation of SCJ at the local level or with mid-level counterparts within the relevant organization.
• Moderate impact on the reputation and performance of the organization

CHILD SAFEGUARDING: Level (3) – the responsibilities of the post may require the post holder to have regular contact with or access to children or young people

ROLE PURPOSE: The role of the Special Needs Officer at the ECCD centers on relationships between our students, parents, teachers and staff members. We provide children with educational activities appropriate for young learners, taking into account their physical, intellectual, social, and emotional needs. We realize the importance of providing a nurturing, safe inspiring environment, rich with opportunities to be open and curious. We also aim to provide a supportive and inspirational working environment for all our staff members.

The special needs specialist provides service and support to students with exceptional learning needs under the direction of the project manager, in a manner that enhances students’ social, emotional, cognitive and physical development while adhering to Save the Children Jordan (SCJ) Safeguarding regulations and Code of Conduct.

SCOPE OF ROLE:

Reports to:  Project Manager

Staff directly reporting to this post: Field Coordinators, if and any other staff as designated/assigned by the project manager.

KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY:

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides one-on-one support for students by using teaching strategies in accordance with their individual needs in order to improve or to enrich their learning and well-being in collaboration with the teachers;
• Joins classes throughout the day to observe students and support their learning as opportunities arise;
• Assists students in need of assistance with self-regulation or emotional well-being;
• Assists teachers in conducting needs assessment, identifying student needs and making recommendations by adapting and/or modifying curricular activities, routines, strategies, and learner objectives;
• Makes recommendations for developing lessons with specialized objectives and activities that reflect differentiation for individual student needs;
• Reports student progress regularly to the teachers, and works with them to modify learning expectations as the need arises;
• Provides input in recommending support services (i.e., Speech Language Pathologist, Behavioral Consultant/Psychologist, Pediatrician…etc.) to support children with diverse needs;
• Participates in outdoor activities with children for all ECCD centers;
• Participates in school-based meetings;
• Participates in all school events including open houses, parent meetings, and others;
• Maintains open communication with co-workers and parents;
• Participates actively and meaningfully in professional development opportunities and attend all mandatory training;
• Performs other duties as assigned by the management team;
• coordinate with the protection team for referrals and cases

Key Competencies

• Must be comfortable and skilled at interacting with children
• Ability to demonstrate a sound understanding of child development as well as an aptitude in different learning approaches to early childhood care and education;
• Excellent knowledge in mental health, special needs, behavioral assessment
• Ability to adapt to a variety of student need using a positive and proactive approach;
• Ability to maintain appropriate standards of behavior, mutual respect, and safety within   classroom;
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills combined with tact and diplomacy skills;
• Understanding of family dynamics and sensitive to local culture and educational issues;
• Excellent spoken and written Arabic and English skills;
• Excellent computer skills;
• Excellent analytical skills and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality;

Accountabilities and Qualities

•Passion: Genuine passion for working with children;

•Positive role model and demonstrate conflict-solving behaviors;

•Collaboration: Able to work collaboratively with staff, colleague and parents;

•Integrity: Honesty, openness, and transparency;

•Commitment: Must have a strong commitment to SCJ mission, vision and principles;

•Compliance: Must comply with SCJ safeguarding policies and code of Conduct principles;

• Police clearance check: Must provide a police clearance check and good conduct upon hiring.

Collaboration:

• Builds and maintains effective relationships with team, colleagues, and partners;
• Values diversity as a source of competitive strength;
• Approachable, diplomatic, and supportive, with well-developed listening skills.

Creativity:

• Develops and encourages new and innovative solutions both on a personal level and by building and leading teams willing to take disciplined risks.

Integrity:

• Honesty, openness, and transparency;
• A strong commitment to Save the Children’s vision of a world in which every child attains the right to survival, protection, development, and participation.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Qualifications

• Diploma in Special Education or a related field;
• Valid standard First Aid and CPR;
• Up to date medical and immunization record, including Covid-19 immunization;

Professional Experience

• 3-5 years of relevant experience in special education and/or developmental psychology.
• Experience working with children with a broad spectrum of behaviors and special needs
• Experience supporting children in-class, in small groups, as well as one-on-one

** Qualified Males and Females are welcome to apply.