Special Educational Needs Organiser

Role Overview

The Special Educational Needs Organiser (SENO) employed by the National Council for Special Education is a pivotal figure in advancing special education services. SENOs are tasked with assessing and supporting students with special educational needs to ensure their access to tailored assistance and placement within appropriate educational settings.

Core Responsibilities

• Assess students for eligibility to attend special classes or special schools via the Parents’ Notification System.
• Collaborate across primary, post-primary, and special school levels to facilitate comprehensive support.
• Engage extensively with parents, students, educators, healthcare providers, school authorities, and government organizations including the HSE.
• Support schools in developing and implementing individual education plans (IEPs) and student support strategies to address each child's unique needs.
• Promote strong partnerships with all stakeholders through a community-based approach to coordinate and inform on SEN provision amid a dynamic educational environment.
• Deliver professional development and training opportunities to educators through cluster meetings and guidance on updated departmental policies, circulars, and national frameworks concerning special education.
• Serve within a geographically assigned team alongside Inclusion Advisors, Visiting Teachers, Therapists, and Behaviour Practitioners, reporting to a Team Manager.
• Act as a liaison facilitating communication and collaboration between schools, families, and external agencies to ensure effective support and resource alignment for SEN students.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of procedures and protocols related to SEN support within the schooling community.

Work Context

SENOs play a versatile and responsive role that focuses on promoting inclusion of students with special needs in settings most suitable to their educational requirements. The position involves multi-agency coordination and requires reflective practice to maintain effectiveness in service delivery within the National Council for Special Education framework.