INTRODUCTION
Applications are invited for the appointment of a Research Officer for Middletown Centre for
Autism.
Contents of the Pack
Prior to completing the application form applicants should familiarise themselves with the contents of the information pack. The pack includes:-
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Section 1 – Background
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Section 2 – Additional Information
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Section 3 – Job Description
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Section 4 – Person Specification
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Section 5 – Terms & Conditions of Appointment
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Section 6 – Guidance on the Selection Process
Section 7 – Key Points to Note on Completing the Application Form and Monitoring
Form
Enclosures
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An Application Form
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An Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form
Nomenclature
Middletown Centre for Autism staff recognise that there are a number of terms preferred by different individuals and groups, including autism spectrum disorder, autistic spectrum condition, autistic spectrum difference and neuro-diversity. In this document ‘autism’ is used to cover all of these terms.

1.
BACKGROUND
Middletown Centre for Autism, located in County Armagh, is funded by the Department of
Education, Northern Ireland and the Department of Education and Skills, Republic of Ireland. The purpose of the Centre is to support the promotion of excellence in the development and coordination of education services to children and young people with autism.
The Centre was established in March 2007 as a company limited by guarantee. The Board of
Directors comprises of 5 Department of Education and Skills nominees and 5 Department of
Education appointees.
The Centre’s Vision
“To create, maintain and develop a Centre of Excellence in Ireland for children and young people with autism.”
The Centre’s Remit:
The Middletown Centre for Autism was opened in March 2007 to deliver four key educational services on an all-island basis for children with complex autism.
The overall aim for the Centre is to “support the promotion of excellence throughout Northern
Ireland and Ireland in the education of children and young people with autism
The Services
The Centre, as a second level specialist service provider, is working in partnership with existing statutory and voluntary organisations. Since its establishment the focus has been on delivering the following services:
Educational Assessment and Individual Intervention in Northern Ireland
Service delivery includes:
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The provision of a trans-disciplinary assessment by the advice and guidance team;
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The development and implementation of interventions and a Learning Support Plan (LSP);
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Supporting the development of an autism competent school environment;
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Improving service delivery for children and young people with autism;
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Enabling parents to support their children’s education in partnership with the child’s school and teachers;
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Increasing parents’ knowledge of autism and how it impacts on their child;
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Helping parents manage their children’s autism;
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The provision of education based home support;

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The provision of advice for the parents of children and young people referred to advice and guidance service in Northern Ireland and,
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The provision of specialist led second level training to assist parents in the management of specific difficulties in the education of their child.
Training
Service delivery includes:
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Providing specialist autism based in-service continuous professional development;
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Delivering specialist parent training, the main focus of this being in the Republic of Ireland;
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Providing individualised training to teachers and parents in supporting the delivery of the learning support plan for children and young people referred to the advice and guidance service;
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The identification and development of needs led training and
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Developing and providing access to an autism specific research network.
Accessible Research Support
Service delivery includes:
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Supporting the introduction of new research based practice;
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Sharing good practice particularly on a North South context;
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Developing and providing access to an autism specific research network;
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Providing access to autism literature and peer reviewed research and
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The development of a research panel comprising 470 parents, professionals and others who live with or work with children and young people with autism throughout the island of Ireland
2 Additional Information
Research and Information Service
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The Research and Information Service conducts primary research and can also commission research on relevant topics to further develop understanding of autism. This will include the analysis of follow-up information collected from children and young people who have been referred to the Centre.
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In addition, this service provides an information resource for parents and professionals.

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The service will also publicise research findings and other relevant work developed both at the
Centre and by other agencies to the wider autism community.
The realisation of the above strategic objectives will involve the following Service outputs: a) Deliver relevant, credible and verifiable research products; this research will be conducted both by the Centre and also commissioned from other agencies. The Centre will develop robust commissioning procedures and a comprehensive research governance framework. b) Develop a relevant research agenda; conduct research in response to identified need; utilise the unique environment of the Centre as a stimulus for the development of innovative research programmes in response to the needs of the complex service users referred to the
Centre. c) Develop the Centre as a focal point for research and researchers in the field of autism both locally and worldwide. d) Promote a culture of research based practice in the Centre and throughout Northern Ireland and Ireland. e) Operate in the global research community; develop and maintain a presence on the worldwide autism research arena. f) Initiate and maintain a conscious up skilling of education staff; promote dissemination of research information in an accessible and engaging way. g) Development of accessible and continuously updated information resource both on site and virtually; provide access to autism data bases and online journals, a library and resource room.
While the Head of Division, and the Research Officers are employed to deliver the above outputs; there will also be considerable interdivisional working.
Interdivisional collaboration with the Advice and Guidance Service is a critical interface with reference to points “b”, “d” and “f”; there will also be considerable collaboration with the Training,
Advice and Guidance Division with reference to points “f” and “g”.

3 JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title:
Reporting to:
Location:
Job Purpose:
Research Officer
Head of Research and Development
Middletown Centre for Autism, Co Armagh
Work with the Head of Research and Development to carry out the essential work of the Research and Information Service in Middletown Centre for
Autism.
Main Duties:
Managing Strategy / Policy
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Contribute to and support the Centre’s research and information function and promote the work of the Centre.
Contribute to the continuing development of the Centre’s research work in partnership with the Centre’s funding Departments and the Centre’s Research Panel
Contribute to the formulation of ethics and research governance arrangements.
Managing Services
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To encourage a climate of continuous learning and improvement to achieve standards of excellence.
Develop, maintain and conduct ongoing analysis on a series of data bases.
Produce comprehensive reports for the Senior Management Team and Board of Directors of the Centre.
Managing People
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Develop and maintain positive links with research agencies, nationally and internationally.
Manage research meetings and other meetings as appropriate and any action points arising from them.
Liaise with the Centre’s funding Departments and parent / professional Research Panel to ensure the effective communication of stakeholder’s research requirements.
Managing Resources
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On-going management and administration of a range of information data bases.
Maintaining the Centre’s library and information resources.
Contribute to the compilation and circulation of an autism research bulletin.
Deliver and undertake training (as appropriate) when required.

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Analytical Skills
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Contribute to the development of research projects including contributing to research method, engaging in data collection and analysis and conducting literature searches.
Support the preparation of publications.
Assimilate, evaluate and interpret complex or conflicting data and different perspectives.
Provide objective advice based on sound evidence and analysis, and a thorough understanding of statutory requirements.
Communication Skills
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Interact and maintain positive links with the Centre’s stakeholders.
N.B. The list of duties is not intended to be exhaustive or exclusive. The post holder may be required to undertake various other duties as deemed necessary and commensurate with the level of responsibility of the post. Middletown Centre reserves the right to update the Job
Description from time to time to reflect the changing needs of the Service in consultation with the post holder.

4 PERSON SPECIFICATION
Job Title: Research Officer
Reporting to: Head of Research and Development
4.1 Eligibility criteria
Applicants must be able to demonstrate the following by the closing date: a) A degree or equivalent third level qualification in research methods, psychology, education or health related discipline and working knowledge of issues related to autistic spectrum disorders. b) A post graduate level qualification research methods, psychology, education or a health related discipline. c) A demonstrable track record of achievement in producing or contributing to high quality research. d) Experience of conducting literature searches and reviews and also in working with follow-up and case study data. e) Experience of research governance and associated ethical considerations.
4.2 Essential Criteria
Applicants must be able to demonstrate their competence in the following areas:
4.2.1 Managing Strategy / Policy a) Experience of contributing to the formulation of strategy and the policies of the organisation
4.2.2 Managing Services a) Evidence of contributing to the development and delivery of research programmes and projects including case study research. b) Experience of implementing procedures to support research ethics and best practice.
4.2.3 Managing People a) Proven ability of working as part of a team to ensure team performance meets or exceeds all key performance indicators. b) Proven ability to build productive working relationships with a range of stakeholders internally and externally, readily sharing ideas and information with others.

4.2.4 Managing Resources a) Demonstrable ability to plan, prioritise and manage a range of resources to deliver programmes/projects within agreed timescale. b) Proven skills in the manipulation and analysis of quantitative and qualitative data.
4.2.5 Analytical Skills a) Demonstrable experience in analysing complex information and making criteria based decisions, whilst influencing and gaining the commitment of others. b) Demonstrable experience in the manipulation and analysis of quantitative data
4.2.6
Communication a) Proven ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, tailoring content to the target audience.
4.3 Desirable Criteria
If a large number of applications are received, it may be necessary to carry out a further shortlisting exercise to reduce the number of candidates to be invited for interview. In such circumstances the following desirable criteria may be assessed as part of the written shortlisting exercise: a) Working knowledge of issues related to autistic spectrum disorders b) Holding, or working towards, a PhD c) Other post graduate qualification d) Publication(s) in a peer reviewed journal e) Experience in the preparation and dissemination of information

5 TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF APPOINTMENT
5. TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF APPOINTMENT
Salary: This post is being offered at points 37 – 40 of the JNC Salary Scale, currently
£30,851 - £33, 661
Continuous Service: The Centre will recognise any previous service in any of the organisations included in Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment in Local
Government, etc.) (Modification) Order (Northern Ireland) 1999. This includes any service within education.
Annual Leave:
Pension:
Secondments:
23 days per annum, rising to 30 days after 5 years continuous service, plus public and privilege holidays (previous continuous service within education will be recognised).
Middletown Centre for Autism is a member of NILGOSC pension scheme.
Successful applicants are eligible to contribute to this scheme.
The Centre will consider flexible secondment arrangements for this post.

6. KEY POINTS TO NOTE ON COMPLETING THE APPLICATION FORM AND MONITORING FORM
Guidance on the Selection Process
Eligibility Sift
After the closing date has passed all applications will initially be assessed against the following eligibility criteria, on the basis of the information provided in the application form:
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A degree or equivalent third level qualification in research methods, psychology, education or health related discipline and working knowledge of issues related to autistic spectrum disorders.
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A post graduate level qualification research methods, psychology, education or a health related discipline.
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A demonstrable track record of achievement in producing or contributing to high quality research.
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Experience of conducting literature searches and reviews and also in working with follow-up and case study data.
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Experience of research governance and associated ethical considerations.
Essential Criteria Sift
In addition, applicants are also requested to provide evidence of their ability in each of the following competencies. The onus is on candidates to provide evidence that they can demonstrate an acceptable level of ability, as outlined in the Job Description and Person Specification, in the following competencies:
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Managing Strategy / Policy
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Managing Services
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Managing People
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Managing Resources
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Analytical Skills
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Communication

Shortlisting
If a large number of applications are received, it may be necessary to carry out a further shortlisting exercise to reduce the number of candidates to be invited for interview. In such circumstances the following desirable criteria may be assessed as part of the written shortlisting exercise:
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Working knowledge of issues related to autistic spectrum disorders
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Holding, or working towards, a PhD
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Other post graduate qualification
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Publication(s) in a peer reviewed journal
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Experience in the preparation and dissemination of information
Those applicants who appear on the basis of the information provided in their application forms, to best meet the criteria will proceed to the next stage of the process.
Interviews
Shortlisted candidates will be required to attend for interview. The panel will assess the extent to which the applicants meet the criteria in the Person Specification. It is expected that interviews will take place in mid to end of July 2013. When the interview date has been offered, those invited should make every effort to attend on the specified time and date. Given the difficulties in arranging interview panels, flexibility may not be possible. Applicants are therefore asked to indicate if the proposed interview date might cause particular difficulties.
Appointment
The appointment is available as soon as possible.
It is intended that all applicants who have been interviewed will be informed of the outcome of their application in August 2013
Timetable
The anticipated timetable is as follows:
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Advertisement: Week commencing 1 July 2013
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Closing date for applications: 4.30pm on Wednesday 17 July
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Anticipated panel interview:
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Anticipated appointment:
Week Beginning 29 July
As soon as possible

7
Should you have any further queries about this post and/or the recruitment and selection process, then please contact Jim Lennon Head of Corporate Services, by emailing jim.lennon@middletownautism.com
or call Middletown Centre on
+44(0) 28 3751 5750.
Points to note on completion of the Application Form and Monitoring Forms
Section 5 – Referees
Applicants are required to identify two referees, one of which should be your current employer (if applicable). Referees will be approached after an offer of employment has been made. You should not seek as a referee anyone who is related to you.
Section 7 – Information for Shortlisting and Interview Purposes
In completing the application form, applicants should refer to the Role Description and Person
Specification and identify the extent to which they satisfy the eligibility and desirable criteria.
Applicants will be assessed at shortlisting on the basis of the information provided on the application form. It is therefore essential for applicants to complete their responses as fully as possible, making use of the space provided. Please keep the answers in the competency sections limited to the boxes provided on the form.
Supplementary material such as CVs will not be considered by the selection panel.
Under each of the headings in the application form, we ask you to provide a clear and relevant example drawn from your recent experience, which illustrates how you match the competency being sought. You should structure your responses by setting a context for your examples, explain what you were trying to achieve, describe what you actually did and why, indicating your own individual contribution and outline the outcome or results.
Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form
Middletown Centre for Autism is committed to equality of opportunity. All applications are considered strictly on the basis of merit. Middletown Centre for Autism welcomes applications from all suitably qualified applicants irrespective of religious belief, gender, disability, race, political opinion, age, marital status, sexual orientation, or whether or not they have dependants.
Middletown Centre for Autism is required to monitor the gender, ethnic origin, community background and disability of candidates to ensure that equal opportunities measures are effective.
Applicants are therefore asked to complete the Equal Opportunities Monitoring Information section of the application form. The information is purely for monitoring purposes. It is not made available

to the selection panel and does not play a role in the decision-making process.
The Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults (NI) Order 2003 (POCVA)
The post for which you are applying is governed by The Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults
(Northern Ireland) Order 2003. Before appointing anyone to such a post, it is imperative for the relevant check to be carried out by Access NI or the Garda Vetting Office, as appropriate. This check is to make sure those individuals who might be a risk to children and/or vulnerable adults are not appointed.
The check will indicate if you have a criminal record or if your name is included on the DHSSPS
Disqualification from Working with Children List or included on the DE List and/or the DHSSPS
Disqualified from Working with Vulnerable Adults List. Any information received will be treated confidentially and will be discussed with candidates before a final decision is reached. After the decision is made the information will be destroyed.
Return of Application Forms
Completed application and monitoring forms must be returned to:-
Mr Jim Lennon
Head of Corporate Services
Middletown Centre for Autism
35 Church Street
Middletown
Co. Armagh
BT60 4HZ
Alternatively application forms may be e-mailed to jim.lennon@middletownautism.com by 4.30pm on Wednesday 17 July 2013
Where applications are submitted online applicants, if shortlisted, will be required to sign their application form when attending for interview.
Applications will be acknowledged within seven days of receipt.
Candidates with a disability who require assistance will be facilitated upon request. Candidates who wish to receive application forms and information packs in accessible formats are requested to advise Middletown Centre for Autism of their requirements as promptly as possible allowing for the fact that the closing date for receipt remains the same for all applicants as noted above.