Appointment of Research Officer Fixed Term Contract Guide for

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Appointment of
Research Officer
Fixed Term Contract
Guide for Applicants
INTRODUCTION
Applications are invited for the appointment of a Research Officer for Middletown Centre for
Autism. This is a fixed term contract which will end no later than March 2014. Further research posts
may be advertised during this time.
Contents of the Pack
Prior to completing the application form applicants should familiarise themselves with the contents
of the information pack. The pack includes:
Section 1 –
Background

Section 2 –
Additional Information

Section 3 –
Job Description

Section 4 –
Person Specification

Section 5 –
Terms & Conditions of Appointment

Section 6 –
Guidance on the Selection Process
Section 7 –
Key Points to Note on Completing the Application Form and Monitoring
Form

Enclosures

An Application Form

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:

The provision of a trans-disciplinary assessment by Learning Support and Assessment Service

The development and implementation of interventions and a Learning Support Plan

Supporting the development of an autism competent school environment

Improving service delivery for children and young people with autism

Enabling parents to support their children’s education in partnership with the child’s school
and teachers

Increasing parents’ knowledge of autism and how it impacts on their child

Helping parents manage their children’s autism

The provision of education based home support

The provision of advice for the parents of children and young people referred to the Learning
Support and Assessment Service in Northern Ireland

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:

Providing specialist autism based in-service continuous professional development

Delivering specialist parent training, the main focus of this being in the Republic of Ireland

Providing individualised training to teachers and parents in supporting the delivery of the
learning support plan for children and young people referred to the Learning Support and
Assessment Service

The identification and development of needs led training and

Developing and providing access to an autism specific research network.
Accessible Research Support
Service delivery includes:

Supporting the introduction of new research based practice

Sharing good practice particularly on a North South context

Developing and providing access to an autism specific research network

Providing access to autism literature and peer reviewed research

The development of a research panel comprising 714 parents, professionals and others who
live with or work with children and young people with autism throughout the island of Ireland

Conducting follow-up on the children and young people who have been referred to t he
Centre.
2
Additional Information
Research and Information Service

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.

In addition, this service provides an information resource for parents and professionals.

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)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)
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
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
Conduct follow-up research on all children and young people who are referred to the Centre.
Develop the Centre as a focal point for research and researchers in the field of autism both
locally and worldwide
Promote a culture of research based practice in the Centre and throughout Northern Ireland
and Ireland
Operate in the global research community; develop and maintain a presence on the
worldwide autism research arena
Promote dissemination of research information in an accessible and engaging way
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 Learning Support and Assessment Service is a critical interface
and the successful candidate will be expected to facilitate excellent working relationships and
communication with the Learning Support and Assessment Service.
3
JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title:
Research Officer
Reporting to:
Head of Research and Development
Location:
Middletown Centre for Autism, Co Armagh
Job Purpose:
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



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



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



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

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.
Analytical Skills




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


Interact and maintain positive links with the Centre’s stakeholders
Promote excellent communication and working relationships with the Centre’s Learning
Support and Assessment Service.
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:
Reporting to:
Research Officer
Head of Research and Development
Eligibility criteria:
Applicants must be able to demonstrate the following by the closing date:

A degree or equivalent third level qualification in research methods, psychology, education or
health related discipline and working knowledge of issues related to autism

A post graduate level qualification research methods, psychology, education or a health related
discipline

A demonstrable track record of achievement in producing or contributing to high quality
research

Experience of conducting literature searches and reviews and also in working with follow-up and
case study data

Experience of research governance and associated ethical considerations.
Essential Criteria
Applicants must be able to demonstrate their competence in the following areas:
Managing Strategy / Policy

Experience of contributing to the formulation of strategy and the policies of the
organisation.
Managing Services


Evidence of contributing to the development and delivery of research programmes and
projects including case study research
Experience of implementing procedures to support research ethics and best practice.
Managing People


Proven ability of working as part of a team to ensure team performance meets or exceeds all
key performance indicators
Proven ability to build productive working relationships with a range of stakeholders
internally and externally, readily sharing ideas and information with others.
Managing Resources


Demonstrable ability to plan, prioritise and manage a range of resources to deliver
programmes/projects within agreed timescale
Proven skills in the manipulation and analysis of quantitative and qualitative data.
Analytical Skills

Demonstrable experience in analysing complex information and making criteria based
decisions, whilst influencing and gaining the commitment of others.
Communication

Proven ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, tailoring content to the
target audience.
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:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5
Holding, or working towards, a PhD
Other post graduate qualification
Publication(s) in a peer reviewed journal
Experience in the preparation and dissemination of information
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:
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).
Pension:
Middletown Centre for Autism is a member of NILGOSC pension scheme.
Successful applicants are eligible to contribute to this scheme.
Secondments:
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:

A degree or equivalent third level qualification in research methods, psychology, education
or health related discipline and working knowledge of issues related to autism.

A post graduate level qualification research methods, psychology, education or a health
related discipline.

A demonstrable track record of achievement in producing or contributing to high quality
research.

Experience of conducting literature searches and reviews and also in working with follow-up
and case study data.

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:

Managing Strategy / Policy

Managing Services

Managing People

Managing Resources

Analytical Skills

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:

Working knowledge of issues related to autism

Holding, or working towards, a PhD

Other post graduate qualification

Publication(s) in a peer reviewed journal

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:




Advertisement:
Closing date for applications:
Anticipated panel interview:
Anticipated appointment:
Week commencing 1 July 2013
4.30pm on Wednesday 17 July
Week Beginning 29 July
As soon as possible
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.
7
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.
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