SNA 2016

Mommyals

Hi there, I don't see any up to date SNA posts so I would like to know are there any SNAs that can help me pls.
I am considering doing a fetac level 6 course to become an SNA. I love the concept of the SNA and I believe this line of work would suit me. Problem is I have no knowledge of salary, are there vacancies these days etc or does anyone recommend I don't do this course as jobs are scarce.
I am currently childminding. I have a diploma in business studies and marketing. I would like to do the evening course of 12 weeks. Any advice in this area I would appreciate as I really am clueless, All I am sure of is I love kids and I would love to help out as an SNA.

Moonbeam

The salary is low -
http://education.ie/en/Education-Staff/Information/Payroll-Financial-Information/Salary-Scales/Salary-Scales.html
For pro rata work I think it is about 12.50ph

Educationposts.ie will have SNA jobs on it .

Moonbeam

Found the circular .
It is a very rewarding job with good holidays .

byhookorbycrook

Vacancies are very hard to find and for those that do exist ,many go on to experienced SNAs who have lost their jobs where their student moved on. I don't want to totally discourage you but you do need to know the reality on the ground.

Lady_North1

I am an SNA and would agree with above post. Jobs are not that easy to be found. Snas are made redundant on a regular basis and so there are always many experienced snas looking for jobs every summer.
The job is extremely rewarding but can be very hard. Dealing with children with emotional and behavioural difficulties, sometimes violent, can be very tough indeed. Some children are so quiet and withdrawn that it's really rewarding when you see them come out of their shells. When they smile at ya.... so lovely.

Reality of it is however that there's little or no job security. Especially only starting out. I'm 12 years in my school, luckily no 3 on seniority list so I'm fairly secure. We've gone from 8 to 4 snas in our school at various times over the time I've been there.

Would I recommend working as an SNA? Absolutely.... I love it. Would I recommend spending money to try get the job? I don't know... the whole issue of job security is a big one to consider.

Mommyals

Thanks everyone, so it seems to be a nice rewarding job, but getting one is the problem. I just don't know what to do. The course is only 250 so I may do it and see how I go from there. Im nervous of the job security though, I like knowing a have a wage every week in my job.. But it's the chance I may take.
Moonbeam looking at the salary scale, am I correct in me being Point 1 €20k.. As I'm new to it all..
Also Assuming I would only get paid term time, is this correct?

Last question to an SNA, it's a level 6 fetac course, is this enough or do they look for further training? Sorry for all the questions..

Moonbeam

To work in a primary or secondary school there are no requirements for qualifications but as there is alot of competition I would recommend doing the L6 and other supporting courses and get some work experience .
The pay depends if it is a full time permanent job or temporary .

byhookorbycrook

Pay also depends on the number of hours the child has been granted -obviously as infants have shorter school days, supporting an infant will mean you work less hours.
You will also have to do the dreaded Croke Park/Haddington Road hours -for which there is no pay.

Mommyals

Thanks guys, I'm going to approach our local school principal and ask her opinion also. I would love to pursue this. I've been at home with our own 3 smallies as well as my mindees for 3 years and I'm ready to get back to work. Hopefully there is light at the end of the tunnel for SNA work, it's no harm for me to do the course and I will look up supporting courses also, thanks.