Working Life

Special Needs Assistants (SNA) assist in the care of pupils with special educational needs who have additional and significant care needs in special schools as well as mainstream primary and secondary schools.

They usually work within the classroom (but never without the class teacher present), and they provide a safety net and a friendly face for the child/children with special educational needs.

The duties are broad and can include:

• Preparation and tidying up of classroom(s) in which the pupil(s) with special needs is/are being taught.
• Assisting children to board and alight from school buses. Where necessary travel as escort on school buses may be required.
• Special assistance as necessary for pupils with particular difficulties e.g. helping physically disabled pupils with typing or writing.
• Assistance with clothing, feeding, toileting and general hygiene.
• Assisting on out-of-school visits, walks and similar activities.
• Assisting the teachers in the supervision of pupils with special needs during assembly, recreational and dispersal periods.
• Accompanying individuals or small groups who may have to be withdrawn temporarily from the classroom.
• General assistance to the class teachers, under the direction of the Principal, with duties of a non-teaching nature. (Special Needs Assistants may not act either as substitute or temporary teachers. In no circumstances may they be left in sole charge of a class).
• Where a Special Needs Assistant has been appointed to assist a school in catering for a specific pupil, duties should be modified to support the particular needs of the pupil concerned.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Social

The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.

Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.

 Creative

Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.

Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

The Department of Education has specified the minimum requirements for employment as a SNA to include one of the following:

1. A level 3 qualification on the National Framework of Qualifications, OR
2. A minimum of three grade Ds in the Junior Certificate, OR
3. Equivalent

Although it is not formally required, a majority of schools employ SNAs who have completed a Special Needs Assistant course at NFQ level 5. It is typically a one year course and you can search for courses here.

It is likely that you will be required to undergo Garda Vetting. Garda Vetting forms are submitted through the employer and cannot be completed by the applicant prior to employment. You can read more about Garda Vetting here.

Medical Fitness: Many employers require individuals to answer a medical and fitness questionnaire before taking up a particular position.

As an SNA, you can work in primary and secondary school classrooms or special schools.

Your experience and training as an SNA give you excellent insights into the various roles within a school and you may wish to train further to become a teacher or a special education teacher for example.

Examples of other related occupations some SNAs go on to studying for include social studies, social care and early childhood care.

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: special needs assistant, groupwork facilitation, train the trainer.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: teaching, early childhood care, education, foundation teaching, special needs assistant, special education, mainstream.

Search for PLC Courses

Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate) 
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.

Example search terms include: education, psychology, primary teaching, early years, childhood studies.

Search for CAO Courses

Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).

Example search terms include: sales, business, accounts, management, financial advice.

Search for Postgraduate Courses

Professional Development 

Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.

Professional development courses for SNAs is often available from the National Council for Special Education.

Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €25k - €42k

Salaries Vary by employer, location, role, duties, shift pattern, and experience. 

The salary rate of teachers can vary depending on allowances, experience, start date, and posts of responsibility. 

CASUAL SNA HOURLY PAY RATES Status of Substitute SNA Ongoing Rate: 

-SNAs appointed on or before 31 December 2010 €14.94 

-SNAs appointed on or after 1 January 2011 €13.83 

Data Source(s):
Dept of Ed/ Gov.ie/ PAS

Last Updated: February, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Senior professionals of educational establishments; Education advisers and school inspectors; Teaching, special needs, and other educational professionals n.e.c.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Despite a strong employment growth in the five-year period for this occupation (which includes special needs teachers, nursery managers/owners and school principals), employment levels fell slightly since 2021.

Budget 2023 announced that by the end of 2023 there will be 686 additional posts for special education teachers. This occupation has a high share of persons employed aged 55 years and over which may see increased replacement demand in future years.

• Department of Education and Skills

  • Marlborough St, Dublin 1
  • (01) 889 6400
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• The Teaching Council

  • Block A, Maynooth Business Campus, Maynooth Co. Kildare
  • (01) 651 7900
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here