Work Type: Fixed-term - Part-time
Salary: Salary not specified
Grade: Education Support - Level 1, Range 2
Occupation: Education and training
Location: Loddon Mallee - Swan Hill
Reference: 1493782
Swan Hill Specialist School has a strong positive profile in the local Swan Hill community. Located at the edge of the township in an urban area. We have a hall and commercial kitchen and an indoor swimming pool. Relocatables have replaced several buildings and an additional four relocatable buildings have been the response to enrolment growth. The school site is large and accommodates a community kitchen garden at the rear.
Sheltered play equipment is available for younger students, Middle Years access a newly developed inclusive play area and the school continues its work in upgrading and enhancing the external areas around the school with a $1.6 million dollar cover sports court to begin this year.
Students come from a wide surrounding rural area with some travelling very long distances to access a specialist education. A high percentage of students come by subsided bus transport, including a self-managed bus service.
Students are from a diverse socio-economic background with many families significantly disadvantaged, evidenced by a high Student Family Occupation (SFO) density of 0.82. More boys (71.89%) than girls are enrolled with student¿s disabilities ranging from moderate Intellectual Disability (ID) to mild intellectual disability with a wide range of diagnosis and associated conditions. Many students have a multi disability such as autism or a physical, emotional and behavioural disability. A small percentage of students come from language backgrounds other than English (LBOTE) and there are approximately 20% of students who come from an indigenous background. Recent enrolment growth and the need to provide a range of different program options and supporting staffing arrangements have been an important focus for the school over the last planning period.
There is a very supportive School Council who provide leadership and direction for the school. There are over 50 staff members almost equally divided between specialist teachers and Education Support Staff (ES),many staff members working at the school on a part time basis. Leadership of the school is by the principal, assistant principal and coaches. Leadership have led the work across the school around curriculum and have extended the learning of all staff to build teacher capacity. A multi-disciplinary team of allied health professionals including a social worker and speech pathologist are employed or contracted by the school and a school nurse program is running. The school also has available a SSS Team.
The curriculum is based on the Victorian Curriculum from A- D levels and Foundation to Year 10. Senior students undertake VCAL and capable students additionally undertake VET competency-based offerings. Class sizes are approximately six to thirteen students in each room with a teacher and education support (ES) member. Specialist programs in art, music and physical education are an integral part of the educational program. Each room has access to kitchen facilities to enable home crafts learning. Classrooms are equipped with modern ICT technology and there are netbooks and iPads as tools for learning.
The school has excellent links with the local community focused on educational opportunities, transition links, recreation and welfare. Programs such as Inclusion Outreach are run through the school and provide quality links to other local schools. The SHSS regularly shares its expertise with neighboring schools. The school values are kindness, trust and belonging
SC1 Demonstrated capacity to perform duties consistent with established guidelines and frameworks, including coordinating and supporting others in respect to specific work functions relevant to the role.
SC2 Demonstrated capacity to work and collaborate with others in a team environment.
SC3 Demonstrated capacity to communicate effectively in a team environment, including high level oral and written communication skills.
SC4 Possess the technical knowledge and expertise relevant to the position.
SC5 Demonstrated capacity to provide advice and support to management and other school staff in respect to the work area.
SC6 A commitment to professional learning and growth for both self and others.
[Attendance requirement for this position]
An education support class position at this range will perform tasks that are carried out in accordance with guidelines, accepted practice, and school policy under supervision and direction. This may include coordination of other education support class staff within the work area or educational program.
An education support class position supports the educational services being provided to students but must not include duties of a teacher as defined in clause 2.6.1 of the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 (Vic) or its successor. Supervision of students can be required individually or in groups up to 4 in controlled circumstances and where the responsibility for students remains clearly with a teacher.
Certification and/or qualifications of up to three years can be required at this level (noting that Registered Nurse is not included at this level, the first level for which is Level 1 range 3).
A role at this range may include:
An education support class position at this range commencing at the base will initially be limited to undertaking routine tasks that are carried out under close supervision and direction. Work that carries some degree of independence will generally involve a limited number of tasks performed on a regular basis where priorities are clear, procedures are well established, and direction is readily available. Subject to any specific qualification and/or training requirement, an education support class employee employed in this range may be progressively required to undertake coordination, specialised student/teacher support tasks, or technical tasks as experience in the role is gained.
Responsibilities may include:
Individuals with the aptitude, experience and/or qualifications to fulfill the specific requirements of the position.
Applicants seeking part-time employment are encouraged to apply for any teaching service position and, if they are the successful candidate, request a reduced time fraction. Such requests will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis and will be subject to the operational requirements of the school.
The Department of Education is committed to the principles of equal opportunity, and diversity and inclusion for all. We value diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for roles within the Department. The Department recognises that the provision of family friendly, supportive, safe and harassment free workplaces is essential to high performance and promotes flexible work, diversity and safety across all schools and Department workplaces. It is our policy to provide reasonable adjustments for persons with a disability (see Workplace adjustment guidelines).
Additional support and advice on the recruitment process is available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islanders from the Koorie Outcomes Division (KOD) via [email protected]
Victorian government schools are child safe environments. Our schools actively promote the safety and wellbeing of all students, and all school staff are committed to protecting students from abuse or harm in the school environment, in accordance with their legal obligations including child safe standards. All schools have a Child Safety Code of Conduct consistent with the department's exemplar available at:
https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/child-safe-standards/policy
The department's employees commit to upholding the department's Values: Responsiveness, Integrity, Impartiality, Accountability, Respect, Leadership and Human Rights. The department's Values complement each school's own values and underpin the behaviours the community expects of Victorian public sector employees, including those who work in Victorian Government Schools. Information on the department values is available at:
https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/values-department-vps-school-employees/overview