Work Type: Fixed-term - Part-time
Salary: Salary not specified
Grade: Education Support - Level 1, Range 2
Occupation: Education and training
Location: Melbourne - Eastern suburbs
Reference: 1527093
Blackburn English Language School (ELS) has been operating for over 30 years and provides full time, intensive English courses for both primary and secondary newly-arrived migrants, refugees and International students.
The students usually enrol in our program prior to their enrolment in a mainstream school or further education. The school has three campuses: one in Burwood East (Whitehorse Campus), a second campus in Croydon North (Maroondah Campus) and a third in Wodonga (Wodonga Campus).
The school¿s beliefs and operations are based on a number of core values. These are:
Within the context of these values the school has a number of purposes. These are to provide:
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.
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.
M.E.A.
MEAs Zomi / Burmese - are employed by schools to support EAL learners, their families, and the families of other students who require language assistance when communicating with the school. The MEA's skills in a language or languages other than English enable them to act as a bridge between the school and families. They can also contribute to making the mainstream curriculum more responsive to Victoria's rich cultural heritage and diversity.
Mandatory - must be able to speak and understand Zomi.
MEAs are able to assist with:
Support for students and teachers
One of the main roles of an MEA is to assist EAL students in classroom programs. Under teacher supervision and guidance, MEAs can:
support EAL students in their learning by explaining concepts or instructions in the learners' first or other language/s
assist individual EAL students or groups of students in mainstream or EAL classes
provide teachers with insights into student's cultural backgrounds and experiences
assist with activities and excursions \assist the teacher with the development of materials
contribute cultural perspectives to curriculum content to make it more relevant to all students
assist with the enrolment of new EAL students
assist teachers to communicate with parents and other family members
prepare simple (low-risk) written information for parents, such as notes, notices or basic information about the school.
Professional translators should be used for sensitive information or when high-risk, complex or technical information is being communicated.
Support for parents and the community
The MEA is an important link between the school, parents and the local community. MEAs need guidance on the kinds of support that are appropriate for them to offer families. Within program and school guidelines, and under supervision where appropriate, MEAs are well placed to liaise with family members and members of the community to foster communication and to encourage parents to participate fully in the life of the school. They can:
assist with communication between parents and the school
foster links between families and the school
liaise informally with community members
encourage parents to take part in school events and activities, such as fundraising, school council or parents groups
explain school policies and activities to students and parents
make home visits with the Student Welfare Coordinator or the school administration
provide liaison between parents, community organisations and other school staff
develop contact with services and resources in the community so that parents can be informed of services available
inform the school about family circumstances (with the family's permission) that may impact on student learning.
MEAs need to be made aware of their responsibilities regarding confidential and sensitive information. They may need to let parents know that any information that is given to them in their role as an MEA may be passed on to the school if it is in the best interests of the student/s involved.
MEAs may also assist with administrative tasks.
Individuals with the aptitude, experience and/or qualifications to fulfill the specific requirements of the position.
The department is committed to diversity and inclusion and developing a workforce that is representative of the community we service. We value diversity and inclusion in all forms - culture, gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQA+, 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 safe, respectful and inclusive workplaces is essential to high performance and promotes flexible work and diversity across all schools and Department workplaces. It is our policy to provide reasonable adjustments for staff with disability (see Workplace adjustment guidelines).
Additional support and advice on the recruitment process is available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander candidates from the Koorie Outcomes Division (KOD) via [email protected]
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.
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
This is an intensive English Language Program for students who are newly arrived in Victoria and are preparing for learning in mainstream schools.
This position is based at either Whitehorse (120 Eley Rd, Burwood East) or Maroondah (431 Maroondah Hwy, Croydon North) Campuses.