Work Type: Ongoing - Full-time
Salary: Salary not specified
Grade: Education Support - Level 1, Range 2
Occupation: Education and training
Location: Hume - Murrindindi
Reference: 1552189
Rubicon Outdoor School is a Department of Education outdoor school offering residential learning programs for Victorian government secondary students. Every year around 3,000 students join us, most for five-day programs. They learn by living, working and being challenged together in some of Victoria's most beautiful natural environments.
Our vision is to empower people to develop lifelong positive growth. We do this by building students' understanding of themselves and others, and the skills they need to contribute to a positive community and a sustainable environment. Our school values of Building Community, Meaningful Experiences, Shaped by Challenge and Sustainable Futures sit alongside the Department's values. Together they guide our decisions, set shared expectations and keep us focused on what matters most.
We operate across two campuses:
- Thornton Campus, in the Rubicon Valley on Taungurung Country in the Murrindindi Shire
- Nayook Campus, on Country where the lands of the Bunurong, Wurundjeri and Gunaikurnai Peoples meet, in the Baw Baw Shire.
Classes are allocated to each campus based on cohort size, student learning needs and the setting each campus offers. Students live on site, and day and overnight lessons take place in local natural environments, sometimes further afield. All learning is drawn from the Victorian Curriculum. We work to co-design each program's focus with visiting schools.
We are a close-knit, collaborative team that values professionalism, care for one another and a shared passion for outdoor learning. Staff enjoy a unique workplace, a strong team culture and opportunities for ongoing professional learning.
This position is based at our Thornton Campus. It works collaboratively with teachers to deliver high-quality, safe and inclusive outdoor learning programs, and contributes to the management of program resources and equipment.
SC1 Demonstrated capacity to perform duties in line with established guidelines and frameworks
SC2 Demonstrated capacity to work and collaborate with teachers and other staff as part of a team, to support the learning, engagement and wellbeing of students from diverse backgrounds and abilities, including students with disability and additional needs, in an outdoor setting.
SC3 Demonstrated capacity to communicate effectively in a team environment, including high-level oral and written communication skills.
SC4 Possess the technical knowledge, skills, qualifications and experience to support instruction of students in a number of outdoor activity areas taught with at the school and a commitment to professional learning.
SC5 Demonstrated capacity to provide support to teachers with teaching and learning in the outdoors, along with use and management of program equipment and resources.
Education support staff in classroom support roles can have a significant impact on the achievement, engagement and wellbeing of all students, including students with disability and additional needs. They play an important role in strengthening an inclusive school culture and creating a positive climate for learning. At Rubicon Outdoor School, Outdoor Classroom Support staff help teachers work with students from a wide range of backgrounds and abilities. Most of the working week is spent in classes in the outdoors, supporting adventure activities across local environments on and off campus. This includes overnight journeys when required. The role requires technical competence in at least two outdoor activity areas as a minimum. Education support class roles at this level involve undertaking tasks under general supervision and applying relevant skills and knowledge. The role may involve irregular hours, overnight programs and work in varied weather and terrain.
- Model and promote the school values, and act in a consistent, professional and courteous manner at all times.
- Contribute to a positive, safe and orderly learning and working environment.
Teacher support for student learning
- Support teachers to prepare, present and store program materials and equipment.
- Support teachers with behaviour management processes, supervision, and program activities, including overnight journeys and camps.
- Assist students and groups with program activities and learning tasks identified by the teacher.
- Assist students with social, emotional and behavioural regulation to help their learning progress.
- Provide assistance to students with disability and additional needs.
- Help students understand teacher instructions, and pass student communication, questions and feedback on to the teacher.
- Record wellbeing and behaviour concerns in the school's system as required.
Communication
- Liaise with program staff about student needs.
- Communicate positively with students assigned to them for support.
- Communicate effectively with staff about specific programs.
- Respond professionally to queries from parents, visiting and partner schools, the community and the Department.
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