Work Type: Fixed-term - Full-time
Salary: Salary not specified
Grade: Education Support - Level 1, Range 5
Occupation: Health and allied health
Location: Barwon South West - Warrnambool
Reference: 1550275
Relevant recognised qualification in Occupational Therapy and current (or eligibility to obtain before commencement) general registration with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia through Ahpra.
SC1: Coordination and Operational Leadership: Demonstrated Capacity to perform and oversee duties consistent with an Occupational Therapy role within the schools¿ guidelines and framework, including designing and delivering coaching to other education support staff and work in teams to support specific therapeutic and educational programs.
SC 2: Teamwork and Collaboration: Demonstrated capacity to work, collaborate and build positive relationships within a Multidisciplinary team environment with other Allied Health professionals and external support services.
SC3: Communication Skills: Demonstrated high level oral and written communication skills for affectively liaising with staff, management, students, families and external stakeholders.
SC4: Technical and Specialized Knowledge: Possesses the specialized expertise or certifications (up to 3 years or relevant regulated profession preferred) directly relevant to the specific Range 5 portfolio (high level disability and inclusion coordination, specialized pediatric occupational therapy program delivery.
SC5: Advisory and Management Support: Demonstrated capacity to provide high level advice, policy input and operational support to the Principal, leadership team and school staff with respect to the Multidisciplinary specific programs.
Will usually be a member of the leadership team who is accountable for the development and delivery of key services that are integral to the effective operation of a school/s. Provides a range of services and/or undertakes the analysis of complex problems that form part of the policy framework.
A school or group of schools would need to have the necessary diversity and complexity to create a role at range 5. Management of a major school or district initiative, project or Department targeted strategy would be an indicator depending on the breadth of management responsibilities.
An education support class position supports the educational services being provided to students, but must not include duties of teaching as defined in clause 2.6.1 of the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 (Vic) or its successor. Supervision of students cannot be required except where it is an integral part of the employee's position or involves supervision of students individually or in small groups, in controlled circumstances, where the responsibility for students remains clearly with a teacher.
Complete appropriate functional and occupational therapy assessments, observations and screening in areas such as fine and gross motor skill development, sensory processing and regulation, self-care, academic skills and school routines.
Interpret assessment findings, develop clear recommendations and prepare programs, reports and notes, seeking senior clinical guidance for complex presentations.
Contribute occupational therapy goals, strategies and progress evidence to Individual Education Plans (IEPs), Student Support Group (SSG) meetings and multidisciplinary planning.
Use measurable goals and outcome monitoring to review, adapt and evaluate interventions.
Deliver a balanced caseload of individual, small-group and classroom-based occupational therapy interventions aligned to educational participation.
Work alongside classroom teams to embed strategies into the daily routine supporting the development of independent living skills.
Recommend and trial suitable sensory, environmental, equipment and access adjustments, including assistive technologies, in consultation with relevant staff and specialists.
Build student autonomy, functional independence and safe participation through developmentally appropriate, strengths-based approaches.
Work collaboratively with teachers, education support staff, speech pathologists, physiotherapists, wellbeing staff and school leaders as part of the Multidisciplinary Team.
Model practical strategies, coach staff in implementation and provide accessible resources for consistent use in classrooms.
Communicate respectfully with parents/carers and external providers, with appropriate consent and within school communication and privacy procedures.
Participate in student reviews, Care Team Meetings, SSGs, transition planning and relevant professional learning.
Practise within professional scope, evidence-based standards, school policies and the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia / AHPRA guidelines.
Maintain accurate, secure and timely assessment, intervention, consent and progress documentation.
Apply child-safe, inclusive, trauma-informed and culturally responsive practice; identify and escalate safeguarding, clinical, equipment or student/staff safety concerns promptly.
Follow school procedures for occupational health and safety, incident reporting, infection prevention and risk management.
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
Appointment is subject to Department of Education employment, suitability and child-safety requirements, including relevant screening and registration checks. . Work arrangements and classification must be confirmed through the school¿s authorised recruitment processes.
Merri River School is a special school in Warrnambool which caters for students who have been diagnosed with an intellectual disability. The school was founded in 1989 with a student population of 30. The current student population is 207.
In 2020 the school moved into brand new premises on a 7 hectare site situated between Wollaston Road and the Merri River.
Merri River School is a centre of excellence providing individualised programs for students with an intellectual disability. The school caters for children aged between 5 to 18 in a small group environment in line with the Victorian Curriculum. Each student has an Individual Learning Plan.
The school is divided into four sub-schools: Junior Primary; Senior Primary; Junior Secondary and Senior Secondary.
The school is well supported by therapists (speech, OT, physio and allied health), student wellbeing counsellor, and teacher assistants. A Hands on Learning program provides additional support to students who are at risk of disengagement.
We also offer a variety of specialist programs, including: Physical Education, STEM, Art, Music and Food Technologies.
Some of our students have dual enrolment at a mainstream school when this has been deemed beneficial for the student¿s learning program.
The oldest students either undertake VET or VPC program. Students are also involved in a comprehensive work experience program.
Curriculum
Programs are delivered within Department of Education guidelines and reflect the Victorian Curriculum. Emphasis is placed on the development of programs that address individual student needs, through Individual Learning Plans. Educational goals and priorities are reviewed every six months.
Non-Negotiable for Every Learning Environment
Class groups are comprised of 6-8 students, with a teacher and teacher assistant, to ensure a safe and effective learning environment, where individuals are respected and self-esteem and dignity are strongly advocated. The school has a multi-disciplinary approach to student learning with input from educators, therapists and parents. Teachers case conference students with their allocated Speech Pathologist and Occupational Therapist each week.
Our school philosophy is reflected in its programs and based on the belief that children learn best in a cooperative environment that is happy, challenging, supportive and non-threatening. Merri River School has a School Wide Positive Behaviour Program and has developed a school culture that is reflected by the ideals of positive behaviour support.
An emphasis is placed on students attaining skills and knowledge that they will use as young adults when graduating at 18 years of age.
Staffing
The school is staffed with classroom teachers, specialist teachers, literacy specialists, teacher assistants, occupational therapists, speech therapists and physiotherapists. The school accesses additional support through the Visiting Teacher Services for Hearing and Vision Impairment and a Guidance Officer. Current staffing includes over 95 staff including a team of therapists and therapy assistants.
Merri River School provides educational programs for primary and secondary school aged students with a moderate to severe intellectual disability who may also have sensory, physical impairments and autism spectrum disorder.
The school is a modern purpose-built facility located in Warrnambool and provides an attractive and safe environment. Learning areas include well-equipped classrooms, dedicated specialist spaces and outdoor learning zones. Merri River School has a current enrolment of 207 students. Students attend school daily from 9:00am to 3:00pm.
Eligible school-aged students living within the designated transport zone have access to free transport to and from school.