Work Type: Fixed-term - Full-time
Salary: Salary not specified
Grade: Education Support - Level 1, Range 5
Occupation: Health and allied health
Location: Melbourne - Eastern suburbs
Reference: 1527413
SC1
Demonstrated knowledge and experience in the assessment and management of students with communication difficulties and complex learning needs within a school or paediatric setting.
SC2
Demonstrated capacity to deliver evidence-based speech pathology interventions and communication supports, including experience with AAC and assistive communication systems.
SC3
Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to work collaboratively with teachers, allied health professionals, families, and external agencies.
SC4
Demonstrated ability to build the capacity of school staff through consultation, coaching, and professional learning to support inclusive communication practices.
SC5
Demonstrated organisational skills, including the ability to manage competing priorities, maintain accurate documentation, and contribute effectively within a multidisciplinary team environment.
The speech pathologist will be responsible for the provision of communication and language services in a secondary special school setting for students with a mild intellectual disability. The role supports student engagement, communication, participation, learning, wellbeing, and independence through collaborative multidisciplinary practice and capacity building across the school community.
The successful applicant will lead communication support initiatives, mentor allied health staff, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and champion inclusive communication practices that enable all students to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
The Speech Pathologist will work within the Department of Education framework and contributes to inclusive educational outcomes through assessment, intervention, consultation, and whole-school support.
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
Qualifications and Requirements
North-Eastern Victoria Region | Department of Education
Heatherwood School is a proud government, co-educational secondary school for students with mild intellectual disabilities situated in Donvale in the inner eastern suburbs of Melbourne. Established in 1958, the school draws from a wide geographical area with approximately 90 percent of all students transported to the school via school buses. Over this time, Heatherwood has provided outstanding opportunities for students to succeed in a nurturing and inclusive environment.
Catering to approximately 220 students from Year 7 to Year 12, the school is set on a school site that has recently experienced completion of a major build which now houses the middle school students. The curriculum provided at the school is age appropriate and based on the Victorian Curriculum 2.0. Implementation is differentiated to meet the individual needs of students which ranges from Foundation Level C (FLC) and up. The school also operates the Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC) in Years 11 and 12. As a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), the school has established a range of Certificate courses including Certificates in Hospitality, Sport and Recreation, Agrifoods, Computer Technology and Retail.
Academic and social learning programs include many specialist and community-based programs that help students develop confidence, independence, and real-world skills. These include Digital Technology, Physical Education, Food Technology, STEM, Outdoor Education, Horticulture, Protective Behaviours and Visual Art, as well as a Future Ready program for Year 9 students, Work Experience for Years 10¿12, and an onsite Independent Living Skills Program for Years 10¿12. There is a strong Camping program in addition to opportunities such as Work Experience which builds self¿esteem, confidence and resilience.
The school consists of spaces such as a gymnasium, kitchen, digital technologies spaces and science facilities. There is a house onsite to educate for domestic living skills. The site also encompasses the Statewide Vision Resource Centre (SVRC),kitchen garden, fitness areas, playgrounds, horticulture shed, and basketball courts. These resources provide students with rich opportunities to learn, explore and thrive. This year, the school will see further infrastructure works completed with the Specialist Wing finalised housing a performing arts space, trade kitchen and dining, food technology and creative digital space. This will further enhance the learning spaces and opportunities for students at the school. The school is in its final year of the current Strategic Plan.
Heatherwood School offers an outstanding opportunity for someone passionate about inclusion, high-quality teaching and making a difference to the lives of students. This leader is someone who sees the strengths in all, inspires others, and builds community whilst honouring the school's motto of 'Learning for Life'.