Overview
Work Type: Ongoing - Full-time
Salary: Salary not specified
Grade: Education Support - Level 1, Range 5
Occupation: Health and allied health
Location: Melbourne - Northern suburbs
Reference: 1528230
Selection Criteria
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, educators, 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.
SC6
Demonstrated capacity to lead effective collaboration with teaching teams to devise programs that establish and extend a student¿s functional communication.
Role
Hours of work for this position are Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:36pm.
There is a school holiday attendance requirement of 6 days per year. A leave purchase allowance is paid for this attendance.
The speech pathologist will be responsible for the provision of communication and language services in a P-12 special school setting for students with a mild to profound 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.
Responsibilities
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement individualised, evidence-based intervention plans aligned with student learning goals and Individual Education Plans (IEPs).
- Provide direct and consultative speech pathology services in individual, group, and classroom settings.
- Support students with complex communication needs, including implementation of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems and communication supports.
- Work collaboratively with teachers, education support staff, school leadership, allied health professionals, families, and external service providers.
- Supports Disability Inclusion through consultation, documentation, and coordination of student support strategies.
- Participate in Student Support Group (SSG) meetings, multidisciplinary meetings, planning, and transition processes.
- Provide recommendations and practical strategies to support communication access and participation across school environments.
- Build staff capacity through coaching, modelling, supervision of graduate speech pathologists and professional learning opportunities.
- Maintain accurate, confidential, and timely documentation in accordance with Department requirements and professional standards.
- Adhere to ethical and professional requirements of Speech Pathology Australia and Department policies.
- Engage in ongoing professional learning, supervision, and reflective practice.
- Maintain current knowledge of evidence-based and neurodiversity-affirming practice within educational settings.
Who May Apply
Individuals with the the listed qualifications and requirements are invited to apply.
Qualifications and Requirements
- Approved tertiary qualification in Speech Pathology.
- Eligibility for membership with Speech Pathology Australia.
- Current Working with Children Check.
- Current National Police Check (where required).
Diversity and Inclusion
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.
Child Safe Standards
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
DE Values
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
Other Information
- All staff employed by the department and schools have access to a broad range of employment conditions and working arrangements.
- Appointment of successful applicants will be made subject to a satisfactory pre-employment conditions check.
- A probationary period may apply during the first year of employment and induction and support programs provided.
- Detailed information on all terms and conditions of employment is available on the Department's Human Resources website at http://www.education.vic.gov.au/hrweb/Pages/default.aspx
Please ensure that your application includes:
- A resume including relevant experience as well as personal details (name, address and contact numbers, business and home)
- A section addressing the selection criteria and the requirements for application under the Who May Apply section
- Names and contact numbers (telephone and email if possible) of two referees who are able to attest to the claims made in your application.
Please note that the selection panel may seek additional referees beyond those you name. Consistent with policy, we shall advise you if we will take this action.
Conditions of Employment
- All staff employed by the Department and schools have access to a broad range of employment conditions and working arrangements.
- Appointment of successful applicants will be made subject to a satisfactory pre-employment conditions check.
- A probationary period may apply during the first year of employment and induction and support programs provided.
- Detailed information on all terms and conditions of employment is available on the Department's Human Resources website at http://www.education.vic.gov.au/hrweb/Pages/default.aspx
Location Profile
Wayi School is a Government P-12 specialist school in Craigieburn providing educational programs for students with disability and high needs who have mild to profound intellectual disability.
Wayi School is committed to providing a safe, supportive and inclusive environment for all students, staff and members of our community. Our school recognises the importance of the partnership between our school, and parents and carers to support student learning, engagement and wellbeing. We share a commitment to and a responsibility for, creating an inclusive and safe school environment for our students.
'Wayi' is a Woi-wurrung word of the Wurundjeri people meaning `us¿ - which represents the vision for our school perfectly.
We plan to work together, in partnership, supporting our students as a team. We know that our students will benefit from the efforts, expertise, and commitment from all of 'US' - including family, educators, and community.
The Wayi School vision is to empower and inspire every member of our learning community. We are committed to creating innovative learning environments that nurture and develop all students through an ability and strength-based approach.
Through collaborative partnerships we provide learning that is individualised and holistic to ensure our students become valued and contributing members of their community.
We believe in empowering our staff to work autonomously in a collaborative and supportive team environment that encourages personal growth and development.
Wayi School¿s core values include Voice, Choice and Independence.
Voice ¿ We believe communication underpins all areas of learning and life, and everybody has the capacity and the right to communicate.
Choice ¿ We promote agency, enabling everyone to make choices and decisions that influence events and their world.
Independence ¿ We strive to prepare all students to become lifelong learners and responsible citizens ready to meet the challenges of the future.
Teaching & Learning
Wayi School is committed to developing learner independence, by purposefully using the students¿ skills and interests to promote the creation of new skills. We identify the abilities that are unique to individual students and employ a team approach that focuses on the development of skills and practices that promote lifelong learning, independence, communication and agency. Teachers, Allied Health and Education Support staff work collaboratively with the students and their parents/carers to develop Individual Education Program (IEP) goals for each student, that are meaningful and relevant for that student. ICT is used extensively to provide rich educational experiences and enhance independence.
Student Wellbeing
Wayi School has developed a range of strategies to promote engagement, an inclusive and safe environment, positive behaviour, and respectful relationships for all students in our school. We recognise the importance of student friendships and peer support in helping children and students feel safe and less isolated. We acknowledge that some students may need extra social, emotional or educational support at school, and that the needs of students will change over time as they grow and learn. SW-PBS and Trauma Informed Practice are foundations initiatives at Wayi School.
Professional Development
Successful applicants may be required to work throughout the school, from Foundation to Senior Secondary; however, the professional preferences, experience, skills and aspirations of individual teachers will be considered and attempted to meet.