Description:
Selection Criteria
1.A knowledge of the use and application of a wide range of augmentative and alternative communication systems for children with an intellectual disability (many of who are non-verbal and/or autistic) such as electronic communication devices and KWS signing and have a commitment to implementing these forms of communication throughout the school.
2.Knowledge of best practise in dysphagia and management of oral control issues.
3.Recognise the importance of working positively and effectively with a multi-disciplinary team in a trans-disciplinary way.
4.Ability to communicate effectively with families, care givers, staff and other professionals on service delivery and client based issues.
5.An ability to resource and in-service staff on the theory of language/communication development and AAC such that communication skills can be facilitated in every class.
6.An understanding and commitment to using electronic communication devices and computers for communication skill development
Role
-Conduct assessment of students in areas such as, communication, alternative and augmentative communication, speech, language, swallowing/meal times and social/behavioural needs.
· Design and implement programs in collaboration with teachers, parents / carers according to students’ individual needs and based on developmental level and age appropriateness.
· Document, record and accurately report on student involvement, evaluate progress and make recommendations for future programming.
· Provide information about special access equipment and physical barriers within the school environment as required by staff, parents / carers.
· Attend meetings eg staff, therapy and case conferences .
· Manage and maintain Speech Therapy resource
Responsibilities
The initial responsibilities of this position will be:
1. Effective assessment monitoring and reporting of student's individual needs.
2. Implement therapeutic programs through individual, small group or whole class settings.
3. Provide support to student's families or carers through direct and indirect means (E.g meetings and developing/providing resources)
4. Effective organisation management and promotion of team work.
5. Effective communication skills. Evidence of professionally sensitive communication with parents /carers and students.
Who May Apply
Individuals with the aptitude, experience and/or qualifications to fulfil the specific requirements of the position.
Eligible for membership with Speech Pathology Australia
Must have a valid Working With Children Check
- 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
EEO AND OHS Commitment
The Department of Education and Training is committed to the principles of equal opportunity, and diversity and inclusion for all. We value diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ+, 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 family friendly, supportive, safe and harassment free workplaces is essential to high performance and promotes flexible work, diversity and safety across all schools and Department workplaces.
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 http://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/programs/health/protect/Pages/childsafestandards.aspx
DE Values
The Department’s employees commit to upholding DET’s Values: Responsiveness, Integrity, Impartiality, Accountability, Respect, Leadership and Human Rights. DET’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 DET values is available at http://www.education.vic.gov.au/hrweb/workm/Pages/Public-Sector-Values.aspx
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
Do you want to work with students in a transdisciplinary team? Focus on engagement and clinical skills with children rather than paperwork? Want to be part of an enormous therapy team which is integrated into the school and classrooms all day every day?
BSDS might just be for you!
Broadmeadows Special Developmental 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 the Melbourne suburb of Broadmeadows and provides an attractive and safe environment. Learning areas include well-equipped classrooms, dedicated specialist spaces and outdoor learning zones. The school has 2 sites, the main campus in Dimboola Rd and a Sorrento Street campus with students attending from a wide geographical and diverse socio-economic background.
The school has a current enrolment of 340 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.
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. 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 trans-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 co-operative environment that is happy, challenging, supportive and non-threatening. Broadmeadows SDS has a School Wide Positive Behaviour Program and has developed a school culture that is reflected by the ideals of positive learning 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 pathologists 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 150 staff including a team of 30 plus therapists.
Successful applicants may be required to work at either the Dimboola Campus or the Sorrento Campus which are within walking distance of each other.