Department of Education Victoria – Benalla VIC

1d ago , from Department of Education & Training Victoria

Wangaratta District Specialist School is a multi-mode specialist school catering for students with mild to severe intellectual and associated disabilities from five to eighteen years of age. We strive to provide a purposeful, comprehensive learning environment meeting the social, emotional and educational requirements of every student.

More than 80 Teaching, Educational Support, wellbeing and Allied Health staff are passionately committed to working with families, carers, specialists, relevant outside agencies and the local community to ensure students achieve their maximum potential and targeted educational outcomes. Enrolment continues to increase with fervour. The 2024 school year began with 160 students enrolled.

WDSS is located in the Rural City of Wangaratta and as of the beginning of 2025, a second campus will also be located in the Rural city of Benalla. The school services the Benalla, Myrtleford, Ovens and King Valleys, Rutherglen, Wahgunyah, and Wangaratta districts. six buses transport students from within Wangaratta and the many towns in surrounding districts.

The school¿s philosophy is reflected in its motto, `Together We Will¿. This is based on the belief that children learn best in a co-operative setting that is happy, challenging, supportive and non-threatening. Strong and respectful relationships between all members of the school community are encouraged as is the active involvement and participation of students, staff, parents, caregivers, volunteers and the wider school community. This is reflected in the solid relationship the school has with all its stakeholders and the high regard with which the school is held in the wider community.





Currently the Wangaratta campus is organised as a junior, middle and senior school, with 20 classrooms grouping students based on a variety of criteria, with a view towards helping students achieve short term goals as stepping stones towards a long-term post school outcome. Class sizes vary from 5 students to 12 students and are staffed according to the student need in each classroom.

From Term 1, 2025, the Benalla campus will run with students aged 5 -15 years with the senior students accessing the VPC from the Wangaratta Campus.

All students have an individual learning plan established in consultation with parents and relevant professionals. In the last three years of school the focus is on transition to adult programs, and this includes work experience, participation in TAFE programs and increased responsibility around the school and community.

Selection Criteria

1. Student Relationships and WellbeingDemonstrated ability to develop positive, respectful and trusting relationships with primary-aged students and provide appropriate support to students experiencing social, emotional, behavioural or engagement difficulties within a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS).2. Early Intervention and Problem SolvingDemonstrated ability to recognise emerging concerns, respond appropriately,



implement practical strategies and know when to seek assistance or refer a student to an appropriate professional or service. Demonstrated understanding of strategies that promote student engagement, participation, inclusion, belonging and positive relationships within a primary school environment.3. Communication and Family EngagementHighly developed interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to communicate respectfully and effectively with students, parents/carers and school staff. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as part of a school-based team and contribute positively to student support planning and wellbeing initiatives.4. Professional Knowledge and Child Safety and Professional PracticeDemonstrated knowledge of child and adolescent development, inclusive, trauma-informed, culturally responsive and evidence-informed practice, including an understanding of tiered approaches to student support, the Victorian Child Safe Standards, and the Department of Education policices and procedures relevant to student wellbeing, engagement, inclusion and safety.5. Initiative and Positive ApproachDemonstrated capacity to effectively manage competing priorities and an allocated caseload,work proactively, use initiative and develop practical programs and strategies that improve student wellbeing, engagement and connection to school.

Role

Range 4 is distinguished by broader management responsibility, particularly in the areas of finance, human resource and other support functions.
Range 4 is responsible for managing a range of functions under a wide range of conditions, subject to the size and complexity of school operations.

Objectives will, generally, be clearly defined; guidelines will be broad and day-to-day direction minimal.
Management respon

📌 Social Worker (Benalla Rural City)
🏢 Department of Education Victoria
📍 Benalla Rural City