Location Profile

Bayside SDS is a specialist school for approximately 60 students located in the South Eastern Victoria Region. The school has established a positive and engaging learning environment for moderate to severely intellectually disabled school-age students ranging in age from 4.8 to 18 years. Many students have additional diagnoses including Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, and emotional regulation difficulties. A highly successful Early Education program operates for pre-school aged children with significant additional needs.

The school prides itself in maintaining an atmosphere of warmth and encouragement, and the consistently high results in both staff and parent opinion surveys substantiate this claim. The staff consists of teachers, teacher assistants, specialists, and a therapy team. The differentiated curriculum is delivered individually and in small groups and is designed to maximise the development of skills in communication, engagement, literacy, mathematics, and social interaction.

The school practises the School-Wide Positive Behaviour Support approach across all year levels.

Selection Criteria

KSC1

Demonstrated capacity to undertake routine and specialised teacher assistant support tasks across a range of work areas and functions within a Special Developmental School setting.

KSC2

Demonstrated capacity to communicate effectively with students who have a moderate to severe intellectual disability.

KSC3

Demonstrated understanding of the principles of effective behaviour management for students with severe challenging behaviours.

KSC4

Demonstrated commitment to qualified learning and application to a work environment.

KSC5

Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team focussed environment.

Role

Bayside SDS is seeking a teacher assistant who can fulfil the following roles:

1. Contribute to the effectiveness of learning programs by assisting the teacher in the implementation and assessment of educational and behaviour management programs devised by the classroom teacher.

2. Participate in the care and supervisory activities for all-aged students with disabilities.

3. Assist with the provision of learning resources, and the maintenance of a safe and healthy working environment.

4. To perform other duties, which the Principal may allocate, which are consistent with the conditions as outlined in the current Victorian Government Schools Agreement. Duties are complementary to those allocated to other staff members and contribute to the smooth functioning of the school.

Responsibilities

1.



Assisting in preparation of the classroom materials for the daily programs.

2. Tidying the classroom and materials at the conclusion of each session.

3. Assisting with the supervision of the students both in the classroom and the playground.

4. Reporting observations of students to the teacher and assisting with the implementation of behaviour support plans.

5. Provide support and attendant care for students, including toileting, meal-time support, and personal hygiene.

6. Assisting with the secure lifting of students where necessary, using appropriate techniques and equipment.

7. Assisting with the loading and unloading of students from their daily school transport.

8. Accompanying the teacher and students on excursions.

9. Under the direction of the classroom teacher to supervise students on excursions or classroom activities for short periods of time.

10. To have a good knowledge of the school¿s operations and to exercise positive judgment within defined guidelines.

11. To carry out other duties as allocated by the Principal which contribute to the wider safe and attractive school environment.

12. To exercise warmth, discretion and tact when communicating with parents.

13. Commitment to building knowledge and understanding as it relates to the relevant students at the school.

14. To have a knowledge and awareness of the current School Strategic Plan or equivalent, support the school¿s Vision and Mission, and espouse the values as outlined therein.

Who May Apply

Individuals with the aptitude, experience and/or qualifications to fulfill the specific requirements of the position.

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 *******@education.vic.gov.au

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

- Candidates are advised that the key selection criteria must be addressed. Visit https://www.careers.vic.gov.au/how-to-apply for guidelines and tips for applying for government positions and addressing key selection criteria.
- Applicants are asked to provide the names and contact numbers of three referees.

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

📌 Classroom Support (Melbourne)
🏢 Government schools
📍 Melbourne