Education Assistant - Special Needs

Advertised Vacancy Number: SS/SS669081

This is a permanent full-time position commencing Term 1, 2021

Fitzroy Valley District High School (DHS) is seeking a reliable individual to join their school support team in the role of Education Assistant – Special Needs.

The successful applicant will, under teacher direction, assist in the implementation of specialised education programs, such as occupational therapy, speech therapy and physiotherapy programs. They will assist the teacher in the delivery of planned education programs, including the operation of computers and digital technologies, and implement individual student or small group programs or demonstrations. They will, when required, provide feedback on education and therapy programs and participate in the evaluation process relating to the achievement of goals in special education. They will assist the teacher or therapist to understand when there is communication difficulty between them and a student.

At Fitzroy Valley District High School, we have a strong focus on developing the literacy and numeracy skills of our Kindergarten to Year 12 students.

We pride ourselves on being inclusive and welcoming children from a diversity of local Aboriginal communities in and around Fitzroy Crossing: Junjuwa, Kurnangki, Mindi Radi, Loanbung, Buruwa, Biridu, Darlngunaya, Jimbalakudung, Karnparrmi, and Gillarong. Secondary students travel to school each day from Muludja, Wangkatjungka, Ngalankadji, Mimbi, Ngumpan, Joy Springs, and Bayulu communities.

This selection process will initially be used to fill the above vacancy. Applicants assessed as suitable during this selection process may be considered for other similar vacancies that occur throughout our school for up to 12 months following this initial appointment. This includes circumstances where this position becomes subsequently vacant should the successful applicant decline or vacate the advertised position.

To be suitable for this role, you will need to demonstrate the following work related requirements (selection criteria):

• Good written and oral communication skills, including the ability to interact with students with special needs, parents and teaching professionals on the provision of educational programs, and to assist teachers in understanding students where necessary.
• Good interpersonal skills, including the ability to work as part of a team in the evaluation of educational programs, including special education and therapy programs where these have been implemented.
• Good organisational skills that will assist in the delivery and development of effective education programs to students and subsequent feedback to teaching professionals or psychologists.
• Ability to assist teachers or therapists in implementing educational programs, including special education and, should this be a requirement of the position, occupational and/or physiotherapy programs.
• Knowledge of health and physical disabilities in students and adolescents.
• Ability to assist with general health and well-being of students.

Applications will be assessed against these work related requirements (selection criteria) of the position. The business needs of the school may also be considered. It is therefore recommended that you consider all information contained in the advertisement and any other related information before applying for the vacancy.

The Department is an equal opportunity employer and encourages people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and persons from culturally diverse backgrounds to apply.

Further information about Fitzroy Valley District High School can be found by visiting Schools Online.

For further job related information:

You are encouraged to contact Stephen Traynor, Principal, for further information about this employment opportunity, including information about living and working in Fitzroy Crossing, by telephoning (08) 9193 0900 or emailing Stephen.Traynor@education.wa.edu.au.

Application Instructions

All applications are submitted online. Select “Apply for Job”, at either the top or bottom of this screen and follow the instructions on your screen.

Your application should include:

• A two (2) page statement addressing the Work Related Requirements (selection criteria), in context of the role and business needs of the school
• A CV of up to four (4) pages outlining your employment history and professional learning summary relevant to this position
• The contact details for two (2) work related referees (one being your current line manager)

It is recommended you have these documents completed and ready to attach before selecting “Apply for Job”.

You are asked to complete an online application form and attach your documentation, please allow enough time to complete this process as applications cannot be accepted after the closing date and time.

After you have submitted your application online, you will receive an email confirming lodgement. If you do not receive a confirmation email, please telephone (08) 9264 4127.

If you are having difficulty submitting your online application, please telephone (08) 9264 8666 for assistance.

Eligibility

Employees will be required to:

• Obtain a current Department of Education Criminal Record Clearance prior to commencement of employment;
• Obtain or hold a current Working with Children Check; and
• Provide evidence of eligibility to work in Australia for the term of the vacancy.

Education Assistants working with Kindergarten students may be required to have, or be actively working towards, a Certificate lll in Education Support (or approved equivalent) in order to meet the educator-to-student ratio outlined in the National Quality Standard for Early Childhood Education and Care.

Approved equivalent qualifications are published by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority.

Training

Employees will be required to:

• Complete the Department’s induction program within three months of commencement;
• Complete any training specific to this role required by Departmental policy; and
• Complete the Department’s training in Accountable and Ethical Decision-Making within six months of appointment.

Applications must be submitted before 4.30pm (WST) on Friday, 5 March 2021.

APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED ONLINE

PROFORMA, FAXED, HAND DELIVERED, POSTED, EMAILED AND LATE APPLICATIONS ARE NOT ACCEPTED.