Teacher Assistant

**Overview**:
**Work Type**:Fixed-term - Full-time

**Salary**: Salary not specified

**Grade**:Education Support - Level 1, Range 2

**Occupation**:Education and training

**Location**:Melbourne - Southern suburbs

**Reference**:1485211

**Location Profile**:

- Southern Autistic School (SAS) is a specialist school dedicated to the education of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and with significant deficits in language. SAS provides evidence based educational programs to meet the learning needs of children with a diagnosis of ASD. A focus of the current Strategic Plan is making the school a centre of excellence and expertise in the delivery of education for autistic students, with a focus on communication.
- The school is located in the South Eastern Region in East Bentleigh with approximately 280 students aged from 3 to 18 years. Classes have six to ten students with all children having an individual learning plan. Individual Learning Plans are based on the Victorian Curriculum with a focus on developing communication, social interaction, and independence skills.
- The class teacher is supported by a teaching assistant. Speech pathologists support the development of individual communication programs and occupational therapists add to the comprehensive educational team. A clinical psychologist, experienced social worker and Mental Health Practitioner work with families and students to further enhance student wellbeing.
- At SAS we implement the Victorian Curriculum and enhance our teaching and learning programs through the use of evidence-based approaches and strategies. This includes the implementation of Hanen: More Than Words, LAMP and a structured synthetic phonics approach. Our Secondary Programs provide great vocational education opportunities in addition to the recreation and community access. Our Early Education Program utilises Hanen Strategies, and implements aspects and strategies from the Early Start Denver Model.
- There are four sub schools on the same campus each led by a highly experienced school leader. Learning Specialists additionally support the development of teaching and learning programs. Our specialist programs vary across the sub schools however include ART, Media ARTS, Physical Education, Music and Cooking. The Primary aged students also attend a Swimming Program with a magnesium pool on site. The school has undergone recent redevelopment with 2 new buildings including modern facilities opened since 2021.
- School Wide Positive Behaviour Support principles and approaches are key to supporting student engagement and data. The school is committed to the development of the whole child and works in partnership with parents. We have a supportive parent community who regularly communicate with staff.
- Vision Statement:

- The SAS vision for students is to develop lifelong learners who have a sense of belonging and are encouraged to implement their skills and knowledge to make choices and accept responsibility for their decisions. Our SWPBS values are: 'I am Safe, I am a Learner and I Belong.'

**Selection Criteria**:
**SC1** Capacity to follow directions from senior colleagues to support student learning within a school environment

**SC2** Demonstrated capacity to provide support and/or attendant care to students where necessary.

**SC3** Demonstrated proficiency in the use of office systems, software or technical equipment as relevant to the position.

**SC4** Capacity to work cooperatively with a range of people including teachers, education support, students and parents.

**SC5** A commitment to professional learning and growth

**Role**:

- The role is fulltime. An education support class position at this range will perform tasks that are carried out in accordance with guidelines, accepted practice, and school policy under supervision and direction. This may include coordination of other education support class staff within the work area or educational program.
- An education support class position supports the educational services being provided to students but must not include duties of a teacher as defined in clause 2.6.1 of the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 (Vic) or its successor. Supervision of students can be required individually or in groups up to 4 in controlled circumstances and where the responsibility for students remains clearly with a teacher.
- Certification and/or qualifications of up to three years can be required at this level (noting that Registered Nurse is not included at this level, the first level for which is Level 1 range 3).
- A role at this range may include:

- Specific support tasks to achieve outcomes. Typically, this will involve accountability for a single function, (e.g. ensuring data is properly maintained) or the co-ordination of a work area under the direction of the principal or a manager.
- Assisting teachers, within an educational program, by undertaking specific support tasks or the coordination of the support function.
- Super