Multicultural Aide

Location: Melbourne | Southern Metropolitan

Job type: Full time / From 27/01/2025 - 26/01/2026

Organisation: Schools (Government)

**Salary**: Salary not specified

Occupation: Education and Training

Reference: 1453047

**Selection Criteria**:
**SC1** Demonstrated capacity to perform duties consistent with established guidelines and frameworks, including coordinating and supporting others in respect to specific work functions relevant to the role.

**SC2** Demonstrated capacity to work and collaborate with others in a team environment.

**SC3** Demonstrated capacity to communicate effectively in a team environment, including high level oral and written communication skills.

**SC4** Possess the technical knowledge and expertise relevant to the position.

**SC5** Demonstrated capacity to provide advice and support to management and other school staff in respect to the work area.

**SC6** A commitment to professional learning and growth for both self and others.

**Role**:
Role of an MEA

MEAs are employed by schools to support EAL learners, their families, and the families of other students who require language assistance when communicating with the school. The MEA¿s skills in a language or languages other than English enable them to act as a bridge between the school and families. They can also contribute to making the mainstream curriculum more responsive to Victoria¿s rich cultural heritage and diversity.
- MEAs are able to assist with:

- effective communication between students and teachers in the classroom
- integrating EAL learners into school activities by helping them to understand school expectations and goals
- assisting teachers to understand the home cultures and the expectations families have of the school and of education in general
- assisting newly arrived families to settle into the school community.

**Responsibilities**:
**Responsibilities**

**(1) Provide support for students and teachers**:

- One of the main roles of an MEA is to assist EAL students in classroom programs. Under teacher supervision and guidance, MEAs can:

- support the EAL coordinator and teachers as required with activities/ materials to support EAL students
- support EAL students in their learning by explaining concepts or instructions in the learners¿ first or other language(s)
- assist individual EAL students or groups of students in mainstream or EAL classes
- provide teachers with insights into students¿ cultural backgrounds and experiences
- assist with activities and excursions as required by the EAL coordinator or teachers
- assist the teacher with the development of materials
- contribute cultural perspectives to curriculum content to make it more relevant to all students
- assist with the enrolment of new EAL students
- assist teachers to communicate with parents and other family members
- prepare simple (low-risk) written information for parents, such as notes, notices or basic information about the school. Professional translators should be used for sensitive information or when high-risk, complex or technical information is being communicated.

**(2) Support for parents and the community**:

- The MEA is an important link between the school, parents and the local community. MEAs need guidance on the kinds of support that are appropriate for them to offer families. Within program and school guidelines, and under supervision where appropriate, MEAs are well placed to liaise with family members and members of the community to foster communication and to encourage parents to participate fully in the life of the school. They can:

- interpreting (Mandarin/Cantonese)
- assist with communication between parents and the school
- foster links between families and the school
- liaise informally with community members
- encourage parents to take part in school events and activities, such as fundraising, school council or parents groups
- explain school policies and activities to students and parents
- make home visits with the Student Welfare Coordinator or the school administration
- provide liaison between parents, community organisations and other school staff
- develop contact with services and resources in the community so that parents can be informed of services available
- inform the school about family circumstances (with the family¿s permission) that may impact on student learning.

**(3) Provision of language assistance**:
MEAs play a valuable role in using their language skills for direct communication with students and parents but should not be used solely as interpreters or translators.

MEAs will not necessarily have formal qualifications or accreditation in interpreting or translation and are not employed as professional translators or interpreters but are often asked to assist in interpreting ( Mandarin/Cantonese) with our EAL students, parents/guardian interviews or parent/teacher interviews.
- Note: Interpreting and translating are specialised skills. Professional interpreters and translato