Speech Therapist in Whittlesea

Merriang Special Developmental School is a dual campus, government specialist school located in the City of Whittlesea. The Later Years Campus and main administration offices are located in Duncan Road Lalor and is attended by secondary aged students, whilst primary aged students attend the Early Years Campus located in South Morang. The school's vision is 'To lead special education through exemplary and innovative practice'. Our school values of Safety, Respect and Active Learning align to the school's expected behaviours of Be Safe, Be Respectful and Be a Learner.

The school continues to promote a positive learning environment through SWPBS and our behaviour purpose statement reflects this commitment: 'Merriang promotes effective, social and purposeful learning by creating a safe and positive school environment. Through predictable and consistent school wide behavioural learning expectations we will empower, engage and support all members of the school community.'

Selection Criteria

• A capacity as a Speech Pathologist to deliver comprehensive Speech Pathology services to children from 5-18 years in a specialist educational environment.
• An ability to resource and in-service staff on relevant Speech Pathology theory and interventions that extend a student's ability to engage and participate in learning.
• Highly developed interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills including collaboration with interdisciplinary teams and parents/carers.
• Demonstrated capacity to reflect critically upon personal professional practice, evaluate and investigate further ways to improve their professional competence.
• Ability to work with students who present with complex communication needs and challenging behaviours.

Role

Speech therapists at Merriang SDS work within a transdisciplinary teaming model, supporting the education of students with physical disabilities and complex health needs. The Speech Therapist will be directly responsible to the Assistant Principal for the provision of speech therapy services within the transdisciplinary model, will comply with the professional standards developed by Merriang SDS and the purpose and values articulated in the school’s Strategic Plan.

Responsibilities

• To work with the Assistant Principal and the Allied Health Team to maintain the high standard of therapy services.
• To work cooperatively within transdisciplinary teams developing Individual Learning Plans and reports for students.
• To work with transdisciplinary team to develop, implement and evaluate class based programs that incorporate therapeutic interventions and support student learning.
• To attend and contribute to Student Support Group meetings.
• To contribute to the development and implementation of the school’s Strategic Plan.
• To prioritise and cater for students' communication needs, including assessment, design, production and programming of AAC devices/systems.
• To participate in the mealtime assistance program, including provision of assessment, Mealtime Assistance Profiles and equipment.
• To provide comprehensive speech therapy assessments as identified by transdisciplinary team, e.g. swallowing, articulation, expressive and receptive language etc.
• To act as a resource for Merriang students integrated into mainstream schools.
• To liaise with and provide support to community agencies and other professionals in relation to students’ communication needs.
• To maintain personal professional development and provide professional development for school staff.
• To participate in annual Performance & Development program.
• To attend a variety of meetings e.g. staff, departmental, team.

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.

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.

DE Values

The department's employees commit to upholding the department's Values: Responsiveness, Integrity, Impartiality, Accountability, Respect, Leadership and Human Rights.

Other Information

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.