Speech Therapist in Melbourne

Sunbury Downs College is a vibrant Year 7 to 12 co-educational secondary college situated in the semi-rural town of Sunbury. Our College is an inclusive school offering a wide range of programmes that cater for all students. We have a strong emphasis on developing individual student wellbeing and positive interpersonal relationships. Students are at the centre of our teaching and learning, always.

Our curriculum provides a comprehensive teaching and learning programme for students in core subjects: English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, Health and Physical Education, Arts, Technology and Languages (Italian). We offer a range of VCE subjects including the VCE Vocational Major programme in Years 11-12 which caters for students with an interest and passion for applied learning. We have a reputation for helping students achieve outstanding VCE results, further reinforcing to our students the school motto 'Confidence to Achieve'.

Sunbury Downs College is the only secondary school in the area that offers an Accelerated Curriculum and Enrichment (ACE) programme, extending students through a challenging curriculum including early commencement of VCE. The ACE programme is a select entry course with enrolment from the feeder primary schools for students in Years 7-9. New enrolments are welcome to make enquiries about the suitability of this programme for their children. We also offer a Scholars programme for students in Years 10 and 11 to provide students with a range of opportunities in the Senior Years.

Our College is an accredited International Student Programme provider. This programme has enabled the College to work closely with the Department of Education and the local community to engage in cultural immersion and promote diversity. The College has students and families from 45 different nationalities enrolled at our school, supporting a culturally and linguistically diverse learning environment.

Sunbury Downs College offers a wide range of inclusive activities and programmes which cater to all students. Some of these include Debating and Public Speaking, Maths Club, STEM/Robotics and Drama Club. We have a well-established Student Voice programme and passionate Captaincy team offering students the opportunity to develop leadership skills and contribute to our school in a positive and valuable way. Our College has a House and Sports programme with whole school carnivals for Athletics and Swimming, and there are also Year Level and specialised camps and excursions. We offer instrumental music tuition and present a highly acclaimed musical production, enabling students to excel in the Performing Arts in an environment that fosters participation, responsibility and teamwork outside the classroom.

Sunbury Downs College is proud of the work and support provided to students and the wider Sunbury Downs College community by our wellbeing team, learning support team and Careers Coordinators. Wellbeing programmes complement the teaching and learning and extracurricular programme of the College as we work together to prepare young people to become lifelong learners. Learning Support focuses on assisting students with additional needs while the Careers Coordinators provide valuable advice as students successfully pathway into university, TAFE and the workforce.

Sunbury Downs College currently has a leadership profile consisting of Principal, 3 Assistant Principals, 8 Leading Teachers and 3 Learning Specialists which is being expanded. There are approximately 70 Classroom Teachers, 5 Paraprofessionals and 38 Education Support staff. Our College values of Respect, Resilience, Ambition and Community are embedded within our teaching and learning practice. These core values support a culture of participation and excellence based on the development of positive relationships and personal growth by all community members.

Selection Criteria

• KSC1. Demonstrated knowledge of speech, language, communication and social communication development in adolescents, with the ability to apply evidence‑based practices within a secondary school setting.
• KSC2. Demonstrated capacity to plan, implement and evaluate targeted interventions and small‑group programmes that improve student engagement, communication and learning outcomes.
• KSC3. Experience in gathering, analysing and presenting evidence to support Disability Inclusion applications, student support planning and data‑informed decision making.
• KSC4. Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively with students, families, teaching staff, support staff and external professionals.
• KSC5. Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities, maintain accurate records and meet timelines associated with assessments, reporting and Disability Inclusion processes.

Role

The Speech Therapist will work collaboratively with students, staff, families and external professionals to support students with communication, language, literacy and social communication needs. The role focuses on improving access to learning, participation, engagement and wellbeing through targeted intervention, data informed practice and specialist advice. The Speech Pathologist will contribute to Disability Inclusion processes, including gathering and analysing evidence, supporting Disability Inclusion Profile applications, and assisting staff to implement appropriate adjustments and interventions. The role includes the delivery of small group programmes, assessments and observation activities, consultation with teaching staff, professional development of staff, and contribution to individual student support planning and meetings.

Responsibilities

• Conduct observations, screening and assessment activities to identify communication and language needs impacting student learning and participation.
• Develop and implement targeted speech and language interventions for eligible students.
• Plan and facilitate small group programmes addressing:
• Receptive and expressive language skills
• Social communication skills
• Pragmatic language development
• Literacy related language skills
• Communication strategies that support classroom participation
• Work collaboratively with parents and carers regarding student communication goals and progress.
• Liaise with external services such as speech pathologists and allied health professionals where appropriate.
• Participate in multidisciplinary planning for students with complex needs.

Disability and Inclusion Support

• Assist in gathering evidence and documentation required for Disability Inclusion Profile applications.
• Collect, analyse and maintain student data to support educational planning and funding processes.
• Contribute to specialist knowledge to Student Support Group meetings and DI processes.
• Support the development and review of reasonable adjustments for students.
• Maintain accurate records of interventions, assessments and student progress.
• Analyse student data to inform intervention planning and evaluate effectiveness.
• Prepare reports for SSGs, DI processes and parent/carer discussions.
• Professionally develop staff to support students.

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.

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.

Conditions of Employment

• All staff must possess a valid Working with Children Check (Employee Status).
• Qualification in Speech Pathology recognised by Speech Pathology Australia.
• Eligibility for Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP) status or equivalent.

Success in this role will be demonstrated through:

• Improved student participation and communication outcomes.
• Effective implementation of targeted intervention and small‑group programmes.
• High‑quality contributions to Disability Inclusion Profile applications and supporting documentation.
• Strong collaboration with staff, students and families.
• Accurate data collection and reporting that informs educational planning and adjustments.

This position contributes directly to the school's commitment to inclusive education, student engagement, wellbeing and improved learning outcomes for all students.