Special Needs Teacher Aide in Melbourne

Monash Special Developmental School (Monash SDS) is a Victorian Government specialist school located in Wheelers Hill in Melbourne's south-east. We provide high-quality educational programs for students from Early Years through to Secondary who have moderate to profound intellectual disability, with many students also having Autism Spectrum Disorder and additional complex communication, sensory, physical or medical needs. Our purpose is to empower every student to develop the skills, confidence and independence to participate as fully as possible in their school, home and community.

At Monash SDS we are committed to creating a learning environment where every student is safe, respected, valued, challenged and supported to reach their individual potential. Our work focuses on developing communication, independence, social and emotional skills, functional academics and life skills that prepare students for meaningful futures.

Facilities include purpose-built learning environments such as an Integrated Learning Building, STEM spaces, multimedia facilities, commercial kitchen, hydrotherapy pool, sensory environments, outdoor learning spaces and specialist therapy areas.

Our greatest strength is our people. Staff are supported through comprehensive induction, instructional coaching, ongoing professional learning, collaborative planning, leadership development, mentoring for graduate teachers and regular feedback. We believe the best outcomes occur when teachers, education support staff and allied health professionals work together as one team.

Monash SDS has a strong reputation for innovation and evidence-based practice. Staff engage in professional inquiry, collaborative problem solving, learning walks, coaching, peer observation and data-informed decision making. We are looking for educators who believe every student can learn, value teamwork, embrace continuous improvement, build positive relationships and are committed to inclusive, evidence-based practice.

We value strong partnerships with families, allied health professionals, external agencies and post-school providers to achieve meaningful outcomes for every student.

Responsibilities may include:

• Provides routine support for teachers including assisting with planning of student routines
• Supports communication between teachers and parents
• Communicates with teachers on routine matters related to students and/or other responsibilities
• Provides basic physical care and wellbeing support for students such as toileting, meals, and lifting
• Communicating with student/s to support comprehension of basic tasks and information
• Addresses immediate behavioural presentations relating to specific students within a classroom setting aligned to school policy and procedure
• Provides basic support and supervision for individuals or groups of up to 4 students within a classroom setting
• Supports teachers in the coordination of educational programs independently or under minimal supervision
• Provides medical intervention support to a student/s, under specific conditions, with appropriate training and guidance
• Provides specialised communication support for students and teachers in areas such as AUSLAN and braille

Individuals with the aptitude, experience and/or qualifications to fulfill the specific requirements of the position are encouraged to apply. The department is committed to diversity and inclusion and developing a workforce that is representative of the community we service.

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.

This position is full-time - 38 hours per week distributed over 5 days. Hours of work are 8:30am to 4:36pm.