Teachers Assistant in Melbourne

Western Autistic School's vision is to provide a dedicated school for students with autism. We envision a nurturing environment for autistic students in grades Prep to Year 3. Through personalized support and collaborative teaching, we empower each child to thrive socially and academically. Our community celebrates diversity and fosters a commitment to building a strong educational foundation for our students that encourages lifelong learning and achievement.

The Western Autistic School is a large, vibrant and unique school in the western suburbs of Melbourne. We offer an early years program for 300+ young children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Prep to Grades 3. Our school caters to autistic students and synthesises an evidence base drawn from student-centred, strengths-based approaches and contemporary research from the fields of autism and inclusive education to develop Individual Learning Programs for each student.

Key features of our program include:

• The individual student is the focus of our teaching.
• Each student is provided with an Individual Learning Plan, in collaboration between the student, their family and the teaching team.
• An emphasis on building foundational skills in social communication and functional areas, alongside academic skills particularly in the areas of literacy and numeracy.
• Small classes of approximately eight students with a teaching team consisting of teachers, education support staff and allied health professionals.
• Individualised transition program for children to move on to their local neighbourhood school.

As part of our school's mission, WAS is actively involved in research and training. It has a registered training provider, The Autism Teaching Institute (ATI), which provides postgraduate qualifications to educators working with autistic students.

Responsibilities:

• This position may be across various classrooms covering absences.
• Assist students on an individual or group basis in specific learning areas.
• Assist students to communicate their needs.
• Provide basic physical and emotional care for students.
• Participate in team meetings.
• Assist with the supervision of pupils in playgrounds, at camps, on excursions, in sporting activities, therapy activities and life skills.
• Assist in the preparation of student resources and equipment set up.
• Set up and put away equipment and materials in support of teaching programs.
• Observe students and draw the attention of the teacher to them where necessary.
• Participate in the monitoring and evaluation of programs and evaluation of individual student involvement and achievement.
• Assist students with the preparation and service of meals.
• Ensure work areas and materials, equipment and appliances are maintained in a clean and ready to use condition.
• Assist in the preparation of equipment and purchasing of materials and supplies as required.

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.

A written response to each of the Selection Criteria is mandatory. Up to three referees who are able to comment on your application in relation to the Selection Criteria.

This position is based at Western Autistic School - 1 Burnley Street, Laverton. This position is 5 days a week and may be covering daily absences.