Speech Pathologist

Selection Criteria

• Specialist Knowledge and Expertise: Demonstrated high-level knowledge and experience in speech pathology assessment, intervention and consultation within educational settings, including the ability to apply specialist expertise to improve student learning, communication and wellbeing outcomes.
• Program Coordination and Improvement: Demonstrated ability to coordinate, develop and evaluate speech pathology services, systems and processes, using evidence and data to inform decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Communication, Relationships and Stakeholder Engagement: Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to establish productive relationships with students, families, staff, allied health professionals and external agencies.

Role

Barramayil Primary School is a newly established and growing school. As a foundation school, this role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the establishment of inclusive practices, wellbeing supports and intervention frameworks from the outset. The successful applicant will demonstrate flexibility, adaptability and a willingness to contribute to a broad range of student support initiatives as the school continues to grow and evolve. As enrolments increase, systems become embedded and staffing structures expand, the role is expected to become increasingly specialised and strategically focused. Staff are expected to work collaboratively, support one another and contribute positively to the ongoing growth and success of the school.

The Speech Pathologist will play an important role in building staff capability, establishing evidence-based practices and contributing to a school culture that values inclusion, communication, wellbeing and student success.

Role Purpose

The Speech Pathologist provides specialist speech pathology services to support student learning, communication, participation and wellbeing across the school. As a member of a newly established school community, the Speech Pathologist will work collaboratively with teachers, education support staff, families and external providers to build staff capacity and implement evidence-based practices that improve educational outcomes for students with communication needs. The position is responsible for the delivery, coordination and continuous development of the school's speech pathology program, including assessment, intervention, consultation, professional learning and student support planning. The role requires a high level of professional expertise, initiative, confidentiality and collaborative practice within a multidisciplinary environment. As Barramayil Primary School continues to grow, responsibilities may evolve in response to changing student needs and organisational priorities.

Responsibilities

• Key Responsibilities:
• Lead the planning, implementation and evaluation of the school's speech pathology service delivery model.
• Provide specialist speech pathology assessment, intervention, consultation and case management services for students with identified communication needs.
• Conduct comprehensive formal and informal assessments and interpret assessment data to inform educational planning and targeted interventions.
• Develop, implement and review individual and small-group intervention programs aligned with student learning and wellbeing goals.
• Provide specialist recommendations to support adjustment planning, Disability Inclusion Profile processes and individual education planning.
• Monitor and evaluate intervention outcomes using data-informed practices and adjust programs accordingly.
• Maintain professional documentation and records in accordance with departmental, legislative and professional requirements.
• Whole-School Consultation and Capacity Building:
• Provide expert advice and consultancy to teachers, education support staff and school leaders regarding communication development and communication support strategies.
• Lead initiatives that build staff capability in supporting students with speech, language, social communication and literacy-related needs.
• Model evidence-based practices and coach staff in implementing communication-supportive classroom environments.
• Develop resources, tools and frameworks that support consistent approaches to communication across the school.
• Contribute specialist expertise to the development of inclusive teaching and learning practices.
• Family and Community Engagement:
• Liaise regularly with parents and carers regarding student progress, recommendations and support strategies.
• Provide information and resources to assist families in supporting communication development at home.
• Facilitate positive partnerships between families, school staff and external providers.
• Promote awareness and understanding of communication disorders within the school community.
• Support families to navigate referrals and access appropriate community services where required.
• Program Coordination and Leadership:
• Coordinate the planning, implementation and ongoing improvement of speech pathology services across the school.
• Establish and maintain referral, assessment, intervention and review processes.
• Contribute to the development and evaluation of school policies, procedures and programs relating to inclusion, wellbeing and student support.
• Identify emerging student needs and provide strategic advice to school leadership regarding service priorities and resource allocation.
• Contribute to whole-school improvement initiatives through analysis of student data and evidence-based recommendations.
• Student Support and Collaboration:
• Participate in Student Support Group meetings, case conferences and multidisciplinary teams.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, wellbeing staff, allied health professionals and external agencies to develop coordinated support plans.
• Facilitate effective communication and information sharing between stakeholders while maintaining confidentiality.
• Support the identification of students requiring additional intervention and contribute to tiered intervention frameworks.
• Professional Responsibility:
• Maintain current knowledge of contemporary speech pathology practices, educational research and departmental priorities.
• Participate in professional learning and contribute to the professional learning of others.
• Exercise a high degree of professional judgement, initiative and autonomy in managing workload, priorities and service delivery.
• Ensure all practices comply with Speech Pathology Australia standards, Department of Education policies, Child Safe Standards and Occupational Health and Safety requirements.
• Undertake other duties commensurate with the classification level of the position.

Who May Apply

Individuals with the aptitude, experience and/or qualifications to fulfill the specific requirements of the position. Tertiary qualifications in Speech Pathology. Eligibility for membership with Speech Pathology Australia. Current Working with Children Check (Employee). Commitment to Child Safe Standards and Department of Education policies. Demonstrated understanding of evidence-based speech pathology practices within educational settings. Experience working within a Victorian Government school. Experience supporting students with diverse learning and communication needs. Knowledge of Department of Education disability inclusion processes and student support frameworks. Experience working within multidisciplinary teams.

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.

Joining Barramayil Primary School provides a unique opportunity to be part of a foundation team and contribute to the development of a thriving school community. You will have the opportunity to help establish systems, build positive relationships with students and families, and make a meaningful contribution to the school's growth and success. We are seeking people who are adaptable, solutions-focused and enthusiastic about working in a dynamic environment where no two days are the same.