*$7000 Incentive Payment* Speech Therapist

*$7000 Incentive Payment* Speech Therapist Job posted: 02/01/2025

Location: Melbourne | Northern Metropolitan

Job type: Full time / From 28/01/2025

Organisation: Schools (Government)

Salary: Salary not specified

Occupation: Health and Allied Health

Reference: 1460973

Closes: 18/01/2025

Western Autistic School's vision is to provide a dedicated school for students with autism.

At Western Autistic School, 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.

Our school demonstrates commitment to the following values:

Learning as an ongoing process Sharing and growth of knowledge School Profile 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 synthesizes an evidence base drawn from student-centered, 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 Individualized 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.

Selection Criteria Experience in providing speech and language therapy to children with Autism Spectrum Disorder or developmental delays, particularly in the area of pragmatic language development. Knowledge and experience of the use of a range of Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) systems, encompassing both low-technology and high-technology systems. Demonstrated capacity to work in collaboration with teaching teams to devise programs that extend a student's functional communication and social skills in a range of contexts. Demonstrated ability to work as part of a collaborative multi-disciplinary professional team. Highly developed interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills including demonstrated sensitivity to family issues in special education. Role Range 3 is distinguished by the introduction of management responsibility and accountability for the delivery of professional support services.
The role will usually impact beyond the work area or professional field.
It seeks to gain cooperation of other staff members or members of the school community to achieve specific objectives, such as in school administration, operations or educational programs.

Direction on targets and goals is provided but the position will have some degree of latitude in determining how they are achieved.
This latitude will generally be limited by standard procedures and school policy.
Deviation from standard procedures and school policy will require guidance and direction from senior management.

Responsibilities ACCOUNTABILITY OBJECTIVE: The incumbent is responsible for providing consultancy Speech Pathology services to an allocated caseload of children who attend Western Autistic School, and for the development of therapy programs to be implemented by teaching staff at Western Autistic School.

CONTACTS: Teaching staff (Teachers and Education Support) Allied health staff (Occupational Therapists, Speech Pathologists, Social Worker, Welfare) Parents and caregivers where appropriate DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Clinical To provide assessment, therapy program implementation, and ongoing evaluation, for an allocated caseload of children attending Western Autistic School, within the Individual Learning Plan framework. To apply sound theoretical knowledge and practical expertise when conducting clinical activities. To deliver Speech Pathology consultation within defined organisational parameters, as set by Senior Speech Pathologists in conjunction with Leadership staff. To continue to develop a knowledge of Autism Spectrum Disorder and the specific presenting communication difficulties. To continue to develop a knowledge of pragmatic language development and its application and implementation to Autism Spectrum Disorders. To develop and implement alternative and/or augmentative communication systems for children who are non- or minimally-verbal. To provide complex professional reports requiring factual analysis, including assessments and recommendations for consideration by others. To resource and support staff in their use of appropriate communication strategies as an integral part of their school program. To liaise with school staff and families where appropriate, regarding the child's progress to ensure that the individual needs are appropriately met. To provide instruction and training to teaching colleagues with respect to specific communication strategies, including explaining professional concepts and approaches to clients, stakeholders, colleagues and staff. To actively contribute to and participate in professional learning activities conducted by the Speech Pathology department for the benefit of teaching staff. To meet and confer regularly with Senior and Co-Therapists. To maintain client records including assessment results, program notes assessment and transition reports. To provide teaching staff with a copy of program notes after each classroom consultation (which include specific recommendations) and maintain a copy for the Speech Pathology file. To participate in meetings with therapy and educational staff as required. Other duties as assigned by the Senior Speech Pathologists. Resourcing / Planning To recommend appropriate equipment and resources for student's use in the school/home/community environment where appropriate. To develop and produce appropriate AAC and language development resources for classroom use, and to ensure that these are also made available to the Speech Pathology department resource collection. Problem Solving and Professional Development To liaise and consult with Senior Speech Pathologists regarding problem solving and feedback regarding development of clinical, administrative and interpersonal skills. To engage in peer review, performance appraisals, internal professional development, supervision, and other quality assurance activities. To liaise with appropriate professional bodies to enhance development of professional skills. PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL: Performance reviews will be conducted annually with the Senior Speech Pathologist/s and/or designated Campus leader.

Who May Apply Individuals with the aptitude, experience and/or qualifications to fulfill the specific requirements of the position.

New 2025 graduates, welcome to apply. Conditions of Employment 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. Incentive payments will be considered upon employment for successful new applicant pro-rata. To apply for this role, you will be redirected to the Schools (Government) job application system.

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