Multicultural Aide - Ed Support Level 1-Range 2

Job posted: 19/11/2024
Location: Melbourne | Southern Metropolitan
Job type: Full time / From 27/01/2025 - 26/01/2026
Organisation: Schools (Government)
Salary: Salary not specified
Occupation: Education and Training
Reference: 1453047
Selection CriteriaSC1 Demonstrated capacity to perform duties consistent with established guidelines and frameworks, including coordinating and supporting others in respect to specific work functions relevant to the role.
SC2 Demonstrated capacity to work and collaborate with others in a team environment.
SC3 Demonstrated capacity to communicate effectively in a team environment, including high level oral and written communication skills.
SC4 Possess the technical knowledge and expertise relevant to the position.
SC5 Demonstrated capacity to provide advice and support to management and other school staff in respect to the work area.
SC6 A commitment to professional learning and growth for both self and others.
RoleRole of an MEA MEAs are employed by schools to support EAL learners, their families, and the families of other students who require language assistance when communicating with the school. The MEA's skills in a language or languages other than English enable them to act as a bridge between the school and families. They can also contribute to making the mainstream curriculum more responsive to Victoria's rich cultural heritage and diversity.
MEAs are able to assist with:
effective communication between students and teachers in the classroomintegrating EAL learners into school activities by helping them to understand school expectations and goalsassisting teachers to understand the home cultures and the expectations families have of the school and of education in generalassisting newly arrived families to settle into the school community.One of the main roles of an MEA is to assist EAL students in classroom programs. Under teacher supervision and guidance, MEAs can:
support the EAL coordinator and teachers as required with activities/materials to support EAL studentssupport EAL students in their learning by explaining concepts or instructions in the learners' first or other language(s)assist individual EAL students or groups of students in mainstream or EAL classesprovide teachers with insights into students' cultural backgrounds and experiencesassist with activities and excursions as required by the EAL coordinator or teachersassist the teacher with the development of materialscontribute cultural perspectives to curriculum content to make it more relevant to all studentsassist with the enrolment of new EAL studentsassist teachers to communicate with parents and other family membersprepare simple (low-risk) written information for parents, such as notes, notices or basic information about the school.The MEA is an important link between the school, parents and the local community. MEAs need guidance on the kinds of support that are appropriate for them to offer families. Within program and school guidelines, and under supervision where appropriate, MEAs are well placed to liaise with family members and members of the community to foster communication and to encourage parents to participate fully in the life of the school. They can:
assist with communication between parents and the schoolfoster links between families and the schoolliaise informally with community membersencourage parents to take part in school events and activities, such as fundraising, school council or parents groupsexplain school policies and activities to students and parentsmake home visits with the Student Welfare Coordinator or the school administrationprovide liaison between parents, community organisations and other school staffdevelop contact with services and resources in the community so that parents can be informed of services availableinform the school about family circumstances (with the family's permission) that may impact on student learning.MEAs play a valuable role in using their language skills for direct communication with students and parents but should not be used solely as interpreters or translators.
MEAs will not necessarily have formal qualifications or accreditation in interpreting or translation and are not employed as professional translators or interpreters but are often asked to assist in interpreting (Mandarin/Cantonese) with our EAL students, parents/guardian interviews or parent/teacher interviews.
Note: Interpreting and translating are specialised skills. Professional interpreters and translators have undertaken extensive training at the tertiary level, are bound by a code of ethics and must be accredited by the national standards body, the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI), to practice in Australia. It is not only against government policy, but also not fair or ethical to expect an MEA to perform duties for which they are not qualified. While it is appropriate to have MEAs assist in everyday communications with parents and students, it is not appropriate to ask them to interpret or translate in situations where a professional interpreter or translator should be used. Who May ApplyIndividuals with the aptitude, experience and/or qualifications to fulfill the specific requirements of the position.
EEO AND OHS CommitmentApplicants seeking part-time employment are encouraged to apply for any teaching service position and, if they are the successful candidate, request a reduced time fraction. Such requests will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis and will be subject to the operational requirements of the school.
The Department of Education is committed to the principles of equal opportunity, and diversity and inclusion for all. We value diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for roles within the Department. The Department recognises that the provision of family friendly, supportive, safe and harassment free workplaces is essential to high performance and promotes flexible work, diversity and safety across all schools and Department workplaces. It is our policy to provide reasonable adjustments for persons with a disability.
Child Safe StandardsVictorian 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. All schools have a Child Safety Code of Conduct consistent with the department's exemplar available at:
Location ProfileGlen Waverley Secondary College is a Year 7 to 12 co-educational school with a student population of around 2200. Glen Waverley Secondary College's vision is growing respectful, responsible, resilient global citizens who value diversity and lifelong learning. This vision is underpinned by our school values of: Respect, Diversity, Commitment, Perseverance and Accomplishment. Glen Waverley Secondary College has a proud history of academic excellence, underpinned by our commitment to provide a safe and caring environment where all students are supported to achieve their very best and by our relentless focus on providing high quality teaching and learning. Our curriculum offerings are broad and diverse, ensuring all students are supported to pursue their passion and to access their chosen pathways. Our co-curriculum programs are many and varied including our renowned instrumental music program, sport, science and technology and a thriving student leadership program. Students take pride in their school and are encouraged to immerse themselves in all aspects of school life. Student achievement is recognised through the Gain Wisdom Merit Program, which celebrates students who exemplify the school values and their accomplishments. Glen Waverley Secondary College is a school of choice, with demand often exceeding available enrolment space. Students who attend Glen Waverley Secondary College aspire to live and exemplify the college values and it is this commitment from students that has seen students routinely achieve Victoria Certificate of Education (VCE) results and NAPLAN outcomes that are amongst the best in the State of Victoria.

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