Job duration: From 18/11/2024
Reference: 1445871
Occupation: Health and Allied Health
Salary Range: Salary not specified
Location ProfileMelton Specialist School has seen a significant increase in enrolment demand, which has seen many changes to our staffing profile over the last 2 years. We will continue to grow and anticipate further enrolment growth.
The current enrolment of 360 students is expected to exceed 400 during 2023. We have a real focus on staff wellbeing and ensuring our staff have the time away from class to focus on their administrative duties. We have flexible working arrangements and provide onsite training for all staff for TEACCH and Behaviour Support.
We are offering staff a 3% retention payment to all staff in 2023 and 2024.
In 2021 we introduced the Wellbeing Dog Program into the school. Bunji, our school dog, works with staff and students and his primary objective is to have fun at school!
Melton Specialist School provides educational programs for students with disabilities at both primary and secondary levels in a positive, caring and safe environment. It is a dual mode setting, catering for students with mild through to severe intellectual disabilities and other associated disabilities like Autism. Our school environment features traditional classrooms, specialist and vocational training classrooms, therapy spaces, and indoor sensory areas, with grounds that include natural gardens, purpose-built outdoor sensory areas, playground equipment, sports facilities, and covered walkways.
Our vision is to create a nurturing environment where students are empowered to achieve their full potential, be that in the academic curriculum, in their social interactions, or in the area of independent living skills.
Selection CriteriaSC1. Demonstrated knowledge, ability and experience in coordinating the provision of Speech Pathology Services in the area of Special Education.
SC2. Expert knowledge and experience of a range of Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) systems, encompassing both low-technology and high-technology systems.
SC3. Demonstrated capacity to work effectively in collaboration with teaching teams to devise programs that establish and extend a students functional communication and social skills in a range of contexts.
SC4. Demonstrated experience in providing mentoring and supervision to junior speech pathologists.
SC5. Demonstrated ability to liaise and work with other specialist staff both internal and external to the school community.
SC6. Highly developed organisational skills with a demonstrated ability to work independently, utilise effective time management strategies, establish priorities and meet deadlines.
RoleThe Speech Pathologist will ensure that Speech Therapy services are delivered using a collaborative model within the educational framework. The Speech Pathologist will work in partnership with and under management of the Allied Health Leader to support the school community to realise the strategic vision for improving students communication skills across the whole school.
Key Responsibilities of the Speech Pathologist include:
Providing guidance, professional supervision and mentoring to the speech pathology team.Incorporating school policies and procedures into planning of therapy services.Manage the Speech Pathology Budget and the ordering and distribution of student resources.Active management of specific caseload of students with complex communication needs.Active support of the PSD application process.Coordinate student placements, supervise and educate Speech Pathology Students.Support the recruitment process for the speech pathology team.ResponsibilitiesIn addition to the above, the successful applicant will also:
Comprehensively assess students needs from developmental, communication and social skills perspectives. Design and implement goal-focused speech therapy programs for students in classrooms, individual and group settings.
Recommend appropriate AAC according to students needs and educate classroom teams on implementation of student-specific communication strategies.
Liaise with parents, caregivers and external service providers on the appropriate use of prescribed AAC and communication strategies.
Liaise with external health professionals involved with the care of each child as necessary.
Report to parents and caregivers on students progress in line with the schools reporting procedures.
Write appropriate reports for the Program for Students with Disabilities funding applications and reviews as required.
Work as part of an interdisciplinary team with the occupational therapists, physiotherapists, music therapist, the wellbeing team and classroom teachers on improving students engagement and outcomes.
Prescribe and purchase equipment for the school and ensure that the school equipment is well maintained and safe for use.
Conduct oneself in line with all school and departmental policies and procedures, as well as those outlined by the Speech Pathology Board of Australia.
Who May ApplyIndividuals with the aptitude, experience and/or qualifications to fulfill the specific requirements of the position.
Conditions of EmploymentAll 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.To apply for this role, you will be redirected to the Schools (Government) job application system.
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