Education Assistant - Special Needs

Advertised Vacancy Number: IPS/SS886451

This is a permanent part-time (0.6FTE) position commencing Term 2, 2024 

Australind Senior High School (SHS) is seeking a highly motivated and dedicated Education Assistant  - Special Needs (EASN) to join their friendly team.

As an EASN ideally be caring, proactive with a friendly, approachable, manner and have a genuine interest in supporting students with educational needs and pastoral care support. Suitable applicants will have the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment, as well as possess good written and oral communication skills to enable the implementation of individual or small group-based programs. The EASN are placed in Learning Areas with a 2-year rotation which assists with the knowledge and understanding of the curriculum that is being supported. The successful applicant should display respect, kindness, and Responsibility all times.

As an EASN you will be responsible for assisting in the delivery of planned education programs and supporting students to meet their educational outcomes. This will include managing small groups of students under the direction of the teacher that will help in the development of young minds and support the general health and wellbeing of students. You will work in a collaborative environment as paraprofessionals beside teachers to support students and families. Experience in working with students of differing needs, including those with autism spectrum disorder, mental health, medical health, and behavioural Special Needs would be highly regarded. The successful applicant will benefit from our supportive and inclusive working atmosphere providing support for students in the classroom. Sound technology skills, strong use of individual initiative and good behaviour management skills with be considered advantageous. This will include managing small groups of students under the direction of the teacher that will help in the development of young minds and support the general health and wellbeing of students.

Australind SHS is an Independent Public School that is committed to hand selecting the very best staff who are the right fit for our school and community. Australind SHS is at the heart and soul of the town of Australind – a vibrant, modern community which enjoys a wonderful, relaxed lifestyle located just 14 minutes from central Bunbury.

Australind SHS has a strong commitment to improving learning and teaching. Therefore, it is important that applicants demonstrate their capacity to engage purposefully in this area.  The successful applicant should be able to substantiate a strong commitment to the development of their own pedagogy via avenues such as targeted professional learning, collaboration with colleagues, membership of a professional learning team, use of student feedback surveys and formative assessment.

This selection process will initially be used to fill the above vacancy. Applicants assessed as suitable during this selection process may be considered for other similar vacancies that occur throughout our school for up to 12 months following this initial appointment. This includes circumstances where this position becomes subsequently vacant should the successful applicant decline or vacate the advertised position. 

To be suitable for this role, you will need to demonstrate the following work related requirements (selection criteria):

• Good written and oral communication skills, including the ability to interact with students with Special Needs, parents, and teaching professionals on the provision of educational programs, and to assist teachers in understanding students where necessary.
• Good interpersonal skills, including the ability to work as part of a team in the evaluation of educational programs, including special education and therapy programs where these have been implemented.
• Good organisational skills that will assist in the delivery and development of effective education programs to students and subsequent feedback to teaching professionals or psychologists.
• Ability to assist teachers or therapists in implementing educational programs, including special education and, should this be a requirement of the position, occupational and/or physiotherapy programs.
• Knowledge of health and physical disabilities in students and adolescents.
• Ability to assist with general health and well-being of students.

Applications will be assessed against these work related (selection criteria) of the position. The business needs of the school may also be considered. It is therefore recommended that you consider all information contained in the advertisement and any other related information before applying for the vacancy.

The Department is an equal opportunity employer and encourages people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and persons from culturally diverse backgrounds to apply.

Additional information about Independent Public Schools is also available here.

For further job related information

You are encouraged to contact Maureen Bailey, Manager Corporate Services, for further information about this employment opportunity, including information about living and working in Australind, by telephoning (08) 9797 44***or emailing **************@education.wa.edu.au.

Application Instructions

All applications are submitted online. Select “Apply for Job”, at either the top or bottom of this screen and follow the instructions on your screen.

Your application should include:

• A five (5) page statement addressing the Work Related Requirements (selection criteria), in context of the role and business needs of the school
• A CV of up to two (2) pages outlining your employment history and professional learning summary relevant to this position
• The contact details for two (2) work related referees who can attest to the claims made in your written application, preferably one being your current line manager.

It is recommended you have these documents completed and ready to attach before selecting “Apply for Job”.

You are asked to complete an online application form and attach your documentation, please allow enough time to complete this process as applications cannot be accepted after the closing date and time.

After you have submitted your application online, you will receive an email confirming lodgement. If you do not receive a confirmation email, please telephone (08) 9264 4***.

If you are having difficulty submitting your online application, please telephone (08) 9264 86***for assistance.

Eligibility and Training Requirements

Employees will be required to:

• provide evidence of eligibility to work in Australia for the term of the vacancy;
• consent to a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check and obtain a current Screening Clearance Number issued by the Department of Education’s Screening Unit prior to commencement of employment;
• obtain or hold a current Working with Children Check;
• complete the Department’s induction program within three months of commencement;
• complete the Department’s training in Accountable and Ethical Decision-Making within six months of appointment and every three years thereafter;
• complete the Department’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural awareness online course within 3 months of commencement;
• complete any training specific to this role required by Departmental policy.

Education Assistants working with Kindergarten students may be required to have, or be actively working towards, a Certificate lll in Education Support (or approved equivalent) in order to meet the educator-to-student ratio outlined in the National Quality Standard for Early Childhood Education and Care.

The Department applies a four (4) day breach period to this selection process.

Applications must be submitted before 4.30pm (WST) on Tuesday, 14 May 2024.

APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED ONLINE

PROFORMA, FAXED, HAND DELIVERED, POSTED, EMAILED AND LATE APPLICATIONS ARE NOT ACCEPTED.