Education Support Officer (Teacher Aide) - Permanent - Term Time Only

Permanant Position - Term Time only 

Starting date: Monday 15 April 2024

The Sycamore School is an independent school for Prep to Year 10 young people from the autistic community. Its focus is on improving life quality outcomes. At The Sycamore School we believe in the promise and potential of each student, respecting their individualism as well as their unique and creative perspectives on our world. The Sycamore School provides a positive learning environment which is enhanced by quality teaching to assist each young person on their educational journey. 

We are looking for a motivated, enthusiastic, and capable Education Support Officer (ESO) / Teacher Aide. This is fixed term position for Terms 2,3 and 4.

As an Education Support Officer (Teacher Aide) at The Sycamore School you will:

• Support young autistic people in a holistic education environment that is individually responsive, relative, and relational. 
• Contribute to the provision of an evidence-based, relevant, and effective curriculum by assisting and supporting teachers with the preparation of learning materials, supervising activities, and completing administrative duties. 
• Support the delivery of individualised programs so that young people will benefit from the curriculum to their greatest capacity and become empowered to be confident members of their community. 

Some of your key responsibilities for this role will be the following:

• Support the delivery of strategies and programs for young people, that the teacher has developed, to enhance their educational goals, curriculum access, learning engagement, social participation, and classroom management. 
• Work collaboratively with the teacher to deliver teaching and learning programs designed to meet the individual needs of each young person to maximise their learning outcomes and engagement.
• Collaborate with the teacher to support the planning and evaluation of learning activities for individuals and groups. 
• Support the teacher to use differentiated strategies to meet the specific learning needs of young people across the full range of abilities. 
• In collaboration with the teacher, support and monitor each young person’s Personal Learning Plan SMART goals designed to meet long-and short-term needs of each young person. 
• Work with individuals or small groups, undertaking specific learning activities designed by the teacher, including supporting young people’s literacy and numeracy skills. 
• Support the class teacher with administrative, organisational, and preparation tasks necessary for the smooth running of the classroom and delivery of learning experiences.  
• Demonstrate the highest standards of professional behaviour, exercise professional judgement and act in a courteous and sensitive manner when interacting with young people, parents or caregivers, staff, and the public. 
• Be responsible for the safety, welfare and well-being of students, actively seeking to prevent harm to students, and to support those who have been harmed by having ongoing ‘duty of care’ at all times.   
• Implement positive behaviour supports and restorative practices, including facilitating reconnections and supporting emotional regulation practices. 
• Create and maintain a supportive and safe learning environment that has an inclusive, and positive tone.  
• Establish and maintain respectful collaborative relationships with parents/carers regarding their children’s learning and wellbeing. 
• Support child protection procedures as per legislation and The Sycamore School’s Child Protection Policy.
• Conduct other duties as directed and determined by the Principal or nominated delegate.
• Support and operate within the guiding principles of The Sycamore School.

To be considered for the role you should:

• Hold a Certificate III in Education Support, relevant work experience or studying towards a teaching qualification is essential. 
• Possess a Working with Children Check (Blue Card) is essential. 
• Have experience working with autistic young people. 
• Have the right to live and work in Australia. 

Please address the following in your application (selection criteria):

1. Teaching and Learning - Demonstrated knowledge, skills and ability to support teachers to deliver a differentiated evidence-based curriculum for young people with ASD as well as other learning needs.
2. Student Wellbeing - Demonstrated understanding of the strategies required to support young people with ASD including those with complex social, emotional, and learning needs.
3. Organisational Skills - Demonstrated ability to work autonomously, time management, planning and record keeping.
4. Communication - Effective written, verbal, and interpersonal skills
5. Team Member - Previous team experience in a collaborative environment
6. Personal Characteristics and Experiences - What would you bring to The Sycamore School?

Applications should include:

• Your response to the selection criteria listed above (no more than 3 pages).
• A resume including two referees(no more than 2 pages in length) including the details of at least 2 referees one from your current place of employment and one from a previous place of employment.

Applications close 2pm on Tuesday 2 April 2024. Suitable candidates may be progressed to interview prior to the closure date.

The Sycamore School is committed to:

• Ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all students and will provide a safe and supportive environment for students by taking all reasonable steps to promote the safety, welfare and wellbeing of students enrolled at our School and their protection from foreseeable harm.
• Providing and maintaining a safe and healthy workplace for all workers (including contractors and volunteers) as well as clients, visitors and members of the public. Hazards and risks to health and safety will be eliminated or minimised, as far as is reasonably practicable.