AddressBroadmeadows Special Developmental School provides educational programs for primary and secondary school-aged students with a moderate to severe intellectual disability who may also have sensory, physical impairments and autism spectrum disorder.
The school has 2 sites, the main campus in Dimboola Rd and a Sorrento Street campus with students attending from a wide geographical and diverse socio-economic background.
The school is a modern purpose-built facility located in the Melbourne suburb of Broadmeadows and provides an attractive and safe environment. Learning areas include well-equipped classrooms, dedicated specialist spaces and outdoor learning zones.
The school has a current enrolment of 340 students. Students attend school daily from 9:00am to 3:00pm.
Eligible school-aged students living within the designated transport zone have access to free transport to and from school.
Our vision is Learning Beyond Words and incorporates the values :
Support
Communication
Opportunity
Respect
Engagement
Curriculum
Programs are delivered within Department of Education guidelines and reflect the Victorian Curriculum.
There is a strong focus on engaging students in meaningful and enjoyable interactions with staff and peers to support their learning across all curriculum areas.
Emphasis is placed on the development of programs that address individual student needs, through Individual Learning Plans. Educational goals and priorities are reviewed every six months.
Class groups are comprised of 6-8 students, with a teacher and teacher assistant, to ensure a safe and effective learning environment, where individuals are respected and self-esteem and dignity are strongly advocated.
The school has a trans-disciplinary approach to student learning with input from educators, therapists and parents. Teachers case conference students with their allocated Speech Pathologist and Occupational Therapist each week.
Our school philosophy is reflected in its programs and based on the belief that children learn best in a co-operative environment that is happy, challenging and supportive.
Broadmeadows SDS has a School Wide Positive Behaviour Program and has developed a school culture that is reflected by the ideals of positive learning support.
An emphasis is placed on students attaining skills and knowledge that they will use as young adults when graduating at 18 years of age.
Staffing
The school is staffed with classroom teachers, specialist teachers, literacy specialists, teacher assistants, occupational therapists, speech pathologists and physiotherapists. Current staffing includes over 150 staff including a team of 30 plus therapists.
Successful applicants may be required to work at either the Dimboola Campus or the Sorrento Campus which are within a short walk of each other.
All staff work together to implement the Individual Education Plans of students in a transdisciplinary manner.
- Demonstrated experience in planning and implementing evidence-based intervention strategies for students and families with complex and varied needs
- Knowledge of a broad range of services and resources available for the support of students with disabilities and their families/ carers.
- Demonstrated knowledge and expertise in assessments, development of interventions and evaluation of programs for students, particularly those with disabilities.
- Highly developed organisational, planning, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to work as a member of a supportive multidisciplinary team. Providing expertise and professional leadership to this team when dealing with complex cases.
- Demonstrated ability to provide leadership and professional learning that informs and influences the work of others involved in the engagement and wellbeing of children. Demonstrated ability to provide expert consultation and training designed to build the capacity of a school community.
- Registration with AHPRA as a psychologist
Provide professional assessment, interventions and support services to students within the parameters of school policy and guidelines.
Conduct training and consultation to school colleagues within the professional field.
Provide professional reports requiring in-depth factual analysis, including assessments and recommendations for consideration by others.
Guide decisions on complex intervention strategies that may have significant consequences for students and their families.
Provide expert advice to influence the strategic approach to student support and learning.
Contribute to the delivery of a professional support service in a school, including the development of policy and operational practices that will guide the work of others, including teachers.
Build positive relationships with students, staff, families and school network.
Provide professional reports requiring in-depth factual analysis, including assessments and recommendations for consideration by others.
Support the leadership team in complex/confidential parent/carer meetings.
Provide expert advice to continue the strategic approach to student support and learning underpinned by Positive Learning Support.
Based on results of assessments and observations, utilise a team approach to support staff in developing appropriate goals and interventions designed to achieve successful learning outcomes and reduce barriers for students with a disability.
Provide psychological support to staff and families/carers in the management of students with an intellectual disability who may exhibit severe behavioural and adjustment difficulties.
· Creating psychological reports and recommendations to direct Student Support Group (SSG) meetings, Individual Education Plans (IEPs), and teaching staff, with the aim of enhancing academic outcomes and student wellbeing.
· Developing Behaviour Support Plans (BSPs) when required for students with a disability.
Provide strategies and support for teachers to assist students in their learning and in the management of challenging and complex behaviours.
Liaise with other professionals in the management of students and be proactive in identifying referral pathways for families and students to access additional services as required.
Provide relevant professional learning to school staff and leadership around supporting students with a disability. Coach and mentor staff in the implementation of interventions and support strategies
Individuals with the aptitude, experience and/or qualifications to fulfill the specific requirements of the position.
Applicants 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 (see Workplace adjustment guidelines).
Additional support and advice on the recruitment process is available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islanders from the Koorie Outcomes Division (KOD) via *******@education.vic.gov.au
Victorian 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:
https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/child-safe-standards/policy
The department's employees commit to upholding the department's Values: Responsiveness, Integrity, Impartiality, Accountability, Respect, Leadership and Human Rights. The department's Values complement each school's own values and underpin the behaviours the community expects of Victorian public sector employees, including those who work in Victorian Government Schools. Information on the department values is available at:
https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/values-department-vps-school-employees/overview
