Speech Therapist

Monash Special Developmental School is a government school located in the North Eastern Victorian Region in the City of Monash. Monash SDS provides an educational program for children with a moderate to profound intellectual disability and multiple disabilities including autism spectrum disorder from the age of 2.8 to 18 years old.  Currently student enrolments numbers are around 155. It has been on the current site for 11 years in a well-resourced purpose built facility. In addition to the general classrooms the school also features specialist areas, outdoor learning environments, a multi-purpose gym, a hydrotherapy complex, a bike path and specialised indoor and outdoor sensory areas.

Monash SDS is gold accredited in School Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS), AMAZE accredited and e-Smart accredited.         

Students across the school at Monash SDS are taught using the Victorian Curriculum. Curriculum based individual learning plans are developed for each student and are taught using a variety of high impact teaching strategies and specialised curriculum supports including the STAR (Strategies for Teaching Based on Autism Research) and Links Program.  The STAR and Links Program is research and evidence based and uses the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis.  It provides a framework and the necessary tools to teach the Victorian Curriculum through the implementation of Discrete Trial Training (DT), Pivotal Response Training (PRT) and Functional Routines instruction.   A school wide Structured Teaching Framework provides every student with a highly visually based structured environment that promotes an understanding of schedules, activities and expectations. 

Our school¿s philosophy is reflected in its programs and based on the belief of ¿Enriching Individual Potential¿.  To do this, we require a committed principal, who is able to see the special characteristics of all our students and will strive to ensure each individual feels safe, is confident and valued as a person.

SC1 Appropriate experience as a speech pathologist delivering a comprehensive speech pathology service to children within an educational environment, and the ability to provide specialist advice on complex speech pathology issues and program delivery.

SC2  Ability to work independently and participate effectively in a team environment and to develop collaborative working relationships.

SC3  Experience and sound knowledge of speech pathology techniques and the ability to develop, provide and evaluate a speech pathology service through individual and group programs.

SC4  Well developed communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to consult and advise other professionals providing service to students.

SC5  Demonstrated ability to respond to the individual needs of children with intellectual disabilities.

SC6  Demonstrated sensitivity to family issues in special education.

To provide functional and relevant Speech Pathology services to individual children with disabilities within the environment of MSDS, and to support the staff and families in providing the best possible educational outcomes for each child.

1. To conduct assessment and management of students' swallowing/oral motor skills and communication skills including receptive language, expressive language and pragmatic skills.
2. To provide written and verbal feedback/reports on assessments of students including those required as supporting documentation for applications for the Program for Students with Disabilities.
3. To work collaboratively with teaching and parents to develop and work towards achieving students' appropriate swallowing/oral motor and communication goals.
4. To assist in the ongoing management and integration of appropriate augmentative communication systems for students, and liaise with external service providers to achieve this.
5. To provide feedback as required to parents regarding their child's communication and swallowing/oral motor skills.
6. To provide individual, group and consultative speech therapy programs within the school environment.
7. To conduct in-service programs to staff and parent groups on communication and swallowing/oral motor issues as required.
8. To attend fortnightly staff and section meetings, and participate in committees of discussion and planning as required.
9. To liaise with professionals for associated agencies as required for ongoing management or student referral.

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 this position. Should you be successful, you will be given the opportunity to negotiate your preferred time fraction as part of the recruitment process.

The Department of Education (the department) 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).

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants can contact Brett West, Yamatji man, in the Koorie Outcomes Division to talk about the recruitment process, the department and supports for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people in the department. Mobile: 0477 726 *** or email on: **********@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

GRADUATES WELCOME TO APPLY

• All 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.
• Detailed information on all terms and conditions of employment is available on the Department's Human Resources website at http://www.education.vic.gov.au/hrweb/Pages/default.aspx