Advertised Vacancy Number: SS/SS695910
Various Positions
Meekatharra District High School (DHS) is seeking two (2) enthusiastic and dedicated Education Assistants – Special Needs to join their friendly team.
We currently have the following positions available:
- 1 x – permanent full-time position
- 1 x – permanent part-time (0.5FTE) position
All positions will commence Term 4, 2021.
As an Education Assistant – Special Needs, you will use your excellent interpersonal and communication skills to collaborate with teachers and other colleagues to create an inclusive education program that accommodates the needs of students. The successful applicants will use initiative to support the delivery of planned education programs, using their understanding of differentiation and intervention strategies to assist students in accessing the curriculum.
The successful applicants will, under teacher direction, assist in the implementation of specialised education programs such as occupational therapy, speech therapy and physiotherapy programs. In addition, you will be required to provide feedback on education and therapy programs, and participate in the evaluation process relating to the achievement of goals in special education. You will also assist the teacher or therapist to understand when there is communication difficulty between them and a student. In addition, applicants who have the ability to build quality relationships with students are strongly encouraged to apply.
Meekatharra DHS is located approximately 800 kilometres north east of Perth. The school draws from a diverse population of around 1 000 locally and 2 100 district-wide, representing Aboriginal communities, pastoral, mining and related service industries. The town of Meekatharra is renowned for its beautiful day time vistas, hot summer temperatures and spectacular sunsets.
Meekatharra DHS caters for Kindergarten to Year 12 students and has a total enrolment of 180 students, the majority being primary aged students. There is a large Aboriginal population in the town. This results in over 90% of students at Meekatharra District High School coming from Aboriginal families.
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 requirements (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.
Further information about Meekatharra District High School can be found by visiting Schools Online
For further job related information:
You are encouraged to contact Melanie Montogmery, Manager Corporate Services, for further information about this employment opportunity, including information about living and working in Meekatharra, by telephoning (08) 9981 0810 or emailing melanie.montgomery@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 two (2) 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 (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 4127.
If you are having difficulty submitting your online application, please telephone (08) 9264 8666 for assistance.
ELIGIBILITY
Employees will be required to:
- Obtain a current Department of Education Criminal Record Clearance prior to commencement of employment;
- Obtain or hold a current Working with Children Check; and
- Provide evidence of eligibility to work in Australia for the term of the vacancy.
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.
Approved equivalent qualifications are published by the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority
TRAINING
Employees will be required to:
- Complete the Department’s induction program within three months of commencement;
- Complete any training specific to this role required by Departmental policy; and
- Complete the Department’s training in Accountable and Ethical Decision-Making within six months of appointment.
The Department applies a four (4) day breach period to this selection process.
Applications must be submitted before 4.30pm (WST) on Wednesday, 3 November 2021
APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED ONLINE
PROFORMA, FAXED, HAND DELIVERED, POSTED, EMAILED AND LATE APPLICATIONS ARE NOT ACCEPTED.