Advertised Vacancy Number: SS/SS820353
This is a permanent full-time position commencing Term 3, 2023
Do you have the passion and commitment to work with Aboriginal students to encourage them to take charge of their education and future?
The School of Alternative Learning Settings (SALS) is seeking to appoint a dedicated and enthusiastic Aboriginal and Islander Education Officer (AIEO) on a full-time, permanent basis to its newly established school site in Hedland.
The Alternative Learning Setting program was originally established in early 2019 to target a specific cohort of students who had demonstrated signs of physical aggression and would benefit from a short-term, intensive intervention program. At the commencement of the 2022 academic year the program was consolidated as a stand-alone school. SALS delivers specialised activities and learning programs that build students’ social skills and self-regulation in environments designed to effect positive and lasting change in their behaviour. The program has the capacity to provide access to specialists such as paediatricians, clinical psychologists or consultation with psychiatrists.
There are 12 SALS sites located in the metropolitan and regional education regions of Western Australia. Each setting accommodates up to 10 students who are provided with an intensive, individualised program of support while they continue their education. There is a strong focus on developing students’ social skills and ability to self-regulate. Learning and engagement is flexible, co-designed with students, culturally responsive and supports self-determination and interpersonal connection.
The role of the AIEO is essential to the SALS in assisting staff to plan and deliver education programs that are culturally responsive and inclusive. Supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, particularly those at risk, through mentoring and pastoral care to encourage participation and achievement at school. AIEOs are an integral part of increasing attendance and improving the educational outcomes of our indigenous students. As an AEIO you will be required to support, guide and encourage our students to become responsible for their education while working collaboratively with the SALS team, equipping student with the skills to achieve to the best of their abilities.
The successful applicant will work as part of a SALS team located in Hedland. The setting is staffed by a program coordinator and a team of teachers with support from student support officers, and/or AIEO and a school psychologist. Applicants will ideally have experience in effectively interacting with a wide range of people including staff, students, parents and community members through the knowledge, understanding and sharing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, language and culture. As a result, your communication skills and demonstrated ability to be an effective team player will be highly regarded.
The successful applicant may be required to travel across the Pilbara Educational Region and our school, to Perth to attend professional learning and staff development days and inductions, this may include overnight stays and air travel. This role will require the successful applicant to hold and maintain a valid WA driver’s licence.
All functions of Statewide Services support successful outcomes for all students. This is achieved through a focus on better integration of services with schools, students, families, and external service providers; supporting schools and networks of schools to deliver high quality teaching and learning in every classroom; and creating expanded opportunities for students to develop the academic, personal, and social competencies they will need for participation in the workforce and society of the future.
For the written application component of this process, applicants are only required to address criterion 4 and 6. The remaining criterion will be assessed during the further assessment stage of the process.
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 effectively interact with students, teachers, parents, community members and professional staff on the provision and development of educational programs.
- Good interpersonal skills, including the ability to interact on a range of levels in a variety of settings and with different audiences, including community members, teaching and other professionals.
- Ability to contribute to a school-level team and to provide multi-cultural direction in the development of the educational program, development of language resources, and evaluation of education and behaviour management programs.
- Ability to effectively assist teachers in implementing educational and behaviour management programs.
- Good organisational skills that will assist in the delivery of effective education programs to students.
- Ability to assist with the 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 School of Alternative Learning Settings can be found by visiting Schools Online or by watching the video below
For further job related information
Please contact Dave Dennis, Associate Principal by telephoning 0449 278 889 or emailing David.Dennis@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 one to two (1 to 2) page statement addressing the Work Related Requirements (selection criteria 4 & 6), in context of the role and business needs of the school. Shortlisted applicants will have their skills and experiences in relation to the remaining selection criteria assessed in the further stages of the recruitment process.
- 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 4127.
If you are having difficulty submitting your online application, please telephone (08) 9264 8666 for assistance.
ELIGIBILITY AND TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
Aboriginality is considered essential for this position under section 50(d) of the Western Australian Equal Opportunity Act.
Employees will be required to:
- complete the Department’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural awareness online course within 3 months of commencement.; and
- provide evidence of eligibility to work in Australia for the term of the vacancy.
- obtain a current Department of Education Criminal Record Clearance prior to commencement of employment; and
- obtain or hold a current Working with Children Check
- 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.
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.
The Department applies a four (4) day breach period to this selection process.
Applications must be submitted before 4.30pm (WST) on Tuesday, 6 June 2023
APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED ONLINE
PROFORMA, FAXED, HAND DELIVERED, POSTED, EMAILED AND LATE APPLICATIONS ARE NOT ACCEPTED.
