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Advertised Vacancy Number: SS/SS813997
This is a permanent full-time position commencing Term 2, 2023
Are you looking to make a positive difference in students’ lives?
O’Connor Education Support Centre (ESC) are seeking a supportive and enthusiastic Education Assistant - Special Needs to join their friendly team.
About the Role
The successful applicant will assist teaching staff in the delivery of planned education programs and in promoting a supportive and inclusive learning environment. You will also provide feedback when required on Individual Education Plans (IEP’s), therapy programs and participate in the evaluation process relating to student progress and achievement. The ability to assist with the general health and wellbeing of students is desirable.
You will ideally possess strong communication, interpersonal and leadership skills which will be used to develop and promote the school’s values, ethos, and priorities across the school community. You will ideally be compassionate and able to work collaboratively to implement documented plans. You should have a passion for special needs support.
The successful applicant should possess the ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with staff, students, and teachers. You should also have a strong knowledge of a range of evidence-based techniques for learning and behaviour and have some experience or knowledge of disabilities such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD.) Skills using Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices including PODD are desirable.
Our School
O’Connor ESC is situated alongside O'Connor Primary School and values inclusion which not only promotes connections between students but allows teachers to work together and share knowledge.
We have a strong focus on student success, collaboration, and upskilling. The skills gained by working at our Centre will equip any Education Assistant to provide adjustments to students in any educational facility. It also provides a unique opportunity to connect with multidisciplinary agencies due to the proximity of everything in Kalgoorlie.
At our school, there are ample opportunities for interaction and collaboration and a focus on developing cultural awareness of the First Nations People of the Goldfields. With over 40% of our students Indigenous, we pride ourselves on working alongside families to understand their needs, culture, and community so that we can reflect their values within a school setting. The staff are a supportive and enthusiastic team of dedicated staff. Each class has a minimum of two Education Assistants and this support provides a cohesive team working together to ensure the students reach their goals.
The Location and Community
Kalgoorlie is an incredibly social town where educators often form strong friendships which last the years.
Kalgoorlie is located 600 km from Perth and 400 km from the most exquisite beaches in the world. Kalgoorlie provides an incredible opportunity for leadership, connection and development within the education sector.
For more information about Boulder visit Destination Boulder.
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):
- Effective written and oral communication skills, including report writing and the ability to effectively interact with students with special needs, and liaise with parents, teachers and community members and assist teachers in understanding students where necessary.
- Effective interpersonal skills with the ability to contribute to a professional team and provide advice and evaluation in the development of the education program, including special education and therapy programs where they have been implemented.
- Ability to assist professionals in the implementation and evaluation of education programs, including special education and, if required, occupational and/or physiotherapy programs.
- Knowledge and understanding of health and physical disabilities in students and adolescents.
- Effective organisational skills that will assist in the delivery of effective education programs and subsequent feedback and evaluation to teachers or psychologists.
- Ability to assist with the general health and wellbeing 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 O’Connor Education Support Centre can be found by visiting www.oconnoresc.wa.edu.au or Schools Online.
For further job-related information:
You are encouraged to contact Mae Jorgeson, Deputy Principal, for further information about this employment opportunity, including information about living and working in Boulder, by telephoning (08) 9068 5250 or emailing mae.jorgeson@education.wa.edu.au.
During the school holiday period, please contact Jon Attwell on 0457 239 475.
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 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
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;
- Complete the Department’s induction program within 3 months of commencement;
- Complete any training specific to this role required by Departmental policy;
- Complete the Department’s training in Accountable and Ethical Decision-Making within 6 months of appointment;
- Complete the Department’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural awareness online course within 3 months of commencement;
- Complete the Department’s Aboriginal Cultural Appreciation course; 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
The Department applies a four (4) day breach period to this selection process.
Applications must be submitted before 4:30pm (WST) on Wednesday, 26 April 2023.
APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED ONLINE
PROFORMA, FAXED, HAND DELIVERED, POSTED, EMAILED AND LATE APPLICATIONS ARE NOT ACCEPTED.