Advertised Vacancy Number IPS/SS846595
Appointment Pool
Are you motivated by the opportunity to work in a great school?
Meadow Springs Education Support Centre (MSESC) are seeking to establish a pool of Special Needs Education Assistants for appointments to permanent and fixed term, full-time and part-time vacancies which may arise during the 2024 school year. Appointments can be made from the pool at any time for commencements within the 2024 school year.
MSESC caters for students from Kindergarten to Year 6 (K-6) who have an Intellectual Disability and or Autism. Currently we have 80 students in our school from K-6.
Based on current enrolments 90% of our students have a primary diagnosis of Autism and 60% of our students have complex communication needs. MSESC has 9 classrooms that are integrated throughout the Meadow Springs school site. At Meadow Springs our shared belief is that we are two schools but one school community to which all staff, students and parents belong.
Our school vision is “We are an inclusive school that provides positive learning for everyone as we discover our potential together.” We believe that every student is unique and as we work together, we will ensure we focus on what is most important for each student.
We are a Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) school which means we focus on the positive and believe in teaching the behaviours (academic and social) that we expect from our students. Our three behaviour expectations are – I am RESPECTFUL; I am SAFE and I try my BEST. Education Assistants are expected to work within our positive school’s framework to teach, shape and reinforce positive behaviours
Our school motto is “Discover Our Potential Together”. At MSESC every student is supported to become independent, positive and resilient and to achieve their own unique potential. All classroom designs are purposefully created to ensure success for all students. Visual supports are in place for all students as well as a token economy and individualised reward system. In addition, students earn PBS Dojo Points as part of our PBS program for demonstrating behaviours that are safe, respectful, and trying your best.
Students with complex communication needs (CCN) have a communication system in place. We have a whole school approach to supporting students with complex communication needs which includes common visuals and the expectation that staff will attend training and develop proficiency in using alternative modes of communication such as PODD (Pragmatic Organisation Dynamic Display).
Each class has a teacher and a team of education assistants that work together to support the learning needs of the students. Education Assistants are expected to be reflective on their own practice and be open to honest and constructive feedback. Education Assistants are expected to build positive relationships with students, staff, parents, and community members. Staff at MSESC model being safe, respectful, and trying their best both in the classroom and the playground.
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 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 Meadow Springs Education Support Centre can be found by visiting meadowspringsps.wa.edu.au/education-support-centre or Schools Online
Additional information about Independent Public Schools is also available here.
For further job related information:
Please contact Gwen Evans, Principal, by telephoning (08) 9584 7450 or emailing Gwen.Evans@education.wa.edu.au
During the school holiday period, please contact Gwen Evans on 0403 828 660.
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 five (5)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 three (3) 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
- 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 Friday, 13 October 2023
APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED ONLINE
PROFORMA, FAXED, HAND DELIVERED, POSTED, EMAILED AND LATE APPLICATIONS ARE NOT ACCEPTED.