Classroom Support - ES 1-1 - Sunbury & Macedon Specialist

Sunbury and Macedon Ranges Specialist School is the local community Specialist school within a very  wide catchment area across Sunbury and the Macedon Ranges.

“Empowering students towards independence through a command of social competency, communication and mobility” ,Sunbury and Macedon Ranges Specialist School is a dual mode school that supports students diagnosed as having an intellectual disability.

Approximately 45% of students have a diagnosis of autism as well as intellectual disability and many students have additional diagnosis’  that include physical disability, social and emotional disorders, vision and hearing impairment and complex medical needs.

Our school aims to maximise the intellectual, physical and social potential of each learner through a partnership with parents and carers.

57% of students have an IQ of 50 or below and 42 % of students have an IQ of between 50 and 70 and 1% of the students do not have a recognised intellectual disability and are  DET approved alternative placements

The school has two equally unique campuses that are located approximately 30 minutes apart. The school has received in excess of $20 million of funding, across 4 separate funding packages, in the past strategic plan period.

By the end of 2020 around 60% of  these funds had been expended on works that had been completed across the two campuses , the remaining works will be completed  early in 2022.

The Primary campus was established in 1998 and is located within Heritage listed buildings in Sunbury in the site of what was once an Institution.

Students between 4.8 years and grade 6 equivalent attend the Primary campus, along with a very small cohort of students of secondary school age as is the wish of their parents and most often this is with due consideration to their medical needs.

The Bullengarook Secondary campus was established in 2008 and is on the grounds of what was once a very small and recently closed primary school. Extensive works have taken place at the campus over the past 4 years. Building project 2 was funded at around $5 million and commenced in 2019.

The building project was completed at the end of 2020 and includes a new administration area adjacent to an indoor multi-purpose room, a music room, toilets and commerciall kitchen are all contained within the new large building.

Additional works include a stand alone art room, a materials technology facility and an automotive facility  that will have a dual purpose in being able to be used for Bike Education. The building project also has transformed the existing multi-purpose room into staff facilities.

The Bullengarook campus is included on the Bushfire at Risk Register as it located in a high fire risk area.

The school has experienced consistent annual student growth and with the completion of the final Capital Project in 2022 the school will see a ceiling imposed at 288 students. Student enrolments at the end of 2020 were 269.

The school has experienced facility pressures constantly over the last 20 years and what is clear is that there is no longer any capacity for additional facilities on either of the two campuses.

Selection Criteria

SC1    Capacity to undertake routine support tasks across a range of functions in one or more work areas within a school environment.

SC2    Demonstrated capacity to communicate effectively with members of the school community including students and the capacity to provide support and/or attendant care to students where necessary.

SC3    Demonstrated proficiency in the use of office systems, software or technical equipment as relevant to the position.

SC4    Capacity to work cooperatively with a range of people including teachers, education support, students and parents.

SC5    A commitment to professional learning and growth.

SC6  Demonstrated commitment and experience in the field of Special Education.

Role
[Attendance requirement for this position]

Undertakes routine tasks that are usually carried out under close supervision and direction.  Work that carries some degree of independence will generally involve a limited number of tasks performed on a regular basis where priorities are clear, procedures are well established and direction is readily available.

Work has little scope for deviation. Problems can usually be solved by reference to well documented procedures and instructions and clearly established practices.

Deviation from established procedures will require reference to others for guidance and direction.  

Assistance is readily available when problems arise.  An experienced employee at range 1 will exercise limited judgement within clearly defined guidelines and well established practices that relate specifically to the tasks performed.

Does not carry responsibility for the work of others.  More experienced employees will provide basic guidance and advice to others relating to tasks within the work area.

An education support class position supports the educational services being provided to students, but must not include duties of teaching as defined in clause 2.6.1 of the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 (Vic) or its successor.

Supervision of students cannot be required except where it is an integral part of the employee's position or involves supervision of students individually or in small groups, in controlled circumstances, where the responsibility for students remains clearly with a teacher.

Qualification requirements do not operate at range 1.  Certification requirements may be required to legally perform specific tasks - e.g. driver's licence, first aid, safe food handling.

Responsibilities

• Assist students on an individual or group basis in specific learning areas.
• Assist with the communication between students and teachers, particularly the interpretation of instructions.
• Provide basic physical and emotional care for students.
• Participate in team meetings.
• Assist with toileting, meals, lifting, and administration of medication to students requiring special care.
• Assist with the supervision of pupils in playgrounds, at camps, on excursions, in sporting activities, therapy activities and life skills.
• Assist in the preparation of student resources and equipment.
• Prepare basic curriculum support resources.
• Set up and put away equipment and materials in support of teaching programs.
• Observe students and draw the attention of the teacher to them where necessary.
• Participate in the monitoring and evaluation of programs and evaluation of individual student involvement and achievement.
• Assist with communication between teachers and non-English speaking parents/students.
• Assist in the translation of documents.
• Assist students with the preparation and service of meals.
• Ensure work areas and materials, equipment and appliances are maintained in a clean and ready to use condition.
• Assist in the preparation of equipment and purchasing of materials and supplies as required.

Who May Apply

Individuals with the aptitude, experience and/or qualifications to fulfill the specific requirements of the position.