OVERVIEW

Work Type: Fixed-term - Part-time
Salary: Salary not specified
Grade: Education Support - Level 1, Range 2
Occupation: Education and training
Location: Melbourne - Southern suburbs
Reference: 1484408

EEO AND OHS COMMITMENT

Applicants seeking part-time employment are encouraged to apply for any teaching service position and, if they are the successful candidate, request a reduced time fraction. Such requests will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis and will be subject to the operational requirements of the school.
The Department of Education is committed to the principles of equal opportunity, and diversity and inclusion for all. We value diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for roles within the Department. The Department recognises that the provision of family friendly, supportive, safe and harassment free workplaces is essential to high performance and promotes flexible work, diversity and safety across all schools and Department workplaces. It is our policy to provide reasonable adjustments for persons with a disability (see Workplace adjustment guidelines).
Additional support and advice on the recruitment process is available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islanders from the Koorie Outcomes Division (KOD) via marrung@education.vic.gov.au

ROLE

[Attendance requirement for this position]
An education support class position at this range will perform tasks that are carried out in accordance with guidelines, accepted practice, and school policy under supervision and direction. This may include coordination of other education support class staff within the work area or educational program.
An education support class position supports the educational services being provided to students but must not include duties of a teacher as defined in clause 2.6.1 of the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 (Vic) or its successor. Supervision of students can be required individually or in groups up to 4 in controlled circumstances and where the responsibility for students remains clearly with a teacher.
Certification and/or qualifications of up to three years can be required at this level (noting that Registered Nurse is not included at this level, the first level for which is Level 1 range 3).

A role at this range may include:

• Specific support tasks to achieve outcomes. Typically, this will involve accountability for a single function, (e.g. ensuring data is properly maintained) or the co-ordination of a work area under the direction of the principal or a manager.
• Assisting teachers, within an educational program, by undertaking specific support tasks or the coordination of the support function.
• Supervised health and wellbeing support tasks, medical intervention support tasks, or other specialised student/teacher support roles (e.g. enrolled nurses performing the role as described in schedule 3). These roles require specific qualifications and/or training, including roles where further training must be undertaken from time to time. The role is for a specific purpose, for which there will be direct accountability as opposed to support roles that are carried out by a range of staff performing routine tasks under direction.
• Technical tasks that require a sound knowledge of basic technical and/or scientific principles that are used to develop and adapt work methods and make judgements where there are clear guidelines and limited options. Routine technical support in libraries, science, and information technology would be typical examples.

An education support class position at this range commencing at the base will initially be limited to undertaking routine tasks that are 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. Subject to any specific qualification and/or training requirement, an education support class employee employed in this range may be progressively required to undertake coordination, specialised student/teacher support tasks, or technical tasks as experience in the role is gained.

The National Student Wellbeing Program (NSWP) provides:

• pastoral care services
• strategies that support the wellbeing of the broader school community.

The NSWP defines pastoral care as the practice of supporting the general wellbeing of students and the school community.
Student wellbeing team members must follow the NSWP Guideline and the service agreement between the school and provider (if applicable). The guidelines include a code of conduct which must be signed by the chaplain or student wellbeing officer. The NSWP guidelines can be viewed at https://www.vic.gov.au/national-student-wellbeing-program.
Student wellbeing officers must also abide by any requirements established by their NSWP provider (if applicable).

A student wellbeing officer engaged via the NSWP may:

• work as a member of the school’s wellbeing team in the delivery of student wellbeing services
• contribute to improving student engagement and connectedness
• contribute to providing a safe, inclusive and supportive learning environment
• provide pastoral care and guidance to students
• operate within the school community and with external providers

RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsibilities may include:

• Provides routine support for teachers including assisting with planning of student routines
• Supports communication between teachers and parents
• Communicates with teachers on routine matters related to students and/or other responsibilities
• Provides basic physical care and wellbeing support for students such as toileting, meals, and lifting
• Communicating with student/s to support comprehension of basic tasks and information
• Addresses immediate behavioural presentations relating to specific students within a classroom setting aligned to school policy and procedure
• Provides basic support and supervision for individuals or groups of up to 4 students within a classroom setting
• Supports teachers in the coordination of educational programs independently or under minimal supervision, including rostering and organising the work of a team of aides, providing routine co-ordination, guidance, and support to other student support staff, liaising with external providers of support services about clearly defined support needs and resources, assisting teachers with the communication of student outcomes and educational programs
• Provides medical intervention support to a student/s, under specific conditions, with appropriate training and guidance
• Provides specialised communication support for students and teachers in areas such as AUSLAN and braille

The roles and responsibilities of NSWP student wellbeing officers could include:

• supporting student attendance, engagement and mental health
• supporting students in difficult or challenging situations such as during times of grief
• providing students with referrals to specialist services when required
• providing pastoral care and guidance to students about values and ethical matters
• supporting physical, emotional, social and intellectual development and wellbeing of all students
• supporting an environment of cooperation and respecting a diversity of cultures and traditions.

NSWP student wellbeing officers must not:

• proselytise, evangelise or advocate for a particular religious view or belief
• enter compromising situations where confidentiality may be sought by the student
• behave in a way that impacts the delivery of their services under the program, including in a private capacity
• perform professional or other services for which they are not qualified
• visit students¿ homes to work with students and their families
• conduct religious services or ceremonies or lead in religious observances
• provide religious instruction or religious counselling to students
• promote external events run by religious organisations. For example, camps, excursions, youth conferences, guest speaker presentations etc.

become involved in parenting disputes, family law matters or other legal proceedings.