About Our School
Monash Special Developmental School (Monash SDS) is a Victorian Government specialist school located in Wheelers Hill in Melbourne's south-east. We provide high-quality educational programs for students from Early Years through to Secondary who have moderate to profound intellectual disability, with many students also having Autism Spectrum Disorder and additional complex communication, sensory, physical or medical needs.
Our purpose is to empower every student to develop the skills, confidence and independence to participate as fully as possible in their school, home and community. We believe every student can learn, communicate, achieve success and experience a sense of belonging.
Our Vision
At Monash SDS we are committed to creating a learning environment where every student is safe, respected, valued, challenged and supported to reach their individual potential.
Our work focuses on developing communication, independence, social and emotional skills, functional academics and life skills that prepare students for meaningful futures.
Our Educational Approach
Teaching and learning at Monash SDS is underpinned by three interconnected priorities:
¿ Structured Teaching ¿ Predictable, supportive learning environments using visual supports, clear routines, individual work systems and environmental organisation.
¿ School-Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) ¿ Positive behaviour support embedded across every aspect of school life using evidence-informed and data-driven practices.
¿ Curriculum ¿ Individualised programs based on the Victorian Curriculum and Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework, focusing on communication, literacy, numeracy, social capability, independence and transition skills.
Specialist Programs
¿ STEM
¿ Media Arts
¿ Food Technology and Commercial Kitchen
¿ Hydrotherapy
¿ Physical Education
¿ Music
¿ Community Access Programs
¿ Camps and Excursions
¿ Transition and Post School Pathways
¿ Social and Emotional Learning
Facilities
Purpose-built learning environments including an Integrated Learning Building, STEM spaces, multimedia facilities, commercial kitchen, hydrotherapy pool, sensory environments, outdoor learning spaces and specialist therapy areas.
Our Staff
Our greatest strength is our people. Staff are supported through comprehensive induction, instructional coaching, ongoing professional learning, collaborative planning, leadership development, mentoring for graduate teachers and regular feedback. We believe the best outcomes occur when teachers, education support staff and allied health professionals work together as one team.
A Culture of Continuous Improvement
Monash SDS has a strong reputation for innovation and evidence-based practice. Staff engage in professional inquiry, collaborative problem solving, learning walks, coaching, peer observation and data-informed decision making.
Working at Monash SDS
We are looking for educators who believe every student can learn, value teamwork, embrace continuous improvement, build positive relationships and are committed to inclusive, evidence-based practice. Whether experienced or beginning your career in specialist education, Monash SDS offers exceptional support and opportunities for professional growth.
Our Community
We value strong partnerships with families, allied health professionals, external agencies and post-school providers to achieve meaningful outcomes for every student.
Why Choose Monash SDS?
¿ Positive, collaborative culture
¿ Outstanding leadership and coaching
¿ Exceptional professional learning
¿ Purpose-built facilities
¿ Evidence-based practice
¿ Innovation
¿ Passionate staff making a genuine difference every day
Our Four Commitments
¿ Collective Commitment ¿ We succeed together through collaboration, trust and shared responsibility.
¿ Professionalism ¿ We hold ourselves to high standards and continually refine our practice.
¿ Relationships ¿ Positive relationships underpin everything we do.
¿ Continuous Improvement ¿ We embrace evidence, innovation and lifelong learning.
Closing Statement
At Monash SDS, we don't simply provide education¿we build communication, independence, confidence and opportunities for every student.
Every day, our staff make a genuine difference in the lives of children and young people with complex learning needs. We are committed to creating a culture where students thrive, families feel supported and staff are valued, challenged and continually growing as professionals.
If you are passionate about inclusive education, believe in the potential of every learner and want to be part of a collaborative, innovative and forward-thinking team, we would welcome your application. Together, we are making a lasting difference¿one student, one family and one future at a time.
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 Outstanding professional and personal attributes including perseverance, humility, collaboration and improvement focus.
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:
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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.
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Assisting teachers, within an educational program, by undertaking specific support tasks or the coordination of the support function.
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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.
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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.
Responsibilities may include:
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Provides routine support for teachers including assisting with planning of student routines
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Supports communication between teachers and parents
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Communicates with teachers on routine matters related to students and/or other responsibilities
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Provides basic physical care and wellbeing support for students such as toileting, meals, and lifting
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Communicating with student/s to support comprehension of basic tasks and information
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Addresses immediate behavioural presentations relating to specific students within a classroom setting aligned to school policy and procedure
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Provides basic support and supervision for individuals or groups of up to 4 students within a classroom setting
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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
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Provides medical intervention support to a student/s, under specific conditions, with appropriate training and guidance
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Provides specialised communication support for students and teachers in areas such as AUSLAN and braille
Individuals with the aptitude, experience and/or qualifications to fulfill the specific requirements of the position.
The department is committed to diversity and inclusion and developing a workforce that is representative of the community we service. We value diversity and inclusion in all forms - culture, gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQA+, 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 safe, respectful and inclusive workplaces is essential to high performance and promotes flexible work and diversity across all schools and Department workplaces. It is our policy to provide reasonable adjustments for staff with disability (see Workplace adjustment guidelines).
Additional support and advice on the recruitment process is available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander candidates from the Koorie Outcomes Division (KOD) via
[email protected]
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.
Victorian government schools are child safe environments. Our schools actively promote the safety and wellbeing of all students, and all school staff are committed to protecting students from abuse or harm in the school environment, in accordance with their legal obligations including child safe standards. All schools have a Child Safety Code of Conduct consistent with the department's exemplar available at:
https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/child-safe-standards/policy
The department's employees commit to upholding the department's Values: Responsiveness, Integrity, Impartiality, Accountability, Respect, Leadership and Human Rights. The department's Values complement each school's own values and underpin the behaviours the community expects of Victorian public sector employees, including those who work in Victorian Government Schools. Information on the department values is available at:
https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/values-department-vps-school-employees/overview
This position is full time - 38 hours per week distributed over 5 days. Hours of work are 8:30am to 4:36pm.
Please refer to our school website https://www.monashsds.vic.edu.au for further information about our school
Please ensure that your application includes:
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a resume including relevant experience as well as personal details (name, address and contact numbers)
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a section addressing the selection criteria and the requirements for application under the Who May Apply section
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names and contact numbers of two referees who are able to attest to the claims made in your application
Please call the school on 03 9239 7400 if you require any further information
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All staff employed by the Department and schools have access to a broad range of employment conditions and working arrangements.
- Appointment of successful applicants will be made subject to a satisfactory pre-employment conditions check.
- A probationary period may apply during the first year of employment and induction and support programs provided.
- Detailed information on all terms and conditions of employment is available on the Department's Human Resources website at http://www.education.vic.gov.au/hrweb/Pages/default.aspx
