Officer Specialist School is a purpose-built facility servicing the needs of students aged between 5-18, with mild to severe intellectual and associated disabilities in the shires of Cardinia and Casey; two of the fastest growing municipalities in Melbourne. The school opened in 2014 and the student population has increased rapidly each year, requiring the recruitment of new staff and additions to our buildings and facilities. There are two departments at the school, Primary and Secondary, and these include classrooms, visual and performance arts spaces, food technology kitchens for both departments (including the student run Shivering Chicken Café), multipurpose spaces and extensive therapy spaces. Areas for social gathering are also featured. With continued growth we now have a number of modular buildings including a Performing Arts Hub, Sensory Motor Room, Sustainability Hub and an Out of School Hours Pilot Program. The school has just opened two newly established sensory playgrounds.
School staff work in transdisciplinary teams that include teaching staff, allied health practitioners and education support staff to cater for the diverse range of student abilities and needs. Our teaming approach also provides opportunities for staff to learn from one another and share expertise.
Officer Specialist School aims to create reflective and independent learners for life through a learning community that provides a challenging and secure environment responsive to individual learning needs. We believe that effective learning occurs when outstanding and innovative teaching staff provide a variety of tasks that actively engage students who are encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning. The expectation is that students will be successful and enthusiastic learners capable of building positive relationships.
Officer Specialist School believes that every child can and will learn in an environment of dignity and respect. It is the role of the school and its community to build on a child's strengths and talents to ensure that each child reaches their full potential.
The school community has a commitment to ensuring that our students are offered a high quality education enhanced by a caring and supportive environment. Parents and members of the community at large are welcomed to the school and encouraged to participate in a range of activities and programs, including a very active Parents and Friends Association. Much emphasis is placed on educational opportunities, inviting the community to be involved to a greater extent in the school, and establishing the school as a focal point of the community. We value our family friendly culture.
School values: Safe, Respectful, Learners
KSC 1 ¿ ICT Support and Infrastructure
Demonstrated ability to support, maintain, troubleshoot, and coordinate the school's ICT infrastructure, including computer networks, servers, Microsoft 365, end-user devices, classroom technologies, and digital learning systems under the direction of the ICT Manager.
KSC 2 ¿ Digital Technologies and Educational Technology
Demonstrated ability to support teachers and students in the delivery of Digital Technologies and STEM programs, including iPads, MacBooks, robotics, coding, virtual reality (VR), interactive displays, and 3D printing technologies.
KSC 3 ¿ Multimedia and Digital Communications
Demonstrated experience in multimedia production, including photography, videography, graphic design, website management, social media, live streaming, audio-visual technologies, and digital content creation to support school communications, marketing, and events.
KSC 4 ¿ Communication and Customer Service
Demonstrated high-level interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, with the ability to provide professional support and build positive relationships with staff, students, parents/carers, and external service providers.
KSC 5 ¿ Teamwork and Continuous Improvement
Demonstrated commitment to continuous professional learning, innovation, and collaborative teamwork, with the ability to contribute to ICT services, Digital Technologies programs, multimedia initiatives, and the implementation of emerging technologies.
Attendance may be required during school term breaks, subject to workload, to undertake ICT maintenance, technology upgrades, device deployment, multimedia projects, and other school initiatives. An Ad Hoc Leave Purchase Allowance will be paid for this attendance. The number of days worked will be negotiated with the Principal, Business Manager, and ICT Manager.
Working under the direction of the ICT Manager and in collaboration with the Digital Learning Specialist Teacher, this position provides a combination of ICT support, Digital Technologies support, and multimedia services to enhance teaching, learning, communication, and community engagement across the school.
The successful applicant will provide technical support for the school's ICT infrastructure, support classroom technology and Digital Technologies programs, and assist with multimedia production, digital communications, website management, and event coverage. The role requires excellent technical, organisational, communication, and customer service skills, together with the ability to work collaboratively with staff, students, and external service providers.
ICT Support
- Provide first and second-level ICT support to staff and students, including troubleshooting hardware, software, printers, mobile devices, classroom technology, audio-visual equipment, and network connectivity issues.
- Assist the ICT Manager in maintaining the school's ICT infrastructure, including computer networks, servers, Microsoft 365, user accounts, wireless networks, end-user devices, and digital learning technologies.
- Deploy, configure, maintain, and support desktops, laptops, MacBooks, iPads, tablets, printers, interactive displays, Apple Classroom, VR systems, robotics equipment, and 3D printers.
- Install, configure, update, and maintain software, operating systems, and ICT equipment in accordance with Department of Education and school policies.
- Assist with device imaging, deployment, asset management, cybersecurity practices, backups, routine maintenance, and technology upgrades.
- Respond to ICT support requests, maintain support documentation, and liaise with external service providers to ensure timely resolution of technical issues.
- Assist with ICT maintenance and project work during scheduled school holiday periods.
Digital Technologies Support
- Support students under the supervision of classroom teachers and assist in delivering the school's Digital Technologies program under the direction of the Digital Learning Specialist Teacher.
- Prepare, configure, maintain, and support digital learning technologies, including iPads, MacBooks, Apple Classroom, robotics, coding equipment, VR systems, interactive displays, and 3D printers.
- Assist teachers and students in the effective and safe use of digital technologies to enhance teaching and learning.
- Support STEM programs, coding activities, makerspace initiatives, and other technology-based learning experiences.
- Support the school's Apple ecosystem, including iPad and MacBook deployment, Apple Classroom, and Apple development initiatives such as Swift coding and app development.
- Assist with the design, development, testing, implementation, and ongoing support of in-house applications and digital solutions that enhance teaching, learning, and school operations.
Multimedia & Communications
- Manage and maintain the school's website, ensuring content is accurate, current, accessible, and engaging.
- Manage and publish content across the school's social media platforms in accordance with school branding and communication guidelines.
- Produce multimedia content, including promotional videos, photography, videography, graphic design, newsletters, digital signage, presentations, and marketing materials.
- Coordinate live streaming and provide audio-visual support for assemblies, performances, graduations, information sessions, and other school events.
- Support the school's Media Team by planning, producing, editing, and publishing digital media, promotional campaigns, and event coverage.
- Assist staff and students in using multimedia equipment, photography and video production equipment, live streaming technologies, and digital content creation software.
- Contribute to innovative digital communications that promote the school, celebrate student achievement, and strengthen community engagement.
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
Essential Qualifications and Experience
- Minimum Diploma in Information Technology, Computer Systems, Network Administration, Multimedia, Digital Media, or a closely related discipline.
- Minimum two (2) years' experience in an ICT Support, ICT Technician, or Digital Technologies role, preferably within an educational environment.
- Experience supporting Windows and macOS devices, iPads, Microsoft 365, Apple School Manager, Apple Classroom, networking, and classroom technologies.
- Experience with multimedia production, photography, videography, website management, and social media is highly desirable.
- Experience supporting interactive displays, robotics, VR equipment, 3D printers, and emerging educational technologies is desirable.
- Current Victorian Employee Working with Children Check (or the ability to obtain one) and successful completion of all Department of Education employment requirements.
Please refer to our school website https://www.officerss.vic.edu.au/ for a Virtual Tour of our school.
Please ensure that your application includes:
- a resume including relevant experience as well as personal details (name, address and contact numbers, business and home)
- a section addressing the selection criteria and the requirements for application under the Who May Apply section
- names and contact numbers (telephone and email if possible) of three referees who are able to attest to the claims made in your application
Please note that the selection panel may seek additional referees beyond those you name. Consistent with policy, we shall advise you if we will take this action.
Please call the school on 5943 2800 if you require any further information.
- 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
