KSC 1: Capacity and experience to undertake routine support tasks across a range of functions in one or more work areas within a special school environment. Pathologist
KSC 2: 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.
KSC 3: Demonstrated proficiency in the use of office systems, software or technical equipment as relevant to the position Department
KSC 4: Capacity to work cooperatively with a range of people including teachers, education support staff, students and parents.
KSC 5: A commitment to professional learning and growth
Be acquainted with and effectively carry out the responsibilities of the position as set out in the relevant position description.
¿ Seek feedback on performance and continue to improve knowledge and skills.
¿ Act in a professional manner with colleagues, students and parents/carers as appropriate.
¿ Promote a safe and supportive school environment.
¿ Assist with the toileting, meals, lifting and administration of medication for students requiring special care.
¿ Undertake training and provide support in managing challenging behaviours.
¿ Provide medical intervention procedures as required.
¿ Assist with the supervision of students in playgrounds, at the bus port, during camps and excursions, during other activities such as sports, therapies, life skills training etc.
¿ Adhere to school protocols and our staff code of conduct.
¿ Participate in team meetings.
¿ Assist in the identification of professional development needs
Responsibilities Of Education Support Staff at Ballarat Specialist School:
- Always maintain a child safe environment.
- Provide routine support for teachers.
- Communicate with teachers about routine matters.
- Assist teachers with communication with parents about routine matters.
- Provide basic physical and emotional care for students such as toileting, meals and lifting.
- Communicate with student/s about comprehension of basic tasks and information.
- Address immediate behaviour issues relating to specific students within a classroom setting.
- Assist with coordination and planning of student routines.
- Be accountable for performance of allocated tasks.
Responsibilities of this position may include, but are not limited by, the following duties:
Physical assistance tasks
- Pushing students in wheelchairs, transferring and hoisting students.
- Transferring students between school activities both on and off school grounds.
- Transferring students to and from buses.
- Physical support for students participating in swimming, sporting and therapy activities.
Personal care and communication tasks
- Maintaining personal hygiene of students.
- Toileting and personal care.
- Dressing and undressing support.
- Mealtime assistance.
- Supporting student communication including using specialised equipment and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (ACC) systems.
Classroom and school support tasks
- Assisting in the maintenance of a clean and inviting classroom and school environment.
- Ensuring equipment is clean and well maintained.
- Preparing educational materials and equipment as directed.
- Setting up and packing down equipment for classroom and playground activities
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
Hours of Employment:
Monday to Friday 8.45 a.m. to 3.15 p.m.
Other 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.
Induction and support programs will be provided.
Detailed information on all terms and conditions of employment is available on the Department's website at http://www.education.vic.gov.au/hrweb/Pages/default.aspx.
Our school appoints Education Support Staff who:
Are able to work with students who have mild, moderate and profound intellectual disabilities associated with physical, social, emotional, behavioural, multiple and sensory impairments.
Are able to assist other staff members in a specific area of the school. These areas may be in Administration or Information Technology.
Show a commitment to whole school life by participating in all school activities.
What can you expect from our school?
Our school has a strong focus on assisting our students to reach their full potential. We are committed to the development of our Education Support staff with professional development programs offered in relevant areas.
You will be part of a vital, stimulating and challenging learning environment. The skills you bring to this environment will be accepted and used.
Our school has a committed School Council and we share a good relationship with our broader school community.
Preparing your application:
Applicants must hold a current type `E¿ Working with Children Check Card. In your application you must include both the name on your Working with Children Card and the actual card number.
Your application should persuade us that you are the best person for this position. It does not need to be long but should help us to decide if you would fit easily into our school philosophy and learning and teaching team. If you are submitting hardcopies of your application, please provide the school with three copies of your application.
Applicants must respond to the Key Selection Criteria for this position in their application. If you do not address the selection criteria you may not be offered an interview.
You are also requested to name two confidential referees that we can contact for further information.
Our selection process:
After the closing date, our Selection Panel will meet and consider the applications submitted by applicants. The Panel will short list applicants for interview, interviews will be conducted and referees contacted prior to a decision being made. During the interview you will be expected to present your current type `E¿ Working with Children¿s Check card.
The successful applicant completes a Validation of Personal Information declaration and a Pre-Employment Health declaration.
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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
Ballarat Specialist School provides high¿quality education for students aged 3 to 18 years with diagnosed intellectual disabilities ranging from mild to profound. We are a dual¿campus K¿12 setting structured around four stages of learning: Early Learning (3¿5 years), Primary School (5¿12 years), Middle School (12¿15 years) and Senior School (15¿18 years).
Our Early Learning to Middle School programs operate from our Gillies Street Campus, while our Senior School is located at our 8.09¿hectare FARM Campus in Norman Street. We currently support approximately 440 students across both sites.
Our Mission and Approach
Our mission, ¿Achieving Personal Success Together,¿ guides everything we do. We are committed to creating a safe, flexible and stimulating learning environment where both students and staff can reach their full potential. Our curriculum is personalised, balanced and designed to celebrate individual achievement.
Teaching and learning at Ballarat Specialist School is grounded in the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework, the Victorian Pathways Certificate, a strong focus on Literacy and Numeracy, and Individual Education Plans for every student. Our pedagogy is evidence¿based and supported by a gradual release of responsibility model. Professional Learning Communities drive curriculum, assessment, inquiry and reflection across the school.
Small Class Sizes and Classroom Support
A key strength of our school is our commitment to small class sizes, ensuring students receive targeted, responsive and meaningful instruction. Each classroom is supported by Education Support (ES) staff allocated according to student need, enabling a high level of individualised attention and consistent support throughout the school day.
This structure allows teachers and ES staff to work closely together to implement personalised learning goals, support communication and engagement, respond to sensory and wellbeing needs, and create safe, predictable and inclusive learning environments.
Integrated Services Team
Our comprehensive Integrated Services Team works across all areas of the school to support students in achieving their academic, functional and personalised goals. The team includes Occupational Therapists, Speech Pathologists, Physiotherapists, Exercise Physiologists, Allied Health Assistants, Mental Health Practitioners, NDIS¿funded practitioners (in collaboration with families) and Registered Nurses.
This multidisciplinary team partners with teachers, ES staff and families to embed therapeutic, communication, health and wellbeing supports into everyday learning. Their work strengthens student engagement, independence and readiness for future pathways.
Pathways and Real¿World Learning
Ballarat Specialist School is committed to preparing students for meaningful, fulfilling futures. Our pathways model provides students with authentic, hands¿on learning experiences that build independence, confidence and employability skills.
Key pathway opportunities include school¿based enterprises such as the Vintage Soul Op Shop and cafés at both campuses, Mini Woolies at Gillies Street, and accredited vocational pathways including Certificate I in Life Skills and Certificate II courses delivered onsite in partnership with local TAFE providers. Industry¿aligned learning areas include Kitchen Operations, Retail, Horticulture, Visual Arts, Sport and Recreation, Music Industry and Work Skills.
These programs support students to explore interests, develop practical skills and transition confidently into post¿school options including supported employment, open employment, community participation and further training.
Individualised Support
Every student has an Individual Education Plan developed through a collaborative Student Support Group involving parents and carers, external agencies, classroom teachers, education assistants and our Integrated Services Team. This ensures each student¿s learning, wellbeing and communication needs are understood and supported.
