SC1 Demonstrated knowledge of vision impairment and related educational implications including how vision conditions impact students¿ ability to access both the curriculum and the wider school environment..
SC2 Demonstrated expertise in observing students¿ visual behaviour across a range of school environments to determine relevant recommendations to staff that support student learning, wellbeing, and engagement.
SC3 Demonstrated highly developed organisational skills with an ability to work collaboratively, utilise effective time management strategies, establish priorities, and meet deadlines.
SC4 Demonstrated interpersonal skills including the capacity to establish and maintain positive relationships with key stakeholders through high level written and verbal communication.
SC5 Demonstrated commitment to ongoing reflection and professional learning to enable further development of skills, expertise and professional capacity to self and others.
A vacancy exists for a capable and enthusiastic teacher to join the SVRC team as a teacher specialising in vision assessment. The successful applicant will be involved in all stages of the eligibility process, attending Education Vision Assessment Clinic (EVAC), on clinic days and conducting functional vision assessments in schools throughout Victoria.
The successful applicant will be an experienced and highly capable teacher, with an understanding of/or the capacity to develop a strong understanding of the educational implications of vision impairment. They will work collaboratively to ensure students are promptly supported, and that their eligibility for additional support is established.
Responsibilities for this position include:
Assisting the administration of the eligibility process by seeking medical information, booking appointments, and communicating with families, referrers, schools, and regions
Conducting functional vision assessments of eligible students at their local educational settings throughout Victoria
Writing clear and detailed reports, outlining the educational implications of student¿s vision impairment, including recommended teaching strategies
Attending and supporting the smooth operation of EVAC held at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital approximately 20 times per annum
Maintaining a state-wide database of students referred to SVRC and their eligibility for further supports
Modelling exemplary teaching practice and providing practical advice and direction for visiting school staff who are involved with supporting students in their schools
Working collaboratively with SVRC staff to plan and deliver professional learning seminars for teachers and allied professionals
Working collaboratively with other SVRC staff in the planning and provision of our Dot Power and Support Skills programs
Providing regular updates regarding the progress of eligibility processes and future student needs to Regional Visiting Teacher Managers and other Department of Education staff
Developing and disseminating curriculum materials to assist teachers in the provision of the Expanded Core Curriculum
Other duties as required.
Individuals who apply must have:
A current registration with the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT)
A recognised teaching qualification
Experience working with students with vision impairment or other disabilities
A current driver¿s licence, valid in the state of Victoria
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
Applicants are asked to ensure their application contains a response to the selection criteria, an up-to-date CV and the availability of 3 current referees, including their contact details.
The successful applicant must have a current driver¿s licence and be prepared to undertake functional assessments at schools or other educational settings anywhere in Victoria, sometimes requiring overnight trips. The timing of these trips can be negotiated with the SVRC Assistant Principal.
The successful applicant may be required to attend student clinical assessments held at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital on Wednesday¿s up to 20 times per annum.
To be eligible for employment, transfer or promotion in the principal or teacher class:
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The person must have provisional or full registration approved by the Victorian Institute of Teaching; and
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if the person completed an Australian postgraduate level initial teaching program or course of study on or after 1 January 2024, they must demonstrate that they have satisfactorily completed a postgraduate level accredited initial teacher education program that has been accredited by an Australian State or Territory Teacher Regulatory Authority as satisfying the requirements of the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership 'Accreditation of initial teacher education programs in Australia: Standards and Procedures'; and
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a person who graduated from a Victorian Initial Teacher Education (ITE) program after 1 July 2016 must also demonstrate that they have passed the literacy and numeracy test for initial teacher education (LANTITE) requirements (this condition is satisfied where the LANTITE requirement is part of the Victorian ITE program completed by the person).
Details of qualification requirements as updated from time to time can be found at Recruitment in Schools.
Statewide Vision Resource Centre (SVRC)
SVRC supports Victorian children and young people who are blind or partially sighted to access and engage with school-based learning. We do this by providing students with specialised teaching, support and materials. We also equip school staff, Visiting Teachers, and families across Victoria by providing personalised advice, training, and resources. Our mission is to provide leadership in blind and low vision education, enabling access, inclusion, and lifelong learning.
SVRC was established in 1983 by the Victorian Department of Education (DE). We are a leading centre of expertise in blindness and low vision education services, supporting eligible students in Government, Catholic and Independent schools. Our staff are committed to providing specialised and professional assistance, information and resources for students, schools, Visiting Teachers, and family members. SVRC¿s facilities are based at 370 Springvale Road in Donvale, on the grounds of the Heatherwood School, a government secondary school.
Eligibility Requirements
SVRC identifies Victorian school students across all school sectors who have significant vision loss and determines their eligibility for extra support at school. The extra support includes accessing the Visiting Teacher Service and resources from SVRC.
Referrals to SVRC can be made by ophthalmologists, optometrists, orthoptists, early childhood educators, school staff, parents or carers.
Children can be referred to SVRC at any time from pre-Prep until Year 12. Prior to referring, children should have been seen by their own ophthalmologist within the past 12 months.
