Location: Melbourne | Southern Metropolitan Job type: Full time / From 28/01/2025 Organisation: Schools (Government) Salary: Salary not specified Occupation: Health and Allied Health Reference: 1445850 Location Profile Springvale Park SDS strives towards providing an innovative, dynamic centre of learning for students with disabilities. The rich educational programs, along with a focus on maximum independence, will prepare students for their future. Staff working in an atmosphere of trust and co-operation promote a relaxed, healthy learning environment. The team approach will be a result of communication and professional development. Springvale Park S. D. S. is an information resource centre for the local community including local schools, sharing its expertise. In turn, the school will look to the parents and the wider community for increased support to enable the quality, well-resourced programs to expand. MISSION STATEMENT Springvale Park Special Developmental School, in partnership with its parents and care givers, works to improve educational outcomes and promote community integration of children and young people with disabilities. Springvale Park SDS caters for students with moderate to severe intellectual and multiple disabilities. Students are drawn from the Springvale and Dandenong areas. Admission of students to the school is based on meeting a set criteria and the recommendation of a registered psychologist. Students are grouped according to age and ability. Group sizes range from four to ten students. This enables us to provide a safe, effective and stimulating learning environment to meet individual learning outcomes. There is a structured Early Education Program that provides support for preschool children with developmental delay prior to their entry into school life. THE PROFILE There are approximately 190 school-aged students in 2022, which is expected to increase annually. The school is also funded for 22 full-time effective Early Education Program students who are between the ages of 2.8 years and 4.8 years. The Department of Education & Training (DET) funds bus transport to and from school for students within our designated zone. Our intake area is bounded by Clayton, Centre, Stud and Cheltenham Roads. Our Victorian curriculum provides opportunity for each student to be part of the community in which they live. To work towards this, educational experiences are provided through VELDF, the Victorian curriculum and the 16+ Independent Living Program. These are enhanced by: Extensive swimming and camping programs. Duke of Edinburgh Program (Senior students) Therapy programs including: Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy (as required), Music Therapy, and Speech Therapy. Multi Sensory Programs (Snoezelen and hydrotherapy) Recreation and Sporting programs which include: riding for the disabled, bowling, basketball Work Education and experiences for senior students Community access via the four school buses and Travel Training Attractive outdoor active and passive recreation areas including a sensory & edible garden. Expanding computer and technology resources. These programs are implemented by a multi-disciplinary team which includes teachers, education support officers, occupational therapists, speech therapists, physiotherapists, and music therapists. Selection Criteria An approved qualification in Speech Pathology and eligibility for membership of Speech Pathology Australia. Ability to conduct assessments, develop goals and effective teaching strategies for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder and developmental delays within an educational setting. Knowledge of and experience in the use of a range of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems, encompassing both low-technology and high-technology. Demonstrated capacity to work in collaboration with teaching teams to devise programs that extend a student's functional communication and social skills in a range of contexts. Highly developed verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills, including demonstrated sensitivity to family issues in special education. Role Speech Pathologists at Springvale Park SDS support students to develop their functional communication skills in order to facilitate participation in their educational program. The Speech Pathologists work collaboratively alongside teachers, assistants, other therapists, and families to develop the students' understanding and use of language and communication in all daily activities. They also support students with swallowing and mealtime difficulties through staff and family training and mealtime assistance programs. As Springvale Park SDS, we use multi-modal communication including Key word signs, Picture Exchange Communication System, Aided Language Displays, Pragmatic Organisation Dynamic Display books, and speech generating devices to maximise students' independence and participation across the school curriculum. Responsibilities To provide assessment, therapy program implementation and ongoing evaluation in collaboration with teaching staff. To continue to develop a knowledge of Autism Spectrum Disorder and other diagnoses and the specific presenting communication difficulties. To develop and implement appropriate Augmentative or Alternative Communication (AAC) systems for children who do not have functional communication. To resource and support staff in their use of appropriate communication strategies as an integral part of their school program. Who May Apply Individuals with the aptitude, experience, and/or qualifications to fulfill the specific requirements of the position. EEO AND OHS Commitment 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. Child Safe Standards 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr