Special Developmental School Speech Therapist

Job Description

Special Developmental School Speech Therapist Job posted: 28/01/2025 Location: Melbourne | Northern Metropolitan Job type: Full time / From 17/03/2025 - 16/03/2026 Organisation: Schools (Government) Salary: Salary not specified Occupation: Health and Allied Health Reference: 1462961 Selection Criteria Qualification in Speech Pathology and eligibility for membership of Speech Pathology Australia. Specialist knowledge in the area of Speech Pathology with clinical experience delivering a comprehensive Speech Pathology service. Sound knowledge in speech, language and swallowing intervention. Experience within an educational setting preferable but not essential. Ability to conduct assessments, develop goals and effective communication strategies for students aged 3-18 years with an Intellectual Disability within an educational setting. Specialist knowledge in the design and implementation of augmentative and alternative communication systems to support students with an Intellectual Disability. Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to liaise with a range of key stakeholders including families, carers, external therapists and wider school community. Demonstrated ability to work in collaboration within multidisciplinary teaching teams to devise programs that extend a student’s ability to access and participate in all areas of the curriculum. Role The paediatric speech pathologist will be responsible for the provision of communication and language therapy services in a special developmental school setting to students aged 3 to 18 years with a moderate-severe intellectual disability. The successful applicant will work alongside teachers and therapists in a multidisciplinary context utilising evidence-based therapeutic and educational frameworks. The successful applicant will undertake a range of duties including but not limited to assessment, identification and establishment of communication systems for non-verbal students, assessment and development of mealtimes, and a range of assessments for reporting purposes and secondary consultations. Responsibilities Conduct assessment of students in areas such as communication, augmentative and alternative communication, speech, language, swallowing/mealtimes, and social/behavioural needs. Assess students and develop augmentative and alternative communication systems in collaboration with teachers, families, and external therapists. Assess and review students with dysphagia including the creation of mealtime profiles, training staff, and assisting with mealtimes. Document, record, and accurately report on student goals, progress, needs and conversations/discussions with key stakeholders including external therapists. Attend fortnightly Student Centred Learning meetings with educational teams and any other relevant meetings. Support students' communication and participation in classroom programs. Manage and maintain speech therapy resources. Provide support and training to the school-wide community including teachers, support staff, leadership team, and families/carers regarding students' communication systems. Work alongside a multidisciplinary team of physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and therapy assistants. Assist teachers in writing Individual Educational Plans. Conduct assessment and report writing for individual students for funding under the Program for Students with Disabilities. Attend school-based and relevant professional learning. Who May Apply Individuals with the aptitude, experience, and/or qualifications to fulfill the specific requirements of the position. EEO AND OHS Commitment 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. The Department of Education is committed to the principles of equal opportunity, 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. The Department recognises that the provision of family-friendly, supportive, safe, and harassment-free workplaces is essential to high performance and promotes flexible work, diversity, and safety across all schools and Department workplaces. 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. Location Profile Diamond Valley Special Developmental School is recognised as an innovative specialist school that strives for sustainable school improvement. As a dual campus school, we are located in Greensborough and Whittlesea catering for a school population of approximately 141 students. Students who attend have a primary diagnosis of intellectual disability; many students also have additional disabilities such as a physical disability or autism spectrum disorder. Our values are Respect, Integrity, and Responsibility. We are committed to ensuring everyone’s world becomes a better place by enhancing life opportunities. We strive to confidently promote a vibrant learning community; an inclusive and supportive educational experience. We will foster a community in which we live, laugh, and learn together. #J-18808-Ljbffr