Location Profile
Information about Balwyn High School, its ethos, programs, the Strategic Plan, Vision, Values and Mission Statement can be found on our website: https://www.balwynhs.vic.edu.au
Selection Criteria
1. Technical Skills and Visual Arts Expertise
Demonstrated experience providing technical and operational support within a Visual Arts or creative learning environment, including proficiency in relevant equipment and technologies (e.g. printing presses, photography equipment, Adobe Creative Suite or equivalent platforms).
2. Learning Area Operations and Organisation
Proven ability to coordinate the preparation, ordering, maintenance and distribution of materials, equipment and supplies to support effective teaching and learning in a Visual Arts setting.
3. Classroom and Student Support
Demonstrated capacity to provide practical and technical support to staff and students, including assistance with folio preparation, exhibition presentation and documentation of student work.
4. Organisation, Safety and Compliance
Sound knowledge of Occupational Health and Safety principles relevant to studio-based environments and a demonstrated commitment to maintaining safe, organised and compliant learning spaces.
5. Interpersonal and Communication Skills
Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively and professionally with teachers, Education Support staff, students, parents, suppliers and members of the wider school community.
6. Professional Learning and Growth
A demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional learning, continuous improvement and contributing positively to a collaborative team culture.
Role
The Visual Arts Assistant plays a key support role within the Visual Arts learning area, contributing to the effective delivery of high-quality art, media and design programs.
Working closely with the Director of Visual Arts and teaching staff, the role supports the organisation, preparation and maintenance of materials, equipment, learning spaces and exhibitions. The position ensures that classrooms, studios and specialist facilities operate safely, efficiently and in alignment with Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) standards.
The Visual Arts Assistant contributes to a vibrant and creative learning environment that showcases student achievement and supports excellence in Visual Arts education.
The role reports to the Director of Visual Arts and works in collaboration with teachers, the Business Manager, and the OHS Representative.
Responsibilities
1. Learning Area Operations and Administration
* Provide administrative and organisational support to the Visual Arts learning area.
* Prepare, collect, check and store ordered materials and equipment.
* Liaise with retailers and supplier representatives to coordinate orders and deliveries.
* Maintain accurate records of materials, equipment and stock levels as required.
2. Classroom and Technical Support
* Prepare materials, tools and equipment for classes to support practical learning activities.
* Provide technical assistance to staff and students during classes, including support for VCE Art, Media and Visual Communication Design (VCD) folio presentation.
* Support students in darkroom practice
* Assist with documentation, copying, scanning and photographing of student work.
* Maintain specialist facilities including laser cutter and other studio spaces.
3. Exhibitions and Community Engagement
* Support the planning and organisation of live and virtual exhibitions and displays of student work, in consultation with the Director of Visual Arts and Director of Community Relations.
* Assist with the mounting, printing, framing and presentation of student works.
* Contribute to the promotion and celebration of student achievement through high-quality displays and exhibitions.
* Support teachers in excursion administration
4. Organisation, Storage and Safety
* Organise and maintain storage areas, classrooms and specialist art spaces to ensure they remain functional, safe and well-presented.
* Work collaboratively with the OHS Representative to collate and maintain relevant OHS documentation and safety information.
* Ensure materials, chemicals and equipment are handled and stored in accordance with OHS requirements and Departmental guidelines.
* Ensure equipment and tools are maintained in safe and effective working order.
5. General Support
* Undertake additional duties as directed by the Principal, Business Manager or Director of Visual Arts, consistent with the classification and level of responsibility of the position.
Who May Apply
Individuals with the aptitude, experience and/or qualifications to fulfill the specific requirements of the position.
Diversity and Inclusion
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 *******@education.vic.gov.au
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.
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. 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
DE Values
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
Other Information
Applicants are free to structure applications in any manner they choose, but must ensure that the following are included:
* A specific response to each of the selection criteria. It is suggested that applicants limit their response to not more than 3 pages.
* The names and contact details of up to three referees who can provide information regarding the applicant in relation to the selection criteria.
NOTE: the time fraction is 0.8 (4 days/week) but full time will be considered for the preferred candidate.
Conditions of Employment
* 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 six months 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