Overview
Department of Education Victoria – Warrnambool VIC. Posted 6 d ago by Department of Education & Training Victoria.
Merri River School is a special school in Warrnambool founded in 1989. The school now educates 180 students with intellectual disability, aged 5–18, in a small group environment aligned with the Victorian Curriculum. Each student follows an Individual Learning Plan.
The campus occupies a 7‑hectare site between Wollaston Road and the Merri River, having moved into new premises in 2020. The school is divided into four sub‑schools: Junior Primary, Senior Primary, Junior Secondary, and Senior Secondary.
Programs & Support
Students receive individualised programs covering Physical Education, STEM, Art, Music, and Food Technologies. The school offers dual enrolment at mainstream schools when beneficial, and the oldest students undertake VET or VPC programmes with comprehensive work‑experience.
A Hands‑on Learning program supports students at risk of disengagement. The school is supported by therapists (speech, OT, physiotherapy, allied health), a student wellbeing counsellor, and teacher assistants.
Curriculum
Programs are delivered within Department of Education guidelines and reflect the Victorian Curriculum. Emphasis is placed on individual student needs through Individual Learning Plans, with goals and priorities reviewed every six months.
Non‑Negotiable for Every Learning Environment
* Commitment to the school's Instructional Model and teaching practices
* Strong relationships with all children and understanding of high‑level student needs
* High expectations and excellent classroom practice
* Excellent presentation – classroom displays and well‑organised learning spaces
Staffing & Facilities
Staff includes classroom teachers, specialist teachers, literacy specialists, teacher assistants, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and physiotherapists, with over 95 staff. Access to Visiting Teacher Services for Hearing and Vision Impairment and a Guidance Officer is provided. Class groups comprise 6–8 students with a teacher and teacher assistant. Students attend daily from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Eligible students in the transport zone receive free transport.
Selection Criteria
1. SC1 – Demonstrated capacity to perform duties consistent with established guidelines and frameworks, including coordinating and supporting others in relevant work functions.
2. SC2 – Demonstrated capacity to work and collaborate with others in a team environment.
3. SC3 – Demonstrated capacity to communicate effectively in a team environment, including high‑level oral and written communication skills.
4. SC4 – Possess the technical knowledge and expertise relevant to the position.
5. SC5 – Demonstrated capacity to provide advice and support to management and other staff in respect to the work area.
6. SC6 – Commitment to professional learning and growth for both self and others.
Role
An education support class position at this range performs tasks in line with guidelines and school policy under supervision. The role may include coordination of other support staff, but does not involve teacher duties as defined in the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 (Vic). Supervision of students may be required for individuals or groups up to four. Certification or qualifications up to three years may be required, excluding Registered Nurse.
The position may encompass:
* Specific support tasks to achieve outcomes, such as ensuring accurate data, or coordinating a work area under the principal's direction.
* Assisting teachers within educational programs by undertaking support tasks or coordinating the support function.
* Supervised health and wellbeing support tasks, medical intervention support tasks, or other specialised student/teacher support roles that require specific qualifications and/or training.
* Technical tasks requiring knowledge of basic technical or scientific principles to develop and adapt work methods, such as routine support in libraries, science, or IT.
At the starting level, responsibilities involve routine tasks performed under close supervision. With experience, the role may progress to coordination and specialised support tasks, or technical tasks as outlined.
Responsibilities
* Provide routine clerical or administrative support, including telephone, front‑office enquiries, mail deliveries, stock control, meeting coordination, and processing of standard paperwork.
* Maintain, enter and retrieve data from the school's IT systems, such as the records system for students, staff and school records.
* Maintain and update office records, enrolment data, diary records, and basic written records.
* Support or coordinate the preparation of standard internal and external communication (e.g., form letters, newsletters) according to school procedures.
* Source basic data or factual information from given sources to support administrative functions (e.g., books, reports, manuals, catalogues, tables, forms).
* Coordinate the delivery of administrative services within the school.
* In consultation with the principal, determine and manage work priorities within the school office.
* Develop and implement strategies to ensure effective administration procedures.
* Coordinate the implementation of requisitioning, purchasing and issuing procedures.
* Manage client reception and office operations.
* Liaise with school staff regarding support requirements.
* Coordinate staff timetabling.
* Support first‑aid facilities and assist in delivering first‑aid to students.
Who May Apply
Individuals with the aptitude, experience and/or qualifications to fulfil the specific requirements of the position.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Department is committed to diversity and inclusion and to developing a workforce that reflects the community it serves. This includes culture, gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQA+, disability, and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. The Department recognises the importance of safe, respectful and inclusive workplaces and promotes flexible work and diversity across all schools and Department workplaces. Reasonable adjustments are provided for staff with disability.
Child Safe Standards
Victorian government schools are child‑safe environments. All staff are committed to protecting students from abuse or harm in accordance with child‑safe standards. The Child Safety Code of Conduct is available at
DE Values
The Department's employees commit to upholding the Department's values: Responsiveness, Integrity, Impartiality, Accountability, Respect, Leadership, and Human Rights. Information on these values is available at
Conditions of Employment
* All staff 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; induction and support programmes are provided.
* Detailed information on all terms and conditions of employment is available on the Department's Human Resources website at
#J-18808-Ljbffr