Education Assistant Gunnedah

Position Type: Permanent Part-Time or Full-Time position | Position Title: Education Assistant | Location: Based in Gunnedah, NSW

Carinya Christian School is accepting applications for the position of Education Assistant.  This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic team of over 200 Christian staff between the Tamworth and Gunnedah schools.  Reporting to the Gunnedah Learning Support Teacher and Junior School Coordinator, and ultimately responsible to the Principal and Executive, while working alongside other team members.

Qualification / Documentation Required

• Valid working with children check

• Certificate III in Education Support

• Reference from Current Minister
  

MISSION
Engaging as a community to discover the world made through Jesus for His glory.

VISION
Provide quality, Christ-centred education at Carinya Tamworth and Carinya Gunnedah in partnership with parents. Teaching and Learning is the core business of the school and the means in which we discover and engage in God’s world.

PREAMBLE
At Carinya, Jesus Christ the creator of the world is central to everything that is done in the school. The essential elements of the educational process; the home, the learner, the curriculum and the teacher are interpreted in a framework based on an understanding of the person and authority of Jesus Christ. At Carinya, we believe in a Christ-centred view of the Child, a Christ-centred view of the Curriculum, a Christ-centred approach to teachers and Christ-centred Education.

The pedagogy of the School is framed by the understanding that each student has an intrinsic value as an individual, made in the image of God and as the unworthy recipient of God's grace, in the skills, talents and abilities available to them. Those truths permeate every subject and classroom and every activity the School undertakes and are embedded in the formal structures of the educational processes of the School.

It is vital that every staff member embraces this educational philosophy. This involves a personal faith in Jesus Christ and a commitment to modelling Christ-like behaviour to all in and out of the School community.

BACKGROUND TO THE POSITION OF EDUCATION ASSISTANT
Carinya seeks to support the learning of all students, recognising that each child is made in the image of God. The position of Education Assistant is a pivotal role in assisting and responding to our students' learning needs.

OBJECTIVES OF POSITION
Working as part of a team, they liaise with Education Assistants, teachers, students and parents to provide support for students with disabilities or learning difficulties. Supporting individual students who need significant adjustments and interventions to their learning program and to maximise the students capacity to engage with the Curriculum.

Qualification / Documentation Required

To fulfil the responsibilities of this role, Staff are expected to have:

• Valid working with children check

• Certificate III in Education Support

• Reference from Current Minister

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

It is preferred that staff who fill this position have:

• Strong interpersonal skills

• Strong organisational skills

• Willingness to be trained in InitialLit / MiniLit / MacqLit.

Reporting to the Gunnedah Learning Support Teacher, JS Coordinator and Principal, the successful applicant will be required to fulfil the following responsibilities:

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Education Assistant will:

1. Possess technical competencies required for the position

2. Require only limited instruction for the performance of complex duties

3. Required to exercise independent initiative and judgement

4. Work as part of a team

5. If required, may supervise up to three employees

6. May supervise a small group of children without a teacher present

TASKS AND DUTIES

The Education Assistant will be required to exercise his / her skills and judgement, to carry out in a collaborative manner, numerous duties. They shall include, but will not be limited to the following:

Possess technical competencies required for the position: 

• Help to facilitate the student’s participation in educational activities of the classroom 

• Be aware of student’s disabilities and develop a positive rapport with the child

• Assists the teacher to prepare lesson materials using appropriate technologies (eg. software, computers, photocopier)

• Undergo training to perform duties which may include work health and safety training procedures, as well as professional development on classroom support strategies, and first aid

• Record incidents and sickbay check ins according to school policy

• Set up of play equipment, taking into consideration developmental needs of the children and the physical wellbeing of all

• Pack up equipment as required

• Respect confidentiality in all matters concerning the students

• Provide assistance where necessary to the student in classrooms, playground, toilet, according to the students’ requirements

• Interact with parents, students and teachers in the development and implementation of intervention programs.

Require only limited instruction for the performance of complex duties: 

• Work independently to support and nurture the learning of all students

• Keep a record of program details (to be monitored by the class teacher and learning support coordinator).

Required to exercise independent initiative and judgement:

• Manage student wellbeing on a daily basis in an appropriate and independent manner seeking the direction and clarification from supervising staff when required

• Interacts with parents in a friendly, welcoming and professional manner at all times and identifies questions that should be directed to the class teacher

• Implement programs requiring scribe, note taking, speech support and various activities to meet the needs of the child as determined by the Support Group.

Work as part of a team:

• Be a member of the Learning Support Team

• Assist during excursions, school outings, etc. if needed.

If required, may supervise up to three employees:

• From time to time work experience students may be placed under your supervision.

May supervise a small group of children without a teacher present: 

• Library sessions with the class

• Children’s play and lunch

• Small group interventions

• Other situations that may arise

Attend weekly staff meetings and other meetings as required (ie. Child Protection)

Classifications are based on a Teacher’s level of accreditation and years of service. See Independent Schools NSW (Teachers) Carinya Christian School Agreement 2025

Commencement
This position is scheduled to commence immediately.