Educational Support Officer (Teacher’s Aide)
Special Developmental School (Profound & Complex Needs Setting)
South-East Melbourne
Full-Time | Ongoing
Commencing February 2026
Monday to Friday | 8:30am – 4:30pm
Salary: $28–$36 per hour | $55,000–$75,000 per annum (dependent on experience and qualifications)
Sponsorship: Open to eligible candidates
Visa: Open to Working Holiday Visa holders and international applicants (case-by-case)
About the School
Prospero Teaching is proud to be partnering with a highly regarded Special Developmental School in Melbourne’s south-east, supporting students aged 2–18 years with profound, multiple, and complex learning needs, including a significant cohort of non-verbal students.
The school provides a highly structured, therapeutic and inclusive environment for students with:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) with high support needs
- Intellectual disability (moderate to profound)
- Complex communication needs (including AAC users and non-verbal learners)
- Multiple physical and sensory disabilities
- Medical and personal care requirements
Learning is highly individualised and focused on communication, engagement, wellbeing, and functional life skills.
Students are supported through:
- Structured Teaching approaches (visual schedules, task systems, clear routines)
- Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems, including visual supports and communication devices
- Intensive communication and sensory programs
- School-wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS)
- Highly individualised education plans tailored to each student’s needs
The school also provides specialist programs including Music, PE, Sensory Learning, STEM, Performing Arts, and Hydrotherapy/Swimming in purpose-built facilities.
Core values:
- Do your best work
- Help others succeed
- Respect your school
The Opportunity
We are seeking a compassionate, patient, and highly committed Educational Support Officer / Teacher’s Aide to join a multidisciplinary team supporting students with profound and complex disabilities.
In this role, you will:
- Provide hands-on support to students with high and complex needs
- Assist non-verbal students using AAC systems, visual supports, and communication devices
- Support personal care needs including feeding, toileting, mobility, and hygiene
- Work closely with teachers and therapists to implement individual learning and therapy programs
- Support regulation, sensory needs, and behaviour support strategies
- Assist students in engaging with learning through structured, meaningful activities
- Contribute to a calm, safe, and predictable learning environment
This is a deeply rewarding role where small moments of progress and connection have significant impact.
About You
You are calm, resilient, and genuinely passionate about supporting students with high and complex needs. You will ideally have:
- Certificate III or IV in Education Support (or related qualification in Disability, Allied Health, Psychology, Education)
- Experience working with students with profound disabilities or non-verbal communication needs (highly desirable)
- Current Working With Children Check (WWCC)
- Strong emotional intelligence, patience, and teamwork skills
- A commitment to dignity, inclusion, and student-centred practice
Why This School?
- Highly supportive and experienced special education team
- Small, highly individualised learning environments
- Strong therapeutic and multidisciplinary approach (teachers, therapists, support staff working together)
- Ongoing training in communication systems, behaviour support, and disability care
- A values-driven culture focused on dignity, inclusion, and student wellbeing
- Meaningful, purpose-led work where every contribution matters
Additional Information
This specialist setting provides education for students with the highest levels of need, including those who are non-verbal and require full-time communication and personal care support.
The environment is structured, calm, and highly supportive, with a strong focus on:
- Communication development
- Sensory regulation and wellbeing
- Functional life skills
- Safe, predictable routines
- Respect and dignity for every learner
Apply Now
If you are passionate about supporting students with profound and complex needs and want to make a genuine difference every day, we would love to hear from you.
Send your CV to: laura@prosperoteaching.com
Call: 0403 303 259 for a confidential conversation
This position is being advertised by Prospero Teaching on behalf of our client school. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.