Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) is one of Australia’s largest autism-specific service providers, with one of the biggest autism-specific school programs in the world. A not-for-profit organisation, we work in partnership with people of all ages on the autism spectrum, and their families to deliver evidence-informed solutions that are person-centred, family-focused and customer driven.

At Aspect we recognise a different brilliant®, where we seek to understand, engage and celebrate the strengths, interests and aspiration of people on the autism spectrum.

• Australia's largest national provider of autism-specific educational services; help our students be the best they can be
• Professional Learning opportunities for career development and progression
• Small class sizes, in a supportive and collaborative working environment
• Full-time, maximum term contracts & ongoing positions located at the Aspect Hunter School, Thornton NSW.

Start and end every day doing something amazing!

What you will do:

Aspect is a leader in education for children on the autism spectrum. Working at Aspect means you will be supported by a team of passionate professional educators. You will help create a learning environment that tailors to the individual needs of students through evidence informed best practice in autism. Class sizes are small and you always have the assistance of a dedicated teacher aide. You will learn about the ACA which is Aspect's comprehensive approach to the way we support people. You will work closely in a team that includes the student, family, teacher aide and other professionals such as our school psychologist, speech therapists and occupational therapists to develop and deliver quality learning programs. This wrap-around multi-disciplinary approach to support means that you will gain new skills and work experience that can help you reach your professional goals.

"Every day is so different from the last, I learn each day from the students... I love the diversity and uniqueness of each student and assisting them to learn in the way that suits them best. Aspect is amazing at student-focused learning, I have never experienced such a nourishing learning environment with a strong child-based focus.  I truly enjoy every day, watching the student's anxiety fade and their creativity shine through." Teacher, Aspect School

Click here for the position profile.

Education:

Aspect Schools are leaders in education for children on the autism spectrum K-12, leading the way in developing and applying innovative, evidence-based education approaches that create positive outcomes for autistic students and young people.

It’s the perfect time to join one of our nine Aspect Schools located in NSW and SA as we embark on our exciting journey alongside Dr Lyn Sharratt to put focus on data, demonstrating growth of students learning and development. Our dedicated Educators are transforming the landscape of autism education, paving the way for brighter futures and boundless opportunities for our students.

About the School: 

Aspect Hunter School provides placement for approximately 270 students on the autism spectrum from Kindergarten to year 12 at its main school at Thornton, and across its satellite classes within the Catholic and Department of Education schools in Newcastle, Hunter, and Port Macquarie regions. Aspect Hunter School also offers a Distance Education program for students on the autism spectrum in years 3 to 12 from across NSW. 

To find out more about our school, click here.

What we are looking for:

• NESA registration to teach in NSW
• Special Education qualifications are preferred
• Experience working with students on the autism spectrum or with other intellectual disability (desirable)
• NSW Working with Children Check clearance for paid employment
• Depending on the school's location/requirements it may be essential to have a current driver's licence
• A Light Rigid (LR) driver's licence (desirable)
• You may be required to provide an international police clearance.

What we offer:

• Ongoing professional learning opportunities for advancement
• Full-time base salary of $83,000 - $122,000 (depending on qualifications, accreditation and relevant teaching experience) + special education allowance $3,557 p.a. plus superannuation
• Salary packaging  options to increase your take-home pay
• Employee referral incentive
• Access to a wide range of discounts through Perkbox on everyday purchases
• Discounted membership to fitness facilities through Fitness Passport
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

This position is covered by the Independent Schools NSW Teachers (Hybrid Model) Multi-Enterprise Agreement 2021.

To apply:  Please include your resume and complete the candidate questionnaire; a cover letter is optional. 

Applications should be received prior to the beginning of Term 1, 2025
Aspect reserves the right to interview and appoint at any stage during the search process. Successful applicants will be asked to provide their statements of service to calculate their remuneration step level.  

Enquiries: For further information, please contact Emily Hinshelwood, School Coordinator, Aspect Hunter School, [email protected] or (02) 4922 5900.

Aspect is committed to increasing the number of Autistic staff and providing an inclusive workplace where everyone can feel that they belong. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds including, but not limited to, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, neurodivergent people, people with a disability, the LGBTQIA+ community and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, to apply. We have a range of universal strategies to meet the needs of different people in our hiring processes, and are happy to individualise these.

Learn more about us: www.autismspectrum.org.au