Autism Informed Diverse Learning Assistant R-5

About Pedare:

Educating approximately 1,200 students from Reception to Year 12, Pedare is an independent, co-educational Anglican and Uniting Church day school founded in 1986, situated at Golden Grove in the north-east of Adelaide.

We are committed to fostering partnerships with families that enable students to excel in their learning, develop a strong sense of self-worth, and build the skills to contribute to local and global communities. 

The Opportunity: 

We're looking for someone special to provide direct and timely support to children with additional learning and support needs, particularly those on the autism spectrum, within our Junior School.

In this vital role, you'll work closely with classroom teachers to provide direct, specialist support to students facing barriers to their learning. Your expertise in understanding and working with autistic children will be key in helping them thrive. You'll also support students who need to extend and enrich their learning and capabilities, ensuring every child reaches their full potential.  While not a prerequisite, this role is well suited to a candidate with an Allied Health Assistant background, such as Occupational Therapy or Psychology. 

Reporting to the Diverse Learning Coordinator R-5, this 12-month contract position (0.7 FTE spread across 5 days) commences in January 2027.

The role:

• Expertise in understanding and working with autistic children
• Engage with students in class, in small groups, 1:1 and in the yard
• Co-develop social stories, social scripts, play plans, and break schedules and monitor the implementation of these plans
• Implement and support sensory regulation strategies and access to sensory tools
• Consistently give feedback to students, encourage, and involve students in class to enable them to fulfil their potential
• Promote social inclusion and positive peer interactions in class and during play
• Model and reinforce positive behaviour support strategies
• Keep thorough and ongoing records of adjustments and accommodations per requirements of the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on school students with disability
• Assist the Diverse Learning Coordinator with administrative needs associated with planning the accommodations for students with disability
• Apply the College’s rules and expectations for students as a joint responsibility of all staff
• Consult with appropriate colleagues regarding student behavioural problems

What we need:

• A current South Australian Working With Children Check (WWCC)
• A current Responding to Risks of Harm, Abuse and Neglect (RRHAN) Certificate
• A current First Aid and CPR Certificate (preferred)
• May suit Allied Health Assistant i.e. OT or Psychology

All certificates and qualification(s) must be provided to the College prior to commencement of employment; and the College requires the applicant to disclose any information relevant to their eligibility to engage in activities involving children and young people.

Our Culture:

At Pedare we facilitate and nurture a vibrant, professional and collaborative workplace where everyone is welcomed, respected and included. 

Your Benefits:

• Purposeful, meaningful and rewarding work
• Not-for-profit salary packaging options (details via Maxxia)
• Free confidential counselling and support via our EAP program
• Ample staff carparking

Next Steps:

Applications, including a letter of application addressing the selection criteria, Curriculum Vitae and the names of three (3) professional referees should be received by 9am Thursday, 10 September 2026 and be addressed to: Laura Smith, People and Culture Officer by clicking APPLY NOW.