Key duties and responsibilities

The Rockhampton Grammar School was founded in 1881 and is an independent co-educational day and boarding school, educating and caring for students from Prep to Year 12, as well as the Early Learning Years. The School is the largest independent boarding school in Queensland and the second largest co-educational boarding school in Australia. It is a leading school in regional Queensland and one of the foremost schools in regional Australia. The Rockhampton Grammar School has achieved great success in the academic, cultural, sporting and vocational fields over the past 143 years. The School has a total enrolment of over 1,400 (Prep to Year 12) students who are exposed to our broad curriculum, giving effect to our commitment of Grow in Character and Scholarship. 

At RGS, we employ motivated people who want to work together to produce excellent outcomes for our staff and students. Our staff are recognised as being central to achieving our mission.

POSITION TITLE:  Teacher Aide (Home Economics)

DEPARTMENT:  Secondary

CLASSIFICATION: Full-Time, Term-Time (38 hours per week), Permanent

REPORTS TO:  Head of Department - Visual Arts & Home Economics

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Teacher Aide assists with maintaining the efficient operation of the Home Economics Department including the cooking facilities, preparation area (kitchen) and sewing room. The role provides ongoing support to the Head of Department and teachers of relevant subject, including the purchasing and preparation of food, materials, equipment and utensils as well as helping monitor facilities and equipment usage from an operational and workplace health and safety aspect.

Duties include, but not limited to:

Organisation and Preparation

• Cook, prepare, preserve and store items in compliance with current and legislated safe food practices;
• Prepare and manufacture materials required for the programme;
• Prepare and manage financial requirements such as processing invoices and tracking spreadsheets as required by Head of Department;
• Research and source requested materials and equipment within expected timelines being mindful of the dept budget;
• Utilise technology to monitor, process and record departmental requirements e.g. online ordering via computer or tablet apps, spreadsheets for record keeping.

Lesson Preparation

• Purchase ingredients and resources for practical lessons based on the  approved school program;
• Organise, prepare, distribute and collect group sets of ingredients, equipment and materials for practical lessons, taking into account individual medical, allergy and cultural requirements;
• Clean bench surfaces and ensure adequate supplies of tea towels, dishcloths, detergent and other requirements;
• Assist with the cleaning of tables and equipment after practical lessons in conjunction with students and classroom teacher;
• Assist teachers during practical class activities;
• Prepare and set up sewing machines, overlockers, and relevant supplies for practical sewing lessons;
• Maintain sewing machines and overlockers as required.

Stores Management

• Order, collect and/or receive deliveries of materials,
• Unpack goods received, check invoices, and store goods appropriately;
• Maintain, order and receive consumables to levels that facilitate operations and budgetary expectations under the guidance of the Head of Department;
• Ensure tidiness of cupboards and refrigerators/freezers and classroom spaces;
• Organise equipment repairs;
• Label cupboards.

Kitchen and Cleaning Duties

• Remove and/or disposal of rubbish as required;
• Clean, sanitise and maintain equipment;
• Clean, sanitise and maintain kitchen and eating areas to required standards;
• Clean stoves and ovens as a regular routine;
• Clean, sanitise and maintain storage areas on a regular basis as established by the Head of Department;
• Laundry relevant items as required to ensure efficient operation;
• Regularly defrost, clean and sanitise refrigerators and freezers.

Other

• Notify wrong title of maintenance issues and inform Head of Department;
• Assist with functions as required;
• Be committed to ongoing professional development;
• Any other related duties as directed by the Head of Department.

N.B This position description contains the most important duties and tasks regarding the job to be done. It is not an exclusive/exhaustive list.

SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

The School takes child protection seriously, and as a staff member or volunteer of The Rockhampton Grammar School, you are required to meet the behaviour standards outlined in our Practice and Behaviour Guidelines. You will receive a copy of these guidelines as part of the induction process.

Therefore, as a part of your duties and responsibilities, you are also required to:

• Provide a welcoming and safe environment for children and young people;
• Promote the safety and wellbeing of children and young people to whom we provide services;
• Ensure that your interactions with children and young people are positive and safe;
• Provide adequate care and supervision of children and young people in your charge;
• Act as a positive role model for children and young people;
• Report any suspicions, concerns, allegations or disclosures of alleged abuse to management;
• Maintain valid “working with children” documentation;
• Undergo periodic “national criminal history record” checks;
• Report to management any criminal charges or convictions you receive during the course of your employment that may indicate a possible risk to children and young people.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

The successful applicant will be subject to a “Working with Children Check and Criminal Records Check” where applicable. The School undertakes several screening processes to ensure the appropriate protection of children and young people in its care. This includes reference checks, identity checks, qualification check and professional registration checks.

REQUIRED SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE

• Demonstrated ability to work independently;
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team and in confidence;
• Ability to prioritise and meet deadlines;
• Competent food preparation skills;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

REQUIRED LICENCES/CERTIFICATES 

• Working with Children Check;
• Police Check;
• Driver’s Licence;
• Certificate III in Education Support or equivalent previous work experience;
• Safe Food Handling qualifications, desired, but not essential.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply for this position - please 'apply now' through the RGS Website: Current Career Opportunities | The Rockhampton Grammar School (rgs.qld.edu.au)

Please submit the following compulsory items:

• Cover Letter, indicating why you are applying for this position and detailing your teacher aide experience and why you are the best candidate for the role;
• Comprehensive Curriculum Vitae with the contact details of two work related referees;
• RGS Application for Employment Form.

Applications must be submitted no later than 4:00pm Monday 25th November 2024.

Enquiries should be directed to Dani Donnelly (HR & Compliance Officer) on 07 4936 0707.

*Note: only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

*Applications will be reviewed as they are received.

*The Rockhampton Grammar School reserves the right to amend this Position Description at its discretion in accordance with any Safeguarding of Children, legislative and/or operational requirements.