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Casual Academic Support Worker - HEW 2

Download this Duty Statement : DOC : 174KB.

Introduction

Work undertaken for the Disability Liaison Unit (DLU) by Academic Support Workers is of a casual nature, as specified in the Contract of Employment - Casual General Staff (HR20G).

Academic Support Workers will be paid at the casual rate of HEW Level 2.

Hours of work will vary in accordance with student requirements and are authorised by the Resource Coordinator at the DLU. Although work occurs with and for students with disabilities, the employer is the DLU and the University of Melbourne.

The University is committed to maintaining academic standards for all students. The role of the Academic Support Worker is to facilitate the experience of learning so that a student can produce work that is reflective of their own ideas, skills and capabilities. At no time should any activity undertaken by an Academic Support Worker compromise academic integrity.

Further information regarding the role of an Academic Support Worker can be found in the Guidelines for Academic Support Workers which is available from the Resource Coordinator, our web site and forms part of the DLU induction process for Academic Support Workers.

Academic Support Workers are primarily based at the Parkville campus but may be required to work at other locations as specified by the Resource Coordinator.

1. Summary of Duties

An Academic Support Worker (ASW) is responsible for providing high quality support as a Notetaker, Reader/Library Assistant or Accessible Format Editor to students under the direction of the Resource Coordinator, Disability Liaison Unit.

Please refer to the Guidelines for Academic Support Workers for additional information.

2. Duties

2.1 Notetaking

Under the direction of the Resource Coordinator, the Academic Support Worker will accurately and comprehensively document the proceedings of classes for students with disabilities. Prior to commencement of notetaking responsibilities, the Academic Support Worker will liaise with the student regarding the type and format of notes. The level of contact between student and notetaker will be agreed upon prior to the class and must be in accord with the principles of confidentiality, maintaining academic integrity and promotion of student independence.

The Academic Support Worker will not take notes if a student is absent except as directed by the Resource Coordinator.

2.2 Reader/Library Assistant

Under the direction of the Resource Coordinator, the Academic Support Worker may read, describe and explain textbook and course materials to students, provide assistance in using library research tools such as the Buddy system or assist in the location of study materials, primarily in the Baillieu Library.

2.3 Accessible Format Editor

Under the direction of the Resource Coordinator, or staff as designated by the Resource Coordinator, and within agreed timelines, the Academic Support Worker (Accessible Format Editor) will accurately convert printed material into an audio, electronic or Braille format. University equipment and software are to be used to facilitate the conversion process. Rooms on campus are available for this purpose.

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3. Role of Casual Academic Support Worker

The Academic Support Worker will perform specific duties to support the needs of students with disabilities under the direction of the Resource Coordinator, and in accordance with the DLU Guidelines for Academic Support Workers. All work is performed with a minimum of supervision, and as such the Academic Support Worker is expected to refer matters arising from their duties to the Resource Coordinator.

The Academic Support Worker is required to:

Engage in active listening to capture the most pertinent ideas and concepts in relation to complex subject matter, documenting this in a form that is accessible for the individual student with a disability
Provide appropriate assistance to students with disabilities in a manner that facilitates the student's participation in course activities whilst maintaining academic integrity and student independence
Be receptive and responsive to the student's needs without being obtrusive. Students will have individual requirements depending on the nature and extent of the disability, and the context of the subject they are undertaking.

4. Skills Required

Applicants to the casual positions of Academic Support Worker must be currently enrolled in at least second year of their tertiary course with a minimum of H2B average.

In addition, applicants must be able to demonstrate that they have:

An understanding of inclusive practices
An appreciation of the issues in relation to access for students with disabilities with an interest to further develop this knowledge
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Excellent notetaking skills including active listening and clear conceptual organization of notes
Ability to work with minimum supervision, independently and effectively as a team member whilst adhering to specific Guidelines
Reliability, punctuality and responsible attitude
IT proficiency

Academic Support Workers will be provided with training in disability awareness and task responsibilities before commencing employment. ASW Accessible Format Editors will undergo specific technical training.