Mental Health Practitioner/Occupational TherapistJob posted: 27/11/2024RoleThe Mental Health Practitioners (MHP) initiative was announced by the Minister for Education in late 2018 to expand mental health and wellbeing support in government schools.The initiative provides for a suitably qualified mental health professional in all government secondary school campuses and specialist school (with secondary-aged enrolments) settings.Operating in collaboration with the relevant Department of Education Regional Mental Health Branch, this role has the following functions:Enhancing mental health prevention and promotion activities in the school by contributing to whole-school health and wellbeing plans, building the capability of teaching staff and school leadership to address matters relating to student mental health and wellbeing, and helping to develop and deliver appropriate programs and strategies in the school according to specified school priorities.Providing early intervention services (including short-term counselling) for individual students and groups identified as at-risk and/or experiencing or demonstrating mild to moderate mental health concerns.Coordinating supports for students with complex needs both within and external to the school, including proactively working with regions, local mental health service providers and other health professionals to engage further support as required.The successful applicant will be an experienced professional who will carry out their duties and responsibilities, relative to their professional discipline, with a high level of autonomy and with minimal reliance on professional supervision.The successful applicant will be responsible for the development and implementation of professional support programs within an educational environment, including guidance to other professional staff.Who May ApplyRequired Applicants must be qualified as a psychologist, social worker, mental health nurse, occupational therapist or counsellor of a prescribed class.Specifically:For Psychologists, applicants must hold full registration with AHPRA.For Mental Health Nurses, applicants must hold full registration with AHPRA and hold a postgraduate qualification in mental health.For Social Workers, applicants must be eligible for membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers.For Occupational Therapists applicants must hold full registration with AHPRA.For Counsellors applicants must have completed a Bachelor or Master of Counselling and be a practising member of either the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) or the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA).Demonstrated direct counselling experience.A current Working With Children Check.For Psychology applicants, specialisation in educational and/or developmental psychology.For Mental Health Nurse applicants, holding a Mental Health Nurse Credential and membership with the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses.For Social Work applicants, membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers and an Accredited Social Worker Trade Mark.For Occupational Therapy applicants, a Better Access to Mental Health Endorsement.For Counselling applicants, Level 3-4 registration (ACA) or a Registered Clinical Counsellor endorsement (PACFA).Conditions of EmploymentAll staff employed by the Department and schools have access to a broad range of employment conditions and working arrangements.Appointment of successful applicants will be made subject to a satisfactory pre-employment conditions check.A probationary period may apply during the first year of employment and induction and support programs provided.Location ProfileArmstrong Creek School opened in January 2018 for students in Years Prep to 6.In 2019, the Secondary Special School component opened its doors and is now educating students from Years 7 to 12.Our school combines both Primary, Prep to Year 6 and Special Education provision from Prep to Year 12 under a single governance model.Our school's inclusive model and flexible approach curriculum provision, allows each learner to access the educational support and experiences they require based on identified need, individual student ability and assessed benefit.It enables a customised approach to education rather than a 'one size fits all'.At Armstrong Creek School we embrace challenge and celebrate diversity while pursuing an individual journey to personal excellence.Innovative learning and teaching is placed at the center of all we do.We design opportunities for students to achieve their personal best in a positive environment where they are inspired to learn, grow and thrive while demonstrating our school values of: Care, Collaboration and Commitment. #J-18808-Ljbffr