Job DescriptionLocation: GeelongJob type: Full time / From 28/01/2025 - 23/01/2026Organisation: Schools (Government)Salary: Salary not specifiedOccupation: Education and TrainingReference: 1434320Location ProfileEducation is the centerpiece of the Victorian state. Our education system underpins our shared social and economic prosperity and strengthens Victoria's communities and culture.In Victoria, there are a significant number of learners who have been disengaged, or are vulnerable to disengaging, from education or training. Evidence from across Australia demonstrates that the likelihood of disengagement is increased by Indigenous status, having a language other than English spoken at home, living in rural areas and low socio-economic status. Learners who have mental health issues and/or a disability are also more likely to be disengaged.Selection CriteriaDemonstrated comprehensive knowledge and understanding of student learning and the capacity to respond to the educational needs of students experiencing, or at significant risk of experiencing, disrupted education.Demonstrated ability to negotiate, influence, advocate and/or collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders including but not limited to children or young people, parents, statutory authorities, school staff, allied health professionals, welfare, and health professionals to implement evidence-based strategies to support students with challenging behaviours.Demonstrated experience in mediation to build partnerships between families, other services, and schools to improve student learning outcomes particularly for individual students who may present with a range of personal challenges including challenging behaviours.Demonstrated high level communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to liaise effectively with a wide range of people within the education community and beyond; and capacity to work both independently and effectively within, and contribute to, the achievements of a team.Demonstrated understanding of current education issues, Victorian Government priorities and policies relating to vulnerable children and young people and trauma-informed practice.RoleThe position is based at Newcomb Secondary College and provides outreach support and consultancy to Geelong and Colac Primary and Secondary Schools.Support to Colac schools would make up 0.4 of the position, equivalent to 2 days per week.Job share opportunities may be considered.The core purpose of the Barwon Bridge program is to provide support to schools to develop and implement a coordinated and agreed approach between families and other stakeholders to support students with challenging behaviours to self-regulate and fully engage with their learning to minimise the risk of disengagement.ResponsibilitiesReceiving referrals for learners with complex behaviours and attendance issues who are at risk of disengaging from schooling.Supporting the development of a coordinated approach between families, other services and schools to support the child or young person's engagement at school.Providing expertise to and liaison between services and schools to ensure clear communication, consistent approaches and shared planning to support children and young people's successful engagement in education.Supporting and mediating connections between schools and families.Working with the school, young person and family and other services to develop an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) and Behavioural Support Plan for the child or young person to identify their learning needs, capabilities and aspirations.Working directly with the school, family and other services to ensure the objectives outlined in the ILP are achieved.Coordinating and working closely with schools to implement strategies to build the capacity of schools and teachers to support students with challenging behaviour at risk of disengagement.Liaising with and referring the child or young person to other services to assist them to overcome learning, social and other barriers so that they can successfully engage and transition through education, including engaging support services where required.Who May ApplyDesirable: Relevant teaching or allied health qualifications such as psychology or social work. Experience working in or having a strong understanding of school contexts is critical to the role.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.#J-18808-Ljbffr