Job Description Location: South West Region | Warrnambool Job type: Part time / From 28/01/2025 - 26/01/2026 Organisation: Schools (Government) Salary: Salary not specified Occupation: Health and Allied Health Reference: 1456901 Selection Criteria Ability to implement a range of small group and whole-school mental health prevention and promotion activities aimed at improving student mental health and wellbeing, including the delivery of capability building and awareness raising activities for staff and/or students on key mental health and wellbeing issues affecting the school’s student population. Demonstrated ability to input into the development, implementation and evaluation of processes and strategies aimed at enhancing mental health and wellbeing prevention, promotion and early intervention. Demonstrated experience in assessing, conceptualising and analysing wellbeing issues, and providing evidence-based direct counselling support to clients with a range of mental health needs. Demonstrated experience in coordinating supports for young people with complex needs including referrals to a range of specialist services as appropriate. Highly developed communication, networking and interpersonal skills including the ability to liaise effectively with a wide range of people. Clear understanding of legislative requirements regarding privacy of health information. Role The 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; and 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. Education support class level 1 range 4 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. As an education support class position, this role supports the educational services being provided to students, but will not include duties of teaching as defined in clause 2.6.1 of the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 (Vic). For more information on the responsibilities of an Education Support class level 1 range 4 employee, please visit the Victorian Government Schools Agreement 2022: https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/industrial-agreements/resources Responsibilities Providing advice and professional learning to others, including teachers and other school wellbeing staff, to build the capacity of schools to improve students wellbeing, learning and developmental outcomes. Delivering professional support services in a school, including mental health prevention and promotion activities and early intervention activities (including short-term counselling) for students with a range of mental health needs, applying sound theoretical knowledge and practical expertise. Planning and implementing evidence-based intervention strategies for students with complex needs including collaborating with families, other professionals and agencies when appropriate to effectively manage risk. Working collaboratively with the school to enhance mental health prevention and promotion across the school by contributing to policies and operational practices that will guide the work of others, including other school wellbeing staff and teachers. Liaising with other department areas (including secondary school nurses and Student Support Services staff) and external service providers where necessary to provide appropriate support to students. Maintaining professional competence and continued professional development, including attending professional development activities throughout the year. Meeting relevant policies and legislative requirements in relation to student health information, privacy and consent. Please note: Continued professional development is a registration requirement under the National Law, which governs the operations of the National Boards and Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Who May Apply Individuals with the aptitude, experience and/or qualifications to fulfill the specific requirements of the position. EEO AND OHS Commitment Applicants seeking part-time employment are encouraged to apply for any teaching service position and, if they are the successful candidate, request a reduced time fraction. Such requests will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis and will be subject to the operational requirements of the school. The Department of Education is committed to the principles of equal opportunity, and diversity and inclusion for all. We value diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for roles within the Department. The Department recognises that the provision of family friendly, supportive, safe and harassment free workplaces is essential to high performance and promotes flexible work, diversity and safety across all schools and Department workplaces. It is our policy to provide reasonable adjustments for persons with a disability (see Workplace adjustment guidelines). Additional support and advice on the recruitment process is available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islanders from the Koorie Outcomes Division (KOD) via marrung@education.vic.gov.au Child Safe Standards Victorian government schools are child safe environments. Our schools actively promote the safety and wellbeing of all students, and all school staff are committed to protecting students from abuse or harm in the school environment, in accordance with their legal obligations including child safe standards. All schools have a Child Safety Code of Conduct consistent with the department's exemplar available at: https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/child-safe-standards/policy DE Values The department's employees commit to upholding the department's Values: Responsiveness, Integrity, Impartiality, Accountability, Respect, Leadership and Human Rights. The department's Values complement each school's own values and underpin the behaviours the community expects of Victorian public sector employees, including those who work in Victorian Government Schools. Information on the department values is available at: https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/values-department-vps-school-employees/overview Other Information All 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. Detailed information on all terms and conditions of employment is available on the Department's Human Resources website at http://www.education.vic.gov.au/hrweb/Pages/default.aspx Please ensure that your application includes: A resume including relevant experience as well as personal details (name, address and contact numbers, business and home) A section addressing the selection criteria and the requirements for application under the Who May Apply section Names and contact numbers (telephone and email if possible) of two referees who are able to attest to the claims made in your application. Please note that the selection panel may seek additional referees beyond those you name. Consistent with policy, we shall advise you if we will take this action. Conditions of Employment All 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. Detailed information on all terms and conditions of employment is available on the Department's Human Resources website at http://www.education.vic.gov.au/hrweb/Pages/default.aspx Location Profile Dear Applicant Thank you for your interest in the advertised position at Warrnambool College. At a time of exciting growth and continuous school improvement, this is an excellent opportunity for a highly motivated, dynamic professional to be part of our team. At Warrnambool College we achieve success through persistence, resilience and mutual respect. The College values are: Resilience, strength, mutual respect, courage, trust, global learners, honesty, accountability and persistence. Our moral purpose to improve educational outcomes and opportunities not just for our students, but for every student. Based on this ethos we promote the ideal that every Warrnambool student should thrive. School profile Warrnambool College is a Year¿s 7-12 secondary school situated within parkland in the eastern area of the city of Warrnambool. Students from the City of Warrnambool and the surrounding rural districts attend the school which has a stable student population of more than 1150 students with boys and girls in approximately equal numbers. Our staffing profile of approximately 150 members includes 3 Assistant Principals, 20 Leading Teachers, teaching and education support staff, wellbeing team members and a separate reengagement staffing complement. Warrnambool College strives to provide quality pathways for all students. School values, philosophy and vision The primary aim of Warrnambool College is to prepare students for life as active, happy, healthy citizens. We provide opportunities to develop the academic, social and personal skills which will allow them to participate in and contribute to the community as competent and informed global citizens. Our College recognises and strives to meet the individual needs and educational requirements of all students. We make a strong commitment to child safety and consider this the duty of all child related staff workers. Warrnambool College offers an educational program which is diverse and interesting and allows students to experience success in an environment which is safe and supportive. We are innovative in curriculum development and always look to provide a contemporary, relevant program. This practice is reflected across the College as a whole and all teaching staff take part in Professional Learning Teams. The daily structure of the school operates on a four-period day; each period consists of 70 minutes. The Warrnambool College Way outlines the school¿s vision and values. This is integral to the work that we do and is the foundation of our school community. Students, staff and members of our school community are encouraged to live and demonstrate our core values of respect, integrity and kindness at every opportunity. Our school¿s vision is to empower students to reach their personal best, and fully equip them to contribute positively to society as happy, healthy young adults. Our narrative is to work towards ¿Every Warrnambool student thrives¿. Our value statements are Persistence, Resilience and Mutual Respect. These are embedded into our SWPB framework, student management policies and Attitude and Effort reporting structure. Student Welfare: Warrnambool College has a student welfare structure which is based upon the organisation of students into six House Groupings. Each House has a House Leader supported by two Assistants. There is a strong focus on Pastoral Care. Our College Wellbeing centre encompasses our Wellbeing coordinator, Student Counsellors, `Big Life¿ program coordinator, School Nurse and Speech Pathologist who all play a vital role in caring for students at all year levels. Warrnambool College has a commitment to zero tolerance of child abuse and safety of children with a disability, from Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander backgrounds and students with diverse sexual and/or gender identification. Parent Involvement: The College prioritises communication with all families through a range of mediums including the online communication tool, Compass. Parents and guardians are encouraged to become involved in College activities and the education of their children in all areas of the curriculum. Opportunities exist for parents and guardians to contribute at the policy-making level via our College Council and its various sub-committees. Education Programs: In Years 7-10 students are able to participate in studies from all areas of VicCurric and where applicable the Australian Curriculum. At Year 7 there is a common curriculum which aims to develop the students' competence in literacy, numeracy, the arts and technology as a foundation for success in future studies. In Year 8 students participate in Elev8 which is an integrated subject of Humanities, English and Health, whilst beginning their elective journey in the technology, the arts and languages area. In Year 9 students participate in PhoenIX which has student centred inquiry-based learning at the heart of this innovative program. At Year 10 students enjoy an extensive program of semester units which provide diversity, challenge and the opportunity to pursue studies of particular individual interest. The VCE timetable aligns with Year 10 units allowing for advanced study if desired. Students are also able to participate in educational extension and enhancement programs in addition to their normal studies. Students interested in vocational education can opt into the vocational major stream, with the opt-in option of VET being included in their timetable. The College is accredited to teach the SEAL program and is a founding member of the academy of accredited SEAL schools. Students who enter this gifted and talented program must complete testing in Year 6. In Years 9 and 10 students are introduced to the broad range of services available from the Careers Centre and they are encouraged to use this facility in planning for future studies or in preparing for entry to the workforce. The College also has a select entry Sporting Pathways Program. Students enter this program via an application process and successful completion of peak fitness and physio testing. The SPP program runs from year 7-10. Student achievement at the VCE and VM level is outstanding at Warrnambool College. An extensive range of units are offered from mainstream academic studies through to Vocational Education and Training courses in areas such as Automotive, Building, Community Services, Engineering, Electro technology, Beauty, Plumbing, and Hospitality. Our College recognises the diverse needs and aspirations of senior students and offers a curriculum that maximises their opportunity for entry into further studies, apprenticeships or career paths. A thorough careers counselling process is a feature of our school¿s program which is aimed at meeting the specific needs of each VCE student. Student success at the VCE level is a major objective of our College. The School operates numerous specialist academies for students to participate in (sport, drama, music, arts, cooking). These academies train regularly and compete at both local and state level. Students are encouraged to participate in additional College activities which include sport, instrumental music, Performing Arts, public speaking and debating, academic competitions and student leadership amongst others. Opportunities are provided for students to participate in extension programs which include work experience, camps and international language and cultural tours. The achievements of our students in academic, sporting and cultural endeavours have been widely recognised at local, state and national levels. Warrnambool College has developed a range of strategies to promote engagement, positive behaviour and respectful relationships for all students in our school. We acknowledge that some students may need extra social, emotional or educational support at school, and that the needs of students will change over time as they grow and learn.