Role
1. 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
2. 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.
3. 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.
Responsibilities
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Planning and implementing evidence-based intervention strategies for students with complex needs including collaborating with families, other professionals and agencies when appropriate to effectlively manage risk.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Maintaining professional competence and continued professional development, including attending professional development activities throughout the year.
7. Meeting relevant policies and legislative requirements in relation to student health information, privacy and consent.
Who May Apply
Required
· Applicants must be qualified as a psychologist, social worker, mental health nurse or occupational therapist. 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
· Demonstrated direct counselling experience
· A current Working With Children Check.
Desirable
· 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.
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 ).
Additional support and advice on the recruitment process is available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islanders from the Koorie Outcomes Division (KOD) via
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:
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:
Conditions of Employment
This vacancy is specifically linked to Student Support Funding and is ongoing. If the funding reduces or ceases during the first seven years of employment, employment may cease subject to the provision of at least 12 weeks’ notice.
Location Profile
Delacombe Primary School is situated in the southwest corner of Ballarat and services a growing residential area. The school grounds are the envy of local schools and include adventure play equipment, sandpits, grassed areas, soccer and basketball courts and a full sized cricket/football oval that the school has use of during the day. In 2021 the school opened a competition sized basketball stadium which is equipped with a multipurpose room, change rooms and a kitchen. The current enrolments are currently at approximately 580 students across 27 classrooms and is in a growth corridor of Ballarat.
At Delacombe Primary School we are a community of learners working in a warm, positive, friendly and engaging environment where all members proudly display the values of:
KINDNESS
RESPECT
RESILIENCE
GROWTH
In order to produce happy, competent, resilient community minded individuals who are able to live productive lives.
Our Vision is:
A great place to grow, achieve and succeed together
We extend an open invitation to all potential candidates to explore our school firsthand. By visiting the school, you'll have the opportunity to acquaint yourself with our modernised facilities, meet our key leaders, and determine whether Delacombe PS aligns with your educational aspirations. Your journey towards a promising future starts here.
Educ ators at our school support our students to succeed and support their individual needs with:
· An explicit teaching Literacy and Numeracy program which Sounds Write, the Writing Model and Common Misunderstandings. The talented professional staff are committed and operate in strong Professional Learning Teams, each with responsibility for curriculum planning and delivery. The writing program is enhanced every year with the annual Writers Festival.
· There is a comprehensive Project Based Learning program over a two-year implementation period. This program is enhanced by camps, special days, excursions and a well-resourced library.
· An excellent Specialist Program is offered in Physical Education, Art, Chinese, Music and DigiTech. Information and Communication Technology is strongly resourced throughout the school with P-2 iPads and Grade 3-6 Chromebooks available in every class.
1. There are a significant number of children who qualify for the Disability Inclusion Program, and the teaching staff is supplemented by a team of Education
Support Officers who work directly with these students. The school is very proud of the strong reputation it has developed for its capacity to support students
with special needs
· An engaging Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden program that fosters a vibrant connection to delicious and healthy eating. The program commenced in 2012 and continues to provide a garden and cooking experience for all students with a focus on the paddock to plate process.
· Celebrated differences where we recognise and celebrate individuality through key initiatives such as our Multi-cultural club and School Concert.
· A proactive and supportive approach to teaching behaviours and fostering positive relationships through our SWPBS and clear expectations for every students through our Delacombe Express and strong support in our Wellbeing team.
· Dedicated activities that allow for staff and student interaction and festivities outside of the classroom. For example, our Colour Carnival, sport days, lunch clubs to name a few.
· Strong tutoring program available for students in all grade levels. This consists of a variety of evidence-based targeted intervention programs.
· Differentiated learning programs to support students at all levels of their learning.
· Student Voice and Agency opportunities such as JSC, School and House Captains
· Take a look at our school video from 2020:
We welcome our new staff by providing the following supports:
· Ongoing staff induction for all new staff where you receive support throughout the year through one on one coaching and team planning.
· Intensive support for VIT registration for all graduate teachers from their coach and Assistant Principal.
· Teaching and learning programs developed by staff collaboration using evidence-based practice .
· An active Staff Association with activities throughout the year promoting work-life balance.
· Learning Specialists provide ongoing support in team planning with our teaching and learning program and instructional model.
· Ongoing professional development and support through Sounds Write, The Writing Model and Common Misunderstandings
· Growth and leadership opportunities for Middle leaders : such as Quality Conversations at the Academy and Growth Coaching accreditation
The school recognises and receives outstanding support from its parent community on a variety of levels. A strong and committed School Council has played a significant role in policy and planning and the energetic Parents and Friends group organises a large number of successful projects annually. To ensure participation and involvement of the parent community, the school strives to provide an inclusive and welcoming learning environment.
We welcome all prospective applicants who share our school values to join our team.