LOOKOUT Psychologist

A great opportunity exists to support students in OOHC through the role of the LOOKOUT Psychologist.

The role covers SWV and is based in one of the DE SWV Offices.

This role is fixed term for 13 months, 0.7 time fraction. 

The LOOKOUT Education Support Centre (LOOKOUT Centre) is a virtual setting that performs a critical advocacy, support and entitlement function by securing the rights and best outcomes for children and young people in out of home care within our existing educational system. The LOOKOUT Centre introduces a systemic response to fulfilling the State's legislative obligations to these children and young people. It will monitor and track student progress, particularly during placement changes, and ensure that children do not fall through the cracks but are provided with consistency and a positive focus on their educational progress.

The LOOKOUT Centre will:

* set educational outcome targets for each young person

* monitor and evaluate educational progress of every child in OoHC

* manage additional funding

* coordinate the child's Individual Education Plan

* help to evaluate the quality of educational provision accessed by young people

* build capacity of carers and social workers to support the child in education

* arrange one-to-one tuition for young people at risk of underachieving

LOOKOUT Psychologists are based in each LOOKOUT Centre to work within the multi-disciplinary teams across early childhood and school contexts. They focus on ensuring that evidence-based strategies are being employed within an educational context and settings to support the psychological needs of students in out-of-home care (OoHC). The LOOKOUT Psychologist:

• Builds the capabilities of schools and both internal and external partners to consider and better understand the relationship between trauma, mental health and wellbeing on the engagement and educational success of children and young people in OoHC.
• Delivers training, and advice and forms strategic working relationships to enhance the development of high quality Individual Education Plans, Educational Needs Analysis and Student Support Groups for student in OoHC.
• Provides advice and feedback to Student Support Services and external service providers on dimensions of quality Educational Needs Analysis practice consistent with the ENA guidelines and resources.
• Provides secondary consultations to other LOOKOUT staff members and regional and area team members on complex cases.
• Provides professional advice and support to build the capabilities of schools and early childhood services including Designated Teachers and Learning Mentors to meet the often complex emotional and psychological needs and barriers faced by children and young people in OoHC.
• Contributes to the development of policy and practice to improve education outcomes for children and young people in OoHC.

For more details regarding this position please see attached position descriptions.

The Department values diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Applications close 18 March, 2024.