Psychologist - 0.6

McKinnon Secondary College is a Year 7 to 12 co-educational school with a student population of over 2700. The College was founded in 1954 in the south-eastern Melbourne suburb of McKinnon. The main campus on McKinnon Road caters to Years 7, 10, 11 and 12. In 2022, a second campus was opened at the nearby Virginia Park site off East Boundary Road dedicated to Years 8 and 9. 

McKinnon Secondary College is an accredited school with the Council of International Schools and strives to prepare its students to thrive in a world which values interpersonal skills as much as academic excellence. McKinnon does not believe in a `one size fits all' education and offers a positive, caring and safe learning environment in which all students can achieve success through its comprehensive and differentiated curriculum, and an extensive extra-curricular program.

McKinnon Secondary College lives by its motto `Wisdom and Service' by actively promoting a culture that celebrates the achievement of excellence, that values and respects individual diversity and that encourages participation by all members of the community. Students at McKinnon are very conscious of the opportunities being offered to them and take pride in themselves and the College. Student voice is valued at the College as is student welfare. Mindfulness is factored into the daily routine with positive benefits. Student achievements are formally recognised and celebrated in College publications, at whole school assemblies, on the school's website and at the annual Presentation Assembly.

The College's positive culture, high expectations and rigorous teaching and learning program have consistently translated into excellent VCE results.  These factors have maximised tertiary educational opportunities with over 95% of our students going on to study at university.  In addition, VCAL provides an applied learning pathway for students. Aside from a reputation for academic excellence, McKinnon also has well-regarded art, music and sporting programs, as well as an impressive array of extra-curricular offerings. Our students regularly participate in community events and festivals, and represent the school at regional, state and national level. The richness of the College program allows students to flourish as they pursue their particular interests and goals.

McKinnon Secondary College values the unique contributions graduate teachers bring to the learning experience, whilst recognising the period of adjustment these teachers face when entering this dynamic profession. In recognition of this, McKinnon employs two Learning Specialist Coaches, dedicated to supporting the needs of graduate teachers.

These Learning Specialist Coaches support graduate teachers through scheduled coaching sessions, classroom observations and assistance through the VIT registration process. This provides a safe space for these educators to learn from, and receive targeted feedback from experienced specialist teachers, accelerating their development toward dynamic, effective and confident teaching professionals.

McKinnon has established itself as an IT leader in the education space, being recognised as Australia's first Google Reference School. IT has become central to the school's learning programs and administration. With the opening of the new campus the school is further investing in STEAM-focused technologies.

The College has always relied on the commitment of its parent body through which the school council has provided support for teaching programs and facilities. With the addition of the new East Campus and the construction of the impressive new gymnasium at the Main Campus, the College has high-quality sporting facilities, a Lecture Theatre, and attractive ground spaces for students to socialise and be active.

The McKinnon school community is determined to meet the challenges of the modern world with a continuing commitment to our core values.

No additional attendance is required during the school holidays.

Range 4 is distinguished by broader management responsibility, particularly in the areas of finance, human resource and other support functions.  Range 4 is responsible for managing a range of functions under a wide range of conditions, subject to the size and complexity of school operations. 

Objectives will, generally, be clearly defined; guidelines will be broad and day-to-day direction minimal.  Management responsibility extends to ensuring appropriate support levels are maintained across the school.  Range 4 generally provides key support and timely advice to the leadership team and school council and liaises with the general school community, the Department and other government agencies and service providers.

Specialised professional roles will carry a high level of independence and accountability where suitable scope is provided to achieve objectives.

An education support class position supports the educational services being provided to students, but must not include duties of teaching as defined in clause 2.6.1 of the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 (Vic) or its successor.  Supervision of students cannot be required except where it is an integral part of the employees position or involves supervision of students individually or in small groups, in controlled circumstances, where the responsibility for students remains clearly with a teacher.

- Providing counselling and support primarily to students with complex needs, learning difficulties, behavioural problems, and mental health issues, as a member of the Student Wellbeing Team, a multidisciplinary team.
- Conducting individual and/or group counselling sessions with students to aid in enhancing their ability to self-manage their social, emotional, and educational needs.
- Consulting with parents and relevant stakeholders concerning students' wellbeing.
- Administering psychometric tests to inform psychological evaluations.
- Creating psychological reports and recommendations to direct Student Support Group (SSG) meetings, Individual Education Plans (IEPs), and teaching staff, with the aim of enhancing academic outcomes and student wellbeing.
- Assisting staff in implementing interventions and strategies to support students facing difficulties.
- Developing Behaviour Support Plans (BSPs) when required.
- Referring students to suitable external services for additional support.
- Collecting, analysing, and reporting data on wellbeing issues.
- Collaborating with the College's Head of Wellbeing, Head of Year Levels, Principal Team, Inclusive Education Team, Student Managers, and staff to enhance student learning, engagement, and wellbeing.
- Providing information, guidance, and support to parents and students upon request, promoting a collaborative approach that values family involvement in student wellbeing and success.
- Maintaining confidential records of referrals, student information, and detailed case management notes.
 

Individuals with the aptitude, experience and/or qualifications to fulfill the specific requirements of the position.

The Department values diversity and is committed to workforce diversity and equal opportunity in schools and all education workplaces. 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.

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 http://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/programs/health/protect/Pages/childsafestandards.aspx

The Department’s employees commit to upholding DET’s Values: Responsiveness, Integrity, Impartiality, Accountability, Respect, Leadership and Human Rights. DET’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 DET values is available at http://www.education.vic.gov.au/hrweb/workm/Pages/Public-Sector-Values.aspx

• Applications must include a current CV with at least 3 referees. All selection criteria must also be addressed.

• 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