AddressCOLLEGE BACKGROUND
Mercedes College is a Catholic school for girls in Years 7 to 12 owned by the Sisters of Mercy. Situated in the heart of the City of Perth and part of the City’s heritage precinct, the College was the first foundation of the Sisters of Mercy in Australia and is the oldest girls’ school in Australia on the original site of foundation.
Since 1846 Mercedes College has demonstrated a commitment to the highest quality educational experience for girls from a diversity of cultures and backgrounds. We aim for excellence in a learning environment where students are encouraged to take ownership of their educational journey and persevere to achieve their personal best.
We are inviting applications for the following position from individuals who will bring expertise, enthusiasm, innovation and a commitment to the shared Vision of the College. It is essential applicants be prepared to support the ethos, values and mission of the College.
OVERVIEW OF THE POSITION
The College Psychologist plays a critical role in supporting the emotional, social, and academic development of students. They provide individualised and group counseling to address learning difficulties, behavioral issues, and mental health concerns, ensuring students can maximise their potential during their school years.
The role also collaborates closely with the Team for Inclusive Education to enhance learning outcomes for students with special needs and may conduct psychological testing to support educational planning and interventions.
In addition to counseling, the Psychologist adheres to the Australian Psychological Society’s Code of Ethics, ensuring confidentiality in all referrals unless there is a clear risk to the student or others. They work collaboratively with Deputy Principal of Pastoral Care, Heads of Years, Teachers and parents, to manage and support students with emotional and behavioral challenges.
The hours are Monday to Friday, 8.00am to 4.00pm, 40 weeks per year (term time only).
KEY DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES
Pastoral
- Advocate and support the ethos, Mercy values and mission of the College
- Promote and maintain Gospel values and the Catholic tradition among all sectors of the College, including students, staff and parents
- Ensure all undertakings are student focused
Key Duties
- Counselling and consultation on matters which affect the well-being and educational performance of students. This may include social, emotional and mental health issues
- Working closely with the Team for Inclusive Education in order to assist with learning outcomes for students with special needs. On occasion this may involve psychological testing
- Assist to identify, understand and manage students with emotional and behavioural challenges
- Implement and maintain appropriate strategies for assisting students at risk
- Assist in student safety plan case management
- Being involved in relevant policy formulation and revisions
- Being a member of the Pastoral Council Team
- Provide recommendations for support from external agencies and specialists as appropriate
- Liaise with parents regarding referral and ongoing management of their child
- Work to ensure ongoing collaboration between all key stakeholders in the management of students with emotional and behavioural challenges
Administration
- Maintain confidential, accurate and up-to-date records of contact with students, staff and parents
- Be familiar with the Child Safe Framework and its underpinning concepts
- Maintain student referrals database
- Organise student appointments
- Prepare reports for student files and external agencies to professional standards
- Maintain full registration with the Psychology Board of Western Australia and satisfy continuing professional development requirements
- Develop and extend professional skills and knowledge by attending related professional association meetings, conferences and in-service courses
Other
- Comply with the Mercy Education Limited Code of Conduct, management directives and approved policies and procedures
- Engage in the co-curricular life of the College
- Actively participate in the Work Health and Safety program at the College. This includes completing all Mercy Education Ltd modules within the time frame provided
- Assist in the coordination of and actively participate in various school functions
- Comply with the staff dress code at all times
- Attend events that maybe outside of school hours as required
- Any other duties as directed by the Principal or their delegate
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA
- Knowledge of and a preparation to support the ethos and mission of the College
- Appropriate professional qualifications
- Proficiency in counseling individuals on various student well-being matters, encompassing learning, social, emotional, and mental health concerns, along with expertise in risk management
- Exemplary interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to foster positive relationships with students, staff and parents
- Demonstrated ability to work autonomously and as part of a team
- A commitment to ongoing professional learning
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Mercy Education Limited is the Employer of all staff at Mercedes College and employment will be subject to the terms and conditions of The Roman Catholic Archbishop of Perth Non-Teaching Staff Enterprise Bargaining Agreement 2014 and the Catholic Education Commission of Western Australia Policy Statements and school based policy statements.
Support for the ethos and mission of the College as outlined in documents on our website: www.mercedes.wa.edu.au
The successful candidate will also require:
- A current Working with Children Check Card (WWC)
- A National Police Clearance (no older than 90 days)
- Accreditation to work in a Catholic School or preparedness to work towards it
- Undergo Mandatory Reporting training
- Undergo Staff Code of Conduct training
APPLICATIONS
Applicants must provide a covering letter addressing the essential criteria, a detailed curriculum vitae and the names of three referees, one of whom must be the current employer.
Please include all relevant documentation into one PDF document prior to submission.
Applications must be addressed to the Principal, Dr Lucie McCrory, and emailed to **********@mercedes.wa.edu.au by 9.00am Monday 4 June 2024.
We encourage you to apply as soon as possible as we reserve right to close this vacancy early.
Confidential queries about this position can be directed to Human Resources, at **********@mercedes.wa.edu.au
