Psychologist (Time Fraction / Start Date Negotiable)

Warragul and District Specialist School is situated in the regional town of Warragul in West Gippsland, an hour and a half east of Melbourne. The school has commenced the 2024 year with approximately 126 students aged between 5 and 18 years.  All students at the school have an intellectual disability with a large percentage having multiple disabilities including Autism, sensory and physical impairments and associated conditions.  Students travel to the school from a broad geographic area, including Drouin, Neerim District, Yannathan/Poowong, and Trafalgar.

At Warragul and District Specialist School we believe that all students can and will learn, and grow in self-esteem, through fostering a climate of care, dignity and respect, using consistent behaviour management strategies, deliberate positive reinforcement, and recognition of achievement. The school promotes a curriculum that develops skills that its graduates will utilize as adults.  We believe that graduates should be actively involved in work/further education, participate in managing their own homes, and are active participants in their own local community.

The whole school commitment to build teacher capacity and improve student learning outcomes is reflected in the key improvement strategies in the school¿s Strategic Plan which are:

• To improve student outcomes in Literacy and Numeracy.
• To improve student confidence and self-esteem across the school.
• To improve the readiness of students for post school life.
• To effectively manage school resources to cater for increasing enrolments and a diverse student population.

In 2018 the school reviewed its values in line with the School wide Positive Behaviour Supports initiative. All components of the school community were consulted coming up with 3 values.

• Be a Learner
• Be Safe
• Be Respectful

These values are strongly embedded into the school community and provide a framework from which the school community will continue to monitor expectations and norms across school programs, activities and events.

The school currently has achieved a Schoolwide Positive Behaviour Supports (SW-PBS) bronze award status

At Warragul & District Specialist School we believe in in the principles behind our school motto, "Celebrating Difference". Acknowledging and celebrating individual difference in all students and members of the school community.

1. Demonstrated knowledge and expertise in assessments, development of interventions and evaluation of programs for students, particularly those with disabilities.
2. Proven capacity to communicate and work effectively with children with disabilities, their families/carers, service providers and other key stakeholders to achieve successful outcomes in the delivery of psychological services.
3. Demonstrated ability to work in a multidisciplinary team to develop and implement support for students, families/carers and staff within a school community.
4. Demonstrated ability to provide expert consultation and training designed to build the capacity of a school community.
5. Knowledge of a broad range of services and resources available for the support of students with disabilities and their families/ carers.

• Provide professional assessment, counselling, interventions and support services to students within the parameters of school policy and guidelines.
• Conduct training and consultation to school colleagues within the professional field.
• Provide professional reports requiring in-depth factual analysis, including assessments and recommendations for consideration by others.
• Guide decisions on complex intervention strategies that may have significant consequences for students and their families.
• Provide expert advice to influence the strategic approach to student support and learning.
• Contribute to the delivery of a professional support service in a school, including the development of policy and operational practices that will guide the work of others, including teachers.

• Based on results of assessments and observations, utilise a team approach to support staff in developing appropriate goals and interventions designed to achieve successful learning outcomes and positive emotional wellbeing for students.
• Provide psychological support to staff and families/carers in the management of students with an intellectual disability who may exhibit severe behavioural and adjustment difficulties.
• Provide direct intervention and support to students with an intellectual disability through counselling, modelling and guidance, utilising creative methods and materials to support comprehension.
• Liaise with other professionals in the management of students and be proactive in identifying referral pathways for families and students to access additional services as required.

Mandatory Qualifications, skills and knowledge.

Working with Childrens Check is required prior to commencing employmnent.

A current Victorian Drivers Licence.

The Department of Education and Training 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.

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

Please Note: Days / hours are negociable.

School visits are available by appointment.
Address:  55 Burke St (PO BOX 959) WARRAGUL VIC 3820
Phone:  0356231***
EMAIL: ***************@education.vic.gov.au

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

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.

• 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