Social Worker

Newcomb Secondary College provides a vibrant and modern education that has a future-focused curriculum and holistic student wellbeing support. Established in 1969, the college takes pride in its rich history and its commitment to creating positive pathways for young people in Geelong. The college takes its name from the surrounding suburb which is named after one of the area's earliest settlers, Caroline Newcomb. For over 50 years, Newcomb Secondary College has been creating positive pathways for young people in Geelong.

Newcomb Secondary College caters to approximately 500 students in Years 7 to 12, largely from Newcomb, Whittington, St Albans Park, East Geelong, South Geelong, Moolap, Leopold, and the rural areas of the Bellarine Peninsula. The school offers a broad range of individualised goals and meets student needs through well-resourced literacy and numeracy supports and an emphasis on student voice and career action plans. The college has an outstanding range of VCE, VCE-VM, VET subjects, as well as offering School-Based Apprenticeships that build successful individual pathways for students. The school's partnership with local tertiary institutions, the Gordon and Deakin University, ensures that students benefit greatly from well-developed and innovative programs.

Newcomb Secondary College is proud to have been the first Australian-based school to offer a P-Tech Program. This program enables students to participate in corporate partner-supported pathways to learning and employment within science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) related industries. Through a partnership with the Gordon TAFE and key members of the Geelong business community, the College ensures that its school leavers are equipped with the skills needed for success in the workforce of the 21st century.

The College is committed to students maximizing their personal growth through broad participation in a range of extra-curricular programs. Students develop confidence, teamwork, and leadership through their involvement with the extensive sports program, academic challenges, instrumental music tuition, and the renowned Music and Bike Tours providing Newcomb students the chance for students to build their resilience, which often result in the forging of lifelong friendships.

Newcomb Secondary College is dedicated to establishing a school environment that allows its students to grow and thrive intellectually, emotionally, and socially.  The college's open and light-filled learning spaces, along with its inclusive atmosphere, impress visitors. The recent redevelopment of the college has led to the refurbishment of math classrooms and music program areas, a state-of-the-art STEM space, and a 128-seat auditorium, contributing to an excellent learning and teaching environment. The college provides valuable opportunities for students to develop confidence in their leadership ability as they work cooperatively with others. Community volunteer programs enrich student development and projects that enable students to work in and with their community. Sport is encouraged at all levels.  Throughout the school year inter-house competitions are held to foster and encourage teamwork and enthusiasm across the College. Our sporting houses are also named after prominent citizens ¿ Harrison, Drysdale, Curlewis and Wills.

It is our belief at Newcomb Secondary College that students who enjoy (and aspire to have) rich and vibrant lifestyles, with access to holistic and proactive personal wellbeing supports, are the most likely to enjoy lasting success with their learning experiences and individual pathway outcomes. Providing this is how Newcomb Secondary College builds positive futures for all students. 

Selection Criteria

SC1 Demonstrated experience in addressing a range of student wellbeing needs, both through individual counselling and facilitation of small group therapeutic programs.

SC2 Understanding of the common approaches, policies, programs and research relating to student wellbeing

SC3 Demonstrated high level written and verbal communication skills and high level interpersonal skills including the capacity to construct positive relationships with staff, external agencies and parents as required.

SC4 Demonstrated experience in the development of confidential professional records and case notes

SC5 Demonstrated ongoing commitment to developing professional understanding and expertise in the area of student wellbeing

SC6 Suitable qualifications in social work or equivalent Social Workers must be eligible for Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) membership

Range 3 is distinguished by the introduction of management responsibility and accountability for the delivery of professional support services. The role will usually impact beyond the work area or professional field. It seeks to gain cooperation of other staff members or members of the school community to achieve specific objectives, such as in school administration, operations or educational programs.

Direction on targets and goals is provided but the position will have some degree of latitude in determining how they are achieved. This latitude will generally be limited by standard procedures and school policy.  Deviation from standard procedures and school policy will require guidance and direction from senior management.

The provision of business management responsibilities becomes a feature at range 3.  Management of staff to achieve the expected outcomes is a key responsibility.  Staff management issues will be resolved with minimal reference to senior management, although guidance will be required in more complex cases.  Senior management will be provided with timely reports and advice, although this will generally be confined to matters relating to the immediate work area, service provision or educational program and is unlikely to impact substantially on whole of school operations.

This is the minimum range for positions that carry a mandatory qualification requirement of not less than four years.  Professional student support positions become a feature at range 3 (e.g. therapists, psychologists) where standard professional services are delivered.  Professional support and guidance will be close at hand and deviation from standard procedures and school policy will require guidance and direction from senior management.

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 employee's position or involves supervision of students individually or in small groups, in controlled circumstances, where the responsibility for students remains clearly with a teacher.

• Facilitation and development of small group work with students
• Provide counselling for students dealing with emotional, social and behavioural issues/concerns.
• Work with other Department areas ( including  Secondary School Nurses, Mental Health Practitioner, SSS) and external service providers where necessary to provide intervention and /or support to students and families
• Manage crisis situations as they arise
• Collaborate with other school staff in creating individual education support plans, attendance at student support group meeting and disciplinary meetings at the school
• Liaise with the Student Services team to ensure a consistent and agreed approach to the delivery of support services
• Liaise and consult with the Student Support Teams to assist the implementation of whole school approaches
• Liaise with families and carers regarding student wellbeing needs
• Work with and support teachers and key school staff in understanding student needs
• Completion of confidential professional records and case notes
• Support the process of transition for students coming from primary school and other year levels to Newcomb Secondary College
• Assist in mental health promotion and wellbeing across the school
• Administrative support within the Wellbeing Team
• Participation in all key school events and activities, e.g. Sports Carnivals, camps, excursions as requested
• Undertake other duties as determined appropriate by the Wellbeing Leader and Principal.
• Report to our school¿s Wellbeing Leader, as well as our school¿s Principal Team
•  

Qualifications Required:

• Suitable qualifications in social work or equivalent Social Workers must be eligible for Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) membership.
• Relevant experience to the role
•  Working with Children Check

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

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 Workplace adjustment guidelines).

Additional support and advice on the recruitment process is available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islanders from the Koorie Outcomes Division (KOD) via *******@education.vic.gov.au

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:

 https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/child-safe-standards/policy

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:

 https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/values-department-vps-school-employees/overview

• 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