Student Wellbeing and Support

Simpson Primary School is set on 17 hectares of bushland and open grounds in rural South West Victoria. Established in 1972, Simpson Primary School has a proud history of providing high quality education for its community within a safe and caring environment of community spirit.

The school values are: At Simpson we C.A.R.E.  Cooperation, Accepting, Respectful and Excellence are the values within the C.A.R.E. acronym. Our motto of "Enriching learning through opportunity" guides our daily core business as we strive to provide high quality education in a positive, supportive environment enabling all students to achieve their potential.

Simpson Primary School is an active member of a `Cluster¿ of Small Schools and together we strive to offer our collective students all of the opportunities afforded to children in larger schools. Our 57 students are largely bussed into the school from surrounding dairy farms with approximately 20% residing in the Simpson township.

Our staff strive towards engaging our students in an education that is relevant to the 21st century. Our school is striving to develop a culture that provides quality learning opportunities with a focus on ensuring that all members of the school community develop as the best version of themselves possible. Our program follows the Victorian Curriculum and includes specialist teaching for Science, Physical Education, Auslan, MACC Art and MARC Library.

Personalised teaching in Literacy and Numeracy is assisted with Individual Education Plans (IEP¿s) and the school¿s curriculum framework incorporates the eight learning areas required by the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 aligned with the Victorian Curriculum. Our commitment to accelerating learning growth is evident through the use of data and precise teaching to differentiate learning.

The culture of Professional Learning Communities is embedded in our practice. These communities develop teacher capacity through professional learning, ensure quality teaching and learning practices throughout the school, monitor student achievement, purchase and maintain resources and foster strong links between the school and the parent community.

Simpson Primary School has an adjacent kindergarten facility on-site. This offers our students a unique inclusive learning environment that reflects individual student strengths, needs and interests.

SC1        Outstanding short-term counselling and relationship building skills with staff, students, parents and the broader school community.

SC2        A proven capacity to work within the school environment and an ability to liaise with outside agencies.

SC3        A proven capacity to provide high quality and needs based professional development to staff and other school community members.

SC4        An ability to provide wellbeing support and specific programs within the classroom environment to foster a safe, inclusive and Supportive learning environment.

SC5        Demonstrated excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to communicate effectively with students, parents and staff.

SC6        A capacity to work closely with key staff members whilst adhering to department guidelines and school-based protocols.

The roles and responsibilities of NSWP Student Wellbeing officers could include:

·                 supporting student attendance, engagement and wellbeing

·                 supporting students in difficult or challenging situations such as during times of grief

·                 providing students with referrals to specialist services when required

·                 providing guidance to students about values and ethical matters

·                 supporting physical, emotional, social and intellectual development and wellbeing of all students

·                 supporting an environment of cooperation and respecting a diversity of cultures and traditions

Demonstrated understanding and implementation of evidence-based practice approaches and techniques which support the Wellbeing and engagement of those associated with our learning community, including students, parents/carers, staff and external agencies. Other responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Meet regularly with school staff to update and consult on student information and wellbeing programs.
• Provide information to parents on appropriate services and Supports and assist families with referrals to external agencies.
• Provide advice to staff on any wellbeing concerns within their classroom.
• Act as liaison between school and home environment as required.
• Attend Professional Development relevant to enhancing wellbeing support.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships and networks with local agencies.
• Maintain accurate student files and case notes.
• Other relevant duties as directed by the Principal or her delegate.
• Maintain and Support the development of wellbeing programs and initiatives within the school in partnership with teaching staff.
• Work directly with students (1:1 and small group settings) on wellbeing matters.
• Regularly liaise with the Principal on wellbeing matters.
• Communicate effectively with and Support the school community with regard to proactive wellbeing support.

Student Wellbeing Officers must hold a Certificate IV equivalent or higher qualification that includes competencies in:

• mental health and making appropriate referrals, and
• providing pastoral care or working with youth.

Qualifications in the Community Services Training Package that meet these requirements are:

• Certificate IV in Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care (CHC42315)
• Certificate IV in Community Services (CHC42015)
• Certificate IV in Mental Health (CHC43315)
• Certificate IV in Youth Justice (CHC40513)
• Certificate IV in Youth Work (CHC40413).

Information on training providers for these courses can be found at www.training.gov.au.

All student wellbeing officers must hold a valid employee working with children clearance.

Student wellbeing officers must comply with the school's child safety screening requirements.

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

This vacancy is specifically linked to Student Support Funding and is ongoing. If the funding reduces or ceases during the first seven years of employment, employment may cease subject to the provision of at least 12 weeks’ notice.