Student Wellbeing Support - 1 day/wk

1. Ability to implement a range of individual, small group and whole-school mental health prevention and promotion activities aimed at improving student mental health and wellbeing. This may include however is not limited to the delivery of capacity building for staff and/or students on key mental health and wellbeing initiatives and supports.
2. Demonstrated ability to effectively contribute to the development, implementation and evaluation of processes and strategies aimed at enhancing mental health and wellbeing prevention, promotion and early intervention.
3. Highly developed communication, networking and interpersonal skills including the ability to liaise effectively with a wide range of people including students, staff and families.
4. Demonstrated capacity to maintain professional competence and continued professional learning, including attending professional development activities throughout the year as required.
5. Demonstrated capacity to work collaboratively with key school staff to contribute to policy and operational practices that will guide the work of others, including other school staff and teachers.

[Attendance requirement for this position]

Successful applicant will work onsite, one day per week. Specific day will be negotiated between successful applicant and Principal. 

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.

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Part-Time Well-being Worker to join our team at Newtown Primary School. This position plays a crucial role in supporting the well-being and mental health of our students, fostering a positive and nurturing school environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provide one-on-one and group support sessions to students who may be experiencing emotional or behavioural challenges.

2. Collaborate with teachers, parents, and other school staff to identify students in need of well-being support and develop personalised intervention plans.

3. Implement evidence-based strategies and interventions to promote positive mental health and well-being among students.

4. Conduct assessments and evaluations to monitor the progress of students receiving well-being support and adjust interventions as needed.

5. Organise and facilitate workshops, presentations, and events focused on topics related to mental health, resilience, and emotional regulation for students, parents, and staff.

6. Serve as a resource and point of contact for students and families seeking information and support related to mental health and well-being.

7. Maintain accurate and confidential records of student interactions, progress, and intervention plans in compliance with school policies and regulations.

8. Stay informed about current research, trends, and best practices in the field of child and adolescent mental health to continuously improve support services.

9. Collaborate with community organisations and mental health professionals to provide additional resources and support for students and families when needed.

10. Participate in regular supervision meetings, training sessions, and professional development opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge in supporting student well-being.

• Supports the first aid facilities and assists in delivering first aid to students
• Undertakes administrative procedures associated with:
  • delivery of various health, counselling, wellbeing and therapeutic services to a school(s)
  • health assessments
  • delivery of health and wellbeing education and promotion programs in collaboration with school community
  • provision of follow-up service for students
  • medical alerts and specific medical conditions

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

Other preferred requirements for this position include:

1. Previous experience working with children and adolescents in a school or mental health setting.

2. Knowledge of child development, behavioural health theories, and evidence-based interventions.

3. Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build rapport and establish trusting relationships with students, families, and staff.

4. Empathy, patience, and sensitivity to the diverse needs and backgrounds of students and families.

5. Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.

6. Flexibility and adaptability to respond effectively to changing priorities and emergent situations.

7. Proficiency in using technology and digital tools for documentation and communication.

8. Commitment to promoting a safe, inclusive, and supportive school environment for all students.

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

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 who are able to attest to the claims made in your application.

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