Would you like to join the Foundation Staff of a Victorian Government Secondary School that opened in 2024, and is looking to expand in 2026?
Would you like the opportunity to do the following?
- Shape a brand-new school's culture
- Work in state-of-the-art facilities and resources
- Work in a collaborative and innovative environment
- Forge meaningful partnerships with parents, local businesses, and community organizations, creating a strong network of support for students and their education.
- Develop your leadership skills
- Play a vital role in the establishment and growth of a brand-new school
If you are, then Yarrabing Secondary College is looking for Education Support Staff to join the school.
About Us
Yarrabing Secondary College opened in Term 1 2024 and provides the growing local population with great educational opportunities close to home. It is able to enrol up to 550 students with the stage one facilities. In 2024 Yarrabing Secondary College opened to approximately 150 Year 7 students and will progressively grow by one year level thereafter. In 2026, the College has Year 7, Year 8 and Year 9 students only.
Yarrabing Secondary College is located 29 kilometres west of Melbourne in the suburb of Aintree. When fully established, the school will have 1200 students enrolled from Year 7 to 12 and 130 school staff members.
Our school grounds are close to planned parklands, sporting facilities, and we are surrounded by a supportive community. Most students that will attend our school live locally and would tend to walk or ride their bike to school.
Our school will be culturally diverse with 60% of students having a language background other than English (LOTE) spoken in the family home, with the largest LOTE languages being Hindi and Punjabi. We are proud of our diversity and our inclusive school community.
We strive to provide a nurturing and challenging environment that empowers students to reach their personal best, both academically and socially.
Our Vision
Our vision is to empower our students by developing well rounded, confident, and responsible individuals who have high expectations of themselves, and who aspire to achieve success through respect, responsibility, and collaboration.
Our Mission
Our mission is to be a safe, supportive environment that emphasizes motivation and self-discipline. Using 21st century approaches, we provide students with the means to achieve their potential and we challenge our students to grow academically, socially, culturally, and emotionally. Collaboration and positive relationships will underpin all our work.
Additional information can be found at: www.yarrabingsc.vic.edu.au
The successful applicant will play an instrumental role in the development and implementation of contemporary school processes to support the learning and wellbeing of all students across the school. This position is a fantastic opportunity for the right individual to help our school be the absolute best school it can be for students, staff and the wider school community as our school continues to grow and thrive over the years ahead.
As an Education Support Staff member you will contribute to the collaborative planning, implementation and evaluation of school processes and contribute to the school culture as a results-oriented collaborative professional learning community.
Education Support Staff will work collaboratively with colleagues and leadership to improve students educational outcomes and to ensure that the school remains on a path of continuous improvement through the application of evidenced-based research.
SC1 Demonstrated ability to work in a multi-faceted team, fostering effective relationships with external agencies and service providers and knowledge of a range of support services to children and families.
SC2 Demonstrated awareness and understanding of the issues encountered by children and the ability to work alongside and support those who are experiencing barriers to learning and getting along.
SC3 Demonstrated capacity for critical reflection and leadership in the Student Support Services area, providing excellent advice to the Principal.
SC4 Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills and an ability to maintain comprehensive confidential case notes, and an ability to build strong family relationships.
SC5 Substantial experience in the development and implementation of programs and strategies that foster resilience in children and address their social, emotional and educational needs.
SC6 Demonstrated ability to effectively navigate unexpected challenges, demonstrating flexibility and resilience in meeting the evolving needs and circumstances of the school environment. Demonstrated capacity to contribute to the culture of a school.
This is a unique opportunity for you to work in the initial development of school processes for a foundation secondary school, growing one year level each year from Year 7 in 2024 to Year 12 in 2029.
Given the school is in the second year of establishment, the teaching, learning and student support practices are based on the latest evidence-based research. The brand-new facilities support 21st century skills and these teaching and learning practices.
You will be supported by education support staff, teachers, and leaders in a highly collaborative workplace, with opportunities for professional development and career advancement
The school has a highly supportive leadership team with a culture of collaboration and innovation.
As a member of Staff, you will have input and play a vital role in the implementation of school processes within your area.
About You
We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled education support staff to contribute to the success of a high achieving secondary school. As a school we believe that by providing students with a greater level of wellbeing support they are most likely to experience improved academic outcomes. The ideal candidate should possess a range of characteristics that will contribute to the success of our students and uphold the school's commitment to excellence in education. Education Support Staff will be responsible for delivering support for the school staff and student learning environment.
Role
The Student Wellbeing Officer at Yarrabing Secondary College supports students with specific social and emotional needs to engage with school. An integral component of this role is to build strong engagement and support programs and maintain effective links with outside agencies. The Student Wellbeing Officer also contributes to the development of high-quality programs that promote wellbeing and engagement throughout the College.
The Student Wellbeing Officer is an integral part of the College¿s Student Support Services team and provides a wide range of support to students, staff, and families. The Student Wellbeing Officer liaises with Departmental, community and internal groups and agencies to provide support and advice to students, staff, and families. They must be able to relate to, and interact with a wide range of clients, service providers and Departmental staff while maintaining client confidentiality with the welfare of the students. The Student Wellbeing Officer is part of the Student Support Services Team, whose responsibility is to work co-operatively as part of the team, ensuring a productive, efficient workplace.
A professional image is the impact Yarrabing Secondary College is aiming to achieve at all times. Adhering to the College¿s dress code policy will be required. The College will follow a strict style guide for the development and publication of correspondence, to ensure a consistent presentation of all school documents. It is important the Student Wellbeing Officer operates in a consistent, professional, courteous, efficient manner at all times.
Student Support
- Provision of counselling to students as required and where appropriate
- Provide high quality case management and support to students including creation of confidential case notes
- Keep thorough and extensive case notes to create transparency and accountability.
- Crisis management
- Provision of referrals to other support agencies where necessary
- Liaise and consult with relevant external agencies as required, including scheduling allied health services and partnership agency visits
- Working with key stakeholders both within and beyond the college community to support students to achieve their personal and academic potential
- Communicate with staff regarding student wellbeing, health, and safety concerns in a timely manner
- Collect, analyse, and report data regarding wellbeing issues to the Assistant Principals
- Document plans for students with consideration to wellbeing and safety strategies
- Engage in reportable conduct duties and emergency management procedures
Wellbeing Programs & Intervention
- Provision of positive school programs that promote student and staff wellbeing
- Support the school and teachers in the development of educational programs, particularly in respect to students with additional needs.
- Work with the Assistant Principals and year level coordinators to support student's learning.
- Assist year level coordinators to identify students facing difficulties with attendance, behaviour, and engagement, and to develop interventions and strategies
- Liaise with coordinators & Principal Class to discuss appropriate referrals and support
- Implement group sessions to support students at risk such us resilience, friendship, and anxiety
- Deliver class based and whole year level targeted instruction to be proactively responding to contemporary issues (e.g., vaping, cybersafety)
- Collaborate with school staff, student support services and support agencies to develop and implement a range of programs and interventions with students and the school community that foster resilience, improve attendance, and respond to identified social, emotional and educational needs.
- Increase awareness, understanding and skills of staff in the school community in the area of student wellbeing as outlined in the Framework for Improving Student Outcomes (FISO 2.0) in Victorian Government Schools, particularly primary prevention and early intervention.
- Support of the Disability Inclusion Program.
- Contribute to the creation of Individual Education Plans (IEPs) as appropriate
- Contribute to Student Support Group meetings for students who are funded through DI, have school support plans or student profiles
- Represent the College in appropriate forums and network meetings.
- Assist in the transition of primary school students to secondary school with wellbeing concerns and Disability Inclusion students including transition profiles, parent meetings, and primary school visits
- Support whole school events (e.g., RU OK Day)
- Support the College's Breakfast and Lunch club programs
- Actively seek out funding opportunities to build programs
- Administer State Schools Relief (SSR) referrals and programs
Whole School Support
- Active membership of the Student Support Services Team in delivering improvement as outlined in the School Strategic Plan and Annual Implementation Plan.
- Work as a key member of the College's Student Support Services Team to ensure uniformity of action and purpose across the college in matters relating to student wellbeing.
- Contribute towards the College's student engagement and wellbeing policy
- Develop whole school understanding and implementation of effective wellbeing practices
- Work within the Wellbeing team to develop, implement and evaluate wellbeing programs, policies and processes that are consistent with the College's values and Department of Education policies and procedures
- Work within the Wellbeing team to create wellbeing policies including whole school preventions that develop an anti-bullying, positive mental health, and resilience culture
- Provide Professional Development and training to staff regarding wellbeing processes, guidelines, and response to needs
- Monitor and evaluate wellbeing programs and delivery
- Work collaboratively with the Principals, Year Level Co-ordinators, and the Wellbeing Team.
Other Duties
- At all times working to create a professional environment, which upholds and displays the schools values of high expectations, collaboration, respect, and responsibility.
- Assist the Principal Class Officers where required
- Undertake other duties relevant to the field of responsibility as requested by the College Executive
This position description describes in general terms the normal duties which the Education Support Student Wellbeing Officer is expected to undertake. However, the duties described may vary or be amended from time to time without changing the level of responsibility associated with the position.
Individuals with the aptitude, experience and/or qualifications to fulfill the specific requirements of the position.
The department is committed to diversity and inclusion and developing a workforce that is representative of the community we service. We value diversity and inclusion in all forms - culture, gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQA+, 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 safe, respectful and inclusive workplaces is essential to high performance and promotes flexible work and diversity across all schools and Department workplaces. It is our policy to provide reasonable adjustments for staff with disability (see Workplace adjustment guidelines).
Additional support and advice on the recruitment process is available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander candidates from the Koorie Outcomes Division (KOD) via [email protected]
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.
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 is a full time position, Monday to Friday, 8am to 4.06pm including a 30 minute unpaid lunch break.
Education Support Class positions include 50 days (pro rata) of annual and additional paid leave per year which is taken during the school holidays as per the Victorian Government Schools Agreement (VGSA).
Current Working with Children Check (WWCC) (employee) required or ability to obtain a WWCC
Applications must include:
- A cover letter providing contact information including home address, email and phone number.
- A CV with a summary of
- Your written responses to the Key Selection Criteria
- The names, email addresses and contact details for three referees.
For ease of handling by the school, all documents (cover letter, CV, and key selection criteria responses) can be saved as one pdf and uploaded to Recruitment on Line. Please also ensure that your name is included in the header of each document.
All applicants should ensure that their personal profile on Recruitment Online is up to date.
Applicants seeking further information about the school or this position, are encouraged to:
- Visit the Yarrabing Secondary College website at www.yarrabingsc.vic.edu.au
- Contact the Principal, Mr John Mitsinikos, prior to the closing date of applications on 03 7033 2444 or email [email protected]
- 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
