Selection Criteria
Relevant tertiary qualifications aligned with Mental Health Practitioner requirements and meeting the relevant professional registration and/or membership standards for the applicable discipline. This includes qualifications in psychology, social work, mental health nursing, occupational therapy or counselling together with the appropriate accreditation, registration or association membership requirements (e.g. Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA), be eligible for the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), Australian Counselling Association (ACA) or Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA)).
Demonstrated experience supporting children, young people and families experiencing vulnerability, disadvantage, mental health and wellbeing challenges within school, youth or community settings including the ability to apply evidence-based, trauma-informed and strength-based approaches.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment, including strong organisational, problem-solving, conflict resolution and prioritisation skills, with the capacity to exercise sound judgement and maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, child safety and the wellbeing of all students, including knowledge of relevant Department of Education policies, procedures and Child Safe Standards.
Highly developed interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to build positive relationships with students, families, staff and external agencies, prepare accurate documentation and work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
Personal qualities of integrity, adaptability and resilience, with the ability to contribute positively to a collaborative and evolving school culture.
-
Acting as a warm, approachable first contact for students, ensuring a safe and inclusive experience.
-
Completing comprehensive intake, risk and safety assessments to support appropriate care planning.
-
Responding to disclosures of suicidal ideation, self-harm, and other safety concerns, by completing risk assessments, safety planning, coordinating referrals and providing follow-up. Ensuring all disclosures are reported appropriately by following the school's and DE policies for mandatory reporting.
-
Delivering individual brief interventions and small group work with students using evidence-based practices.
-
Providing guidance and practical support to students in connecting with appropriate external services such as Medicare, Centrelink, GPs, and other wellbeing and community supports. Advocating for students and working with and supporting teachers and key school staff in understanding student needs.
-
Developing workable strategies to support positive student engagement and well-being.
-
Assisting in mental health promotion and wellbeing across the school and support the development of social and emotional educational programs, such as Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships etc.
-
Reports to our school¿s Head of Wellbeing as well as our school¿s Assistant Principal for Student Wellbeing and the wider Principal Team.
-
Maintain clear, accurate and up-to-date professional notes on all interactions.
-
Active participation in weekly Wellbeing Team meetings providing guidance and feedback on students, programs and administrative work.
-
Administrative support within the Wellbeing Team, including, but not limited to, organising Wellbeing initiatives for year levels, booking wellbeing events and programs for students, organising and delivering transition activities, stocktaking and organising wellbeing supplies and food hampers for families.
-
Participation in all key school events and activities, e.g. Sports Carnivals, camps, and excursions as requested.
-
Supporting families by providing appropriate guidance, information, and referral pathways to support young people.
-
Work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary environment, contributing to team learning, shared decision-making, and positive client outcomes.
-
Respond effectively to critical incidents through the implementation of DET and school policies and procedures, e.g. Mandatory Reporting, Four Critical Actions for Schools, and Child Safe Standards.
-
Any other duties as requested by Leadership.
-
Successful applicant will be required to work across both Campuses.
Please see Role description for Responsibilities.
Required
-
Applicants must be qualified as a psychologist, social worker, mental health nurse, occupational therapist or counsellor of a prescribed class. Specifically:
-
For Psychologists, applicants must hold full registration with AHPRA
-
For Mental Health Nurses, applicants must hold full registration with AHPRA and hold a postgraduate qualification in mental health
-
For Social Workers, applicants must be eligible for membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers
-
For Occupational Therapists applicants must hold full registration with AHPRA
-
For Counsellors applicants must have completed a Bachelor or Master of Counselling and be a practising member of either the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) or the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA)
-
Demonstrated direct counselling experience
-
A current Working With Children Check.
Desirable
-
For Psychology applicants, specialisation in educational and/or developmental psychology.
-
For Mental Health Nurse applicants, holding a Mental Health Nurse Credential and membership with the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses.
-
For Social Work applicants, membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers and an Accredited Social Worker Trade Mark.
-
For Occupational Therapy applicants, a Better Access to Mental Health Endorsement.
-
For Counselling applicants, Level 3-4 registration (ACA) or a Registered Clinical Counsellor endorsement (PACFA).
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
-
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
Red Cliffs Secondary College is the only government secondary school in the Mildura area catering for students from Years 7 to 12 including the VCE and VCE-Vocational Major. We are committed to developing Resilient, Compassionate and Successful Citizens, our core values that guide all aspects of College life.
Our College fosters a cooperative and inclusive learning environment where every student is supported to become a confident, independent learner with a strong sense of self-worth and empathy for others. Through our focus on resilience, compassion and success we empower students to maximise learning growth, strengthen engagement and thrive in an ever-changing world as creative and critical thinkers.
We offer comprehensive and sequential programs across all key curriculum areas. Senior students are supported through a range of pathways, including university, TAFE, apprenticeships and employment. Vocational Education and Training (VET) programs are available both onsite and through external providers. Students also benefit from dedicated wellbeing and guidance staff including a Social Worker, Mental Health Practitioner and Careers Advisor ensuring personalised support for their academic, emotional and career development.
In 2024, the College proudly launched the district¿s first onsite Sports Academy featuring specialised AFL and basketball programs led by dedicated coaches. The Academy provides students with opportunities to build resilience, demonstrate teamwork and compassion and strive for personal success through skill development and leadership.
With modern facilities, expansive grounds and a strong sense of community, Red Cliffs Secondary College serves approximately 350 students and is supported by a team of 70 staff.
The College is also the auspicing school for FLO Connect, a Flexible Learning Option that supports the re-engagement of students across the Mildura region.
At Red Cliffs Secondary College, our commitment to developing Resilient, Compassionate and Successful Citizens ensures every learner is supported to achieve their full potential and contribute positively to their community.
