Directions Family Support jobs

Location Profile

St Helena Secondary College is a co-educational state secondary school of approx. 1500 students located in leafy Eltham North. St Helena is a recognised high demand school, a reflection of the high esteem in which it is held by the wider community.

The College is a vibrant learning institution with a progressive attitude to change. Our commitment to building teacher capacity has paved the way for a targeted approach to high quality instruction, and the integration of 21st century technology with our teaching and learning model. The College is warm and friendly with traditional values of respect, responsibility and personal best. It has one of the most extensive extra-curricular programs possible with musical bands, arts, performance and sporting opportunities. We have a very high retention rate, with a focus on providing pathways for all our students. Our mantra is ¿we educate the whole child¿, and we aim to develop resilient life-long learners who are able to contribute positively to society. A positive psychology framework and dedication to continuous improvement drives us all to live our motto 'Dare to be Excellent'. We benefit from the active involvement of a large number of parent and alumni volunteers, and see ourselves very much as a community.

Selection Criteria

SC1 Knowledge and relevant experience

Demonstrated capacity to undertake routine administrative and practical student support tasks under supervision, with an understanding of the needs of secondary school students. Relevant experience, training or current study in counselling, youth work, community services or a related field is desirable.

SC2 Communication

Demonstrated ability to communicate respectfully with students, families, staff and external services about clearly defined matters, accurately record information and refer enquiries beyond the role's authority.

SC3 Teamwork

Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively, follow directions, maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries, and comply with privacy, child safety and reporting requirements applicable to the role.

SC4 Professional learning

Demonstrated willingness to undertake induction and relevant training, seek guidance and apply feedback to improve administrative and student support practice.

Role

An education support class position at this range will perform tasks that are carried out in accordance with guidelines, accepted practice, and school policy under supervision and direction. This may include coordination of other education support class staff within the work area or educational program.

An education support class position supports the educational services being provided to students but must not include duties of a teacher as defined in clause 2.6.1 of the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 (Vic) or its successor. Supervision of students can be required individually or in groups up to 4 in controlled circumstances and where the responsibility for students remains clearly with a teacher.

Certification and/or qualifications of up to three years can be required at this level (noting that Registered Nurse is not included at this level, the first level for which is Level 1 range 3).

A role at this range may include:

• Specific support tasks to achieve outcomes. Typically, this will involve accountability for a single function, (e.g. ensuring data is properly maintained) or the co-ordination of a work area under the direction of the principal or a manager.
• Assisting teachers, within an educational program, by undertaking specific support tasks or the coordination of the support function.
• Supervised health and wellbeing support tasks, medical intervention support tasks, or other specialised student/teacher support roles (e.g. enrolled nurses performing the role as described in schedule 3). These roles require specific qualifications and/or training, including roles where further training must be undertaken from time to time. The role is for a specific purpose, for which there will be direct accountability as opposed to support roles that are carried out by a range of staff performing routine tasks under direction.
• Technical tasks that require a sound knowledge of basic technical and/or scientific principles that are used to develop and adapt work methods and make judgements where there are clear guidelines and limited options. Routine technical support in libraries, science, and information technology would be typical examples.

An education support class position at this range commencing at the base will initially be limited to undertaking routine tasks that are carried out under close supervision and direction. Work that carries some degree of independence will generally involve a limited number of tasks performed on a regular basis where priorities are clear, procedures are well established, and direction is readily available. Subject to any specific qualification and/or training requirement, an education support class employee employed in this range may be progressively required to undertake coordination, specialised student/teacher support tasks, or technical tasks as experience in the role is gained.

Responsibilities

Role and accountability

The Wellbeing Assistant & School Can't Officer provides administrative and practical support for student wellbeing, attendance and engagement under the supervision and direction of the Leading Teacher - Wellbeing.

The employee works collaboratively with staff, students, families and external services, following established school procedures and maintaining accurate and confidential records. Duties are consistent with Education Support Class Level 1, Range 2 and the position's allocated time fraction.

Student assessment, case management and decisions about interventions and referrals remain with responsible staff. Matters requiring specialist advice or decisions beyond the role are referred to the Leading Teacher ¿ Wellbeing or appropriately qualified staff. Any student supervision occurs within approved arrangements, with responsibility remaining with a teacher.

Responsibilities

• Provide administrative and practical assistance to the Wellbeing Team.
• Assist with attendance and engagement processes under the direction of the Leading Teacher - Wellbeing.
• Support communication and agreed follow-up with students, families, school staff and external services.
• Assist with organising Student Support Group and Care Team meetings.
• Assist with routine correspondence, reports and information sharing in accordance with school and Department requirements.
• Work collaboratively with relevant staff and undertake other support duties consistent with the position's classification, training and allocated hours.

Who May Apply

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

Diversity and Inclusion

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 marrung@education.vic.gov.au

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.

Child Safe Standards

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

DE Values

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

Other Information

Working days 3 days per fortnight - days negotiable. Hours 8.00am - 4.06pm Salary range FTE $63,959 - $81,911

Position Overview

St Helena Secondary College is seeking a compassionate and organised person to provide administrative and practical assistance to the Wellbeing Team, including support for students experiencing barriers to school attendance through the school's School Can't processes.

Working under the supervision and direction of the Leading Teacher - Wellbeing, the employee will maintain records, arrange appointments and meetings, undertake routine family communication and assist with clearly defined actions agreed by responsible staff. The position supports the delivery of wellbeing and attendance services within established procedures.

Relevant experience or current study in youth work, community services or a related field is desirable. The position does not provide professional counselling or therapeutic services.

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.

Conditions of Employment

• 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 https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal

Posted