The role of the Department of Education is to support Victorians to build prosperous, socially engaged, happy and healthy lives. It does this by supporting lifelong learning and healthy development, strengthening families and helping to equip people with the skills and knowledge for a 21st century economy and society.

About the Group

Schools and Regional Services (SRS) offers central, regional, and local expertise to enhance learning and development outcomes, supported by a diverse and geographically dispersed workforce. It comprises 17 areas within 4 regions, backed by 5 central office divisions, all collaborating to deliver improved outcomes for early childhood services, schools, communities, and learners, in line with Education State commitments. SRS regions serve as a bridge between the central office, schools, and service providers, ensuring smooth transitions for learners and achieving the department's ambitious targets. Each region includes divisions specialising in school performance, student wellbeing and early childhood support, working with area-based teams to tailor local interventions and practices. The 17 areas provide crucial insights into local trends and issues, facilitating effective policy and program development and driving child and learner outcomes across all services and programs.

This role is located in the Mental Health Branch, Student Wellbeing and Engagement Division, SWVR Region, SRS. The newly established Regional Mental Health Team will support schools in all aspects of student mental health and wellbeing, including implementation of the Mental Health Practitioners initiative, the Schools Mental Health Fund and Menu, and the Mental Health in Primary Schools program. The team will also have a role in supporting the development of partnerships between Areas and schools with key stakeholders, including local mental health services.

About the Role

The Mental Health Coordinator will provide operational support to help ensure effective implementation, reporting and improvement of three mental health related initiatives across the region to facilitate their contribution to improving students' mental health and wellbeing, and increased engagement of students in school.

In particular, the Mental Health Coordinator will:

be a key regional point of contact on mental health issues in liaison with Regional Mental Health Managers and Central Office
provide data to central office on key indicators to inform the evaluation of key initiatives
support the development of guidance and resources to enable:
an integrated and consistent practice model across the Region (including coordination with Area teams and community mental health services)
the implementation of alternative delivery options for difficult to fill positions (e.g. clustering, sharing facilities, engaging external suppliers)
workforce planning (e.g. identification of opportunities for schools/services to work together)
assist in the coordination of:
professional supports for key workforces (e.g. MHPs) including Communities of Practice
regional responses and liaison with relevant services where appropriate.

This position will report to the Regional Mental Health Manager.

For more information, see the Mental Health in Schools policy on the Policy and Advisory Library.

The position may be located in any of the regional offices but will require travel across the region.

This is a fixed term - full time role till 26-NOV-2027.

Attributes

Can you demonstrate specialised expertise and knowledge in mental health, along with innovative thinking and strong problem-solving skills? You should be adept at navigating complex issues and addressing stakeholders' underlying needs to enhance school systems, practices, and procedures that support student mental well-being.

Your ability to collaborate effectively and maintain authentic relationships with peers and stakeholders, both informally and formally, will be crucial for achieving goals and driving continuous improvement.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential : Relevant tertiary qualification in mental health, education or related field.

Desirable: Experience working in youth and adolescent mental health.

The successful applicant will be required to provide a current Working With Children Check.

How to Apply

Applications should include a resume and covering letter that outlines the applicants' skills and experience against Key Selection Criteria in the position description. Maximum 2 pages (excluding CV).

Further Information

For more details regarding this position please see attached position description for the capabilities to address in application.

The department values 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 more information about our work, working for the Department, diversity and inclusion, and our employment conditions visit the Department website and our Diversity and Inclusion page

Applicants requiring adjustments can contact the nominated contact person.

Information about the Department of Education's operations and employment conditions can be located at www.education.vic.gov.au.

For further information pertaining to the role, please contact Laura Whitford via Laura.Whitford@education.vic.gov.au or 9059 4395 / 0499 648 298.

The successful candidate must be available to undertake regular travel within the area and region. A valid Victorian Driver Licence is required.

Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and may be subject to other pre-employment checks. Information provided to the Department of Education will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Please let us know via phone or email if you require any adjustments to ensure your full participation in the recruitment process or if you need the ad or any attachments in an accessible format (e.g large print) due to any viewing difficulties or other accessibility requirements.

Applications close 11:59pm on Monday 12th October 2026.