Careers Practitioner

Job Description Location: Western Region | Ballarat
Job type: Part time / From 07/10/2024 - 26/01/2026
Organisation: Schools (Government)
Salary: Salary not specified
Occupation: Education and Training
Reference: 1439624
Location Profile Mount Clear College is nestled into an idyllic bush setting on the edge of the Woowookarung Regional Park, 6 kilometres from the centre of Ballarat. Our College is a Year 7 to 12 co-educational College and we are renowned for, and proud of, our ability to maintain the friendly, caring approach of a small school, despite our student numbers being over 1000.
The essence of the Colleges philosophy is to provide educational opportunities of the highest quality, where each student is challenged to achieve individual excellence to pursue their chosen pathway. College resources include a highly experienced and dedicated staff who promote quality teaching and learning within a secure safe learning community.
Mount Clear College is an exciting place to work and offers incredible opportunities and cultural diversity for both our students and our staff. Our College has a number of established relationships with sister-schools in Vietnam, Finland, China, Japan and Gallipoli, providing staff and students opportunities for international experiences. Mount Clear College¿s purpose-built Language Centre is the Hub of LOTE and cultural programs and includes Australia¿s first Confucius Classroom.
Our College has one of only six Specialist STEM Centres in Victoria - our Earth Ed Centre. With an aim to inspire and engage the next generation of students and teachers, Earth Ed brings STEM education to life. We provide innovative learning programs that encompass new and emerging scientific thinking, state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge technologies. Students are able to engage with real-world STEM applications, see science, technology, engineering and mathematics at work and imagine a future where they are creating the solutions to 21st century challenges.
Our Colleges outstanding Performing Arts program is highly regarded both within Victoria and also internationally. Our vibrant and innovate program includes Music, Singing, Dance and Drama, as well as many combinations of these disciplines, and we utilise the Musical Futures Program within the classrooms. Students are involved in Performing Arts from Year 7 and can pursue their performing arts pathway by continuing through VCE and VET in their senior schooling. Students are provided numerous opportunities to participate in the Performing Arts outside of their curriculum, including our annual School Production (Musical), the Victorian State School Spectacular, Dance clubs, plus a wide variety of Music ensembles. We are very proud of our Performing Arts students and their accomplishments both whilst at secondary school and their achievements after leaving our College.
Our modern buildings and facilities, including our state-of-the-art Technology Centre, refurbished 300 seat Theatre, Visual Arts and Science Hubs, and Senior and Junior Student Study Centres create an innovative and dynamic learning areas for our students and staff.
Mount Clear College is committed to being a `Child Safe¿ school with and expectation that all staff commit to our Child Safe policy and Child Safe Code of Conduct. Appropriate rigorous reference and background checking will be undertaken for this selection process, including a Working with Children Check and police record and identity check. We are committed to commitment to the safety, participation and empowerment of all children. We are also committed to meeting the needs of all students, including those with a disability, our indigenous students and children from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Selection Criteria KSC1: Demonstrated high-level organisational, time management, and planning skills, and the capacity to develop procedures and guidelines relating to the work area consistent with school and Education Department policies, procedures, and guidelines, relevant to this role.
Proven ability to manage competing priorities, deadlines, and responsibilities in a school setting, ensuring the efficient delivery of career education services. Experience in developing and refining procedures that align with Education Department policies, ensuring compliance while adapting to the unique needs of the school community. Strong planning skills, particularly in organising school-wide career programs, information sessions, and events that support student career development. KSC2: Demonstrated capacity to effectively promote, plan, and implement a careers education in a whole-school context, and to provide individual career planning advice, guidance, and opportunities to ensure students can make informed decisions regarding their pathways.
Experience in designing and leading careers education programs that integrate into the broader school curriculum, ensuring all students have access to relevant and timely career advice. Proven capacity to engage students of varying interests and academic levels, helping them explore and map out future pathways, including VET, tertiary education, apprenticeships, and employment. Skilled in delivering one-on-one career counselling, guiding students through the development of individualised Careers Action Plans, ensuring alignment with their personal goals and the latest labour market trends. KSC3: Demonstrated high-level written and verbal communication skills and interpersonal skills, including the capacity to develop positive relationships with students, parents, staff, and key stakeholders.
Strong interpersonal skills, with a history of fostering supportive and professional relationships with students, parents, teachers, and external partners such as industry representatives and tertiary institutions. Experience in establishing partnerships with employers, training providers, and universities to expand career opportunities and work experience placements for students. Proven ability to communicate effectively in both written and verbal forms, including delivering presentations, writing reports, maintaining accurate student records and discussions and facilitating workshops on career-related topics. KSC4: Demonstrated digital literacy, including the use of office systems, software, and technical equipment to administer and maintain detailed, accurate records and documentation, including platforms to inform and promote the career education program.
High-level proficiency in using career management platforms (such as Compass, Career Tools) to track student career development and maintain accurate documentation. Experience in using digital platforms and social media to promote career education programs, share resources, and engage students in career-related activities. Skilled in using data systems and software (e.g., Microsoft Office, Google Workspace) for scheduling, record-keeping, and analysing student engagement in career services. KSC5: Demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement of self and commitment to professional learning and growth for both self and others.
Active involvement in professional learning and development, including attending workshops, conferences, and participating in career practitioner networks to stay informed of trends in career education. Commitment to fostering a culture of learning within the school by sharing knowledge, mentoring colleagues, and encouraging best practices in career education. A reflective practitioner who seeks feedback and continually evaluates and enhances career programs to ensure they meet the evolving needs of students and the wider educational context. Role Position Overview Career Education is a core activity at Mount Clear College, essential to students' learning, wellbeing, and future success. The Career Practitioner plays a pivotal role in supporting students' engagement and motivation, empowering them to make informed decisions, and building their confidence about the future. This role requires the Career Practitioner to use evidence-based career education strategies to ensure that all young people finish school equipped with the skills, knowledge, and direction they need for a lifetime of work and learning.
Key Aims of the Career Practitioner: 1. Empower Students to Make Informed Decisions: Guide students in understanding their strengths, interests, and career options, enabling them to make informed decisions about their future education and career paths.
2. Support Effective Pathway Planning: Work closely with students from Years 7 to 12 to help them plan their educational and career pathways, ensuring that each student has a clear and achievable plan that aligns with their goals and aspirations.
3. Collaborate with School Leadership and Staff: Implement and integrate whole-school career education strategies in collaboration with school leadership, teachers, and support staff to create a cohesive and supportive environment for students' career development.
Desirable: Graduate Certificate in Career Development Practice or equivalent; or working towards attainment of this qualification. Responsibilities Key Responsibilities: The Career Practitioner will work in partnership with other Career Practitioners, Student Services Coordinator, Assistant Principals, Year Level Coordinators, VCE/VM and VPC Coordinator, Student Wellbeing team to implement a careers and VET program in accordance with Department of Education Guidelines. 1. Provide Evidence-Based Career Guidance: Utilise current research and evidence-based practices in career education to inform the guidance and support provided to students. Stay updated on labour market information, industry developments, and educational pathways to provide accurate and relevant information. Coordinate Morrisby profiling as a career assessment tools to help students identify their strengths, interests, and potential career paths. Be a key member of Education Career Networks to remain up to date and share ideas and information. 2. Facilitate Individualised Pathway Planning: Conduct one-on-one career counselling sessions with students to develop personalised educational and career action plans. Attend Student Support Group Meetings to support student¿s pathway planning as required. Assist students in setting realistic and achievable career goals and provide ongoing support to help them achieve these. Work with students to identify and overcome barriers to achieving career goals. Provide information to support their career goals including VTAC, SEAS, how to access apprenticeships, scholarship applications. 3. Coordinate Career Education Programs: Develop, implement, and evaluate career education programs and activities that align with whole school goals and priorities. Organise and or facilitate workshops, and information sessions on topics such as resume writing, job search strategies, and interview preparation including higher education, scholarships, subject selection, career information and tertiary entrance. Coordinate and support students to engage in work experience placements, and other career exploration opportunities including taster programs. 4. Collaborate with Key Stakeholders: Work closely with school leadership, teachers, and support staff to integrate career education into the school curriculum. Engage with parents, guardians, and community members to support students' career development and planning. Build and maintain relationships with local businesses, industry representatives, and higher education institutions to create opportunities for students. Develop networks and partnerships with the VET Cluster, RTO providers and community agencies to provide access to all available opportunities. 5. Build and Develop Resources Maintain up to date resources within the career centre. Use Digital platforms and social media to promote career education programs, share resources and engage students in career related activities. Promote and share information via social media platforms and career tools to students, families and staff. 6. Monitor and Evaluate Career Education Outcomes: Maintain an up-to-date records of career discussions and pathway planning. Track and assess the effectiveness of career education programs and interventions through data collection and analysis. Use feedback from students, teachers, and other stakeholders to continuously improve career education services. Coordinate the collection and reporting of destination data for students who exit. Who May Apply Individuals with the aptitude, experience and/or qualifications to fulfill the specific requirements of the position.
EEO AND OHS Commitment 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
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:
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:
pal/values-department-vps-school-employees/overview
Other Information Enquiries regarding the position can be directed to the Student Services Coordinator, Fionna Wooller on . Applications must include: 1. A specific response to all the key selection criteria 2. A CV including the names of three referees and contact numbers should be included in the application 3. Applications must be submitted, AS ONE DOCUMENT, via Recruitment Online.
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 #J-18808-Ljbffr