Mental Health Practitioner

Location: Melbourne | Southern Metropolitan
Job type: Part time / From 28/01/2025 - 19/12/2026
Organisation: Schools (Government)
Salary: Salary not specified
Occupation: Health and Allied Health
Reference: 1457909
Location ProfileAre you seeking a dynamic educational environment where innovation meets impact, and where your contributions make a lasting difference in the lives of young people? At Peninsula Specialist College, we are more than just educators; we are changemakers dedicated to shaping brighter futures.
At Peninsula Specialist College, we pride ourselves on our innovative approach to education, which combines the best practices with evidence-based therapeutic interventions. We are committed to creating a learning environment that is tailored to each student's unique needs and fosters creativity, resilience, and academic success. This is a place where your ideas can flourish, where collaboration is valued, and where your efforts directly contribute to the achievement of our students.
Make a Lasting Impact Imagine being part of a school where every day presents opportunities to make a profound difference. At Peninsula Specialist College, our commitment to personalised learning ensures that you will play a pivotal role in helping students build confidence, develop positive relationships, and achieve their full potential. Whether you are an educator, therapist, or support staff member, your work here will have a meaningful and enduring impact on the lives of our students.
Collaborative and Supportive Environment We believe that a supportive and enjoyable work environment is key to fostering innovation and success. At Peninsula Specialist College, you will be part of a vibrant, collaborative community that values creativity, forward-thinking, and a positive approach to education. We strive to make learning an engaging and rewarding experience, not only for our students but also for our staff.
Opportunities for Professional Growth Peninsula Specialist College is a place where you can grow professionally while contributing to educational innovation. We encourage our staff to explore new initiatives, develop cutting-edge teaching methods, and continuously expand their skills. Here, you will find ample opportunities for professional development, empowering you to turn your passion into impactful practice.
Be a Catalyst for Change At Peninsula Specialist College, your work goes beyond the classroom. You will be a catalyst for change, helping our students overcome challenges and achieve their aspirations. If you are motivated by the desire to make a positive and lasting impact, this is the environment where your efforts will truly matter.
Join Us in Transforming Education We are seeking dedicated professionals who are excited about the opportunity to contribute to an innovative and dynamic educational environment. If you are ready to bring your expertise, creativity, and commitment to a place where you can make a real difference, Peninsula Specialist College is the perfect fit for you.
Embark on a fulfilling and impactful career with Peninsula Specialist College, where innovation drives education and every day is an opportunity to inspire and be inspired. Apply today and become part of a team that is dedicated to transforming the lives of young people through education.
Selection CriteriaDemonstrated high level knowledge of relevant policy context, evidence-based approaches, programs and research relating to child and adolescent health and development.A demonstrated capacity to effectively implement and manage intervention strategies that address advanced and complex cases including critical incidents and those involving cross-profession or agency collaboration.Demonstrated high level organisational, communication and inter-personal skills including the ability to work effectively with children and young people, parents/carers and teachers as well as professionals in the education and health systems.Demonstrated capacity to successfully develop, lead and manage programs that meet the identified needs of vulnerable students and parents/carers.A demonstrated capacity to deliver professional learning to teachers and a commitment to ongoing professional learning in order to enhance student wellbeing in a school setting.RoleRange 4 is distinguished by broader management responsibility, particularly in the areas of finance, human resource and other support functions. Range 4 is responsible for managing a range of functions under a wide range of conditions, subject to the size and complexity of school operations.
Objectives will, generally, be clearly defined; guidelines will be broad and day-to-day direction minimal. Management responsibility extends to ensuring appropriate support levels are maintained across the school. Range 4 generally provides key support and timely advice to the leadership team and school council and liaises with the general school community, the Department and other government agencies and service providers.
Specialised professional roles will carry a high level of independence and accountability where suitable scope is provided to achieve objectives.
An education support class position supports the educational services being provided to students, but must not include duties of teaching as defined in clause 2.6.1 of the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 (Vic) or its successor. Supervision of students cannot be required except where it is an integral part of the employee's position or involves supervision of students individually or in small groups, in controlled circumstances, where the responsibility for students remains clearly with a teacher.
ResponsibilitiesProviding advice and professional learning to others, including teachers and other school wellbeing staff, to build the capacity of schools to improve students wellbeing, learning and developmental outcomes.Delivering professional support services in a school, including mental health prevention and promotion activities and early intervention activities (including short-term counselling) for students with a range of mental health needs, applying sound theoretical knowledge and practical expertise.Planning and implementing evidence-based intervention strategies for students with complex needs including collaborating with families, other professionals and agencies when appropriate to effectively manage risk.Working collaboratively with the school to enhance mental health prevention and promotion across the school by contributing to policies and operational practices that will guide the work of others, including other school wellbeing staff and teachers.Liaising with other department areas (including secondary school nurses and Student Support Services staff) and external service providers where necessary to provide appropriate support to students.Maintaining professional competence and continued professional development, including attending professional development activities throughout the year.Meeting relevant policies and legislative requirements in relation to student health information, privacy and consent.Please note: Continued professional development is a registration requirement under the National Law, which governs the operations of the National Boards and Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
Who May ApplyRequired 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 AHPRAFor Mental Health Nurses, applicants must hold full registration with AHPRA and hold a postgraduate qualification in mental healthFor Social Workers, applicants must be eligible for membership with the Australian Association of Social WorkersFor Occupational Therapists applicants must hold full registration with AHPRAFor 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 experienceA current Working With Children Check.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).EEO AND OHS CommitmentApplicants 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 StandardsVictorian 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:
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.

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