Job duration: From 28/01/2025
Contact: Meridith Walker | 035/581-1588
Reference: 1449954
Occupation: Health and Allied Health
Salary Range: Salary not specified
Location ProfileThe College opened on its present site in 1955 and is nestled in a picturesque valley surrounded by rolling red gum hills and beautiful country. The Glenelg River meanders through the township. It is 315km (4 hours) West of Melbourne, 290km (3 hours from Geelong) and is approximately 70km (45mins) from Hamilton Victoria and Mt. Gambier South Australia.
Casterton Secondary College is a high achieving school where students are supported to develop social skills, and positive personal attitudes and values through mutual respect and positive behaviour which underpins our commitment to provide every student with the knowledge, skills and experiences that lead to successful outcomes.
We actively encourage students to become life-long learners and support their transition through school and beyond.
Our moral purpose is to achieve the best outcomes for all students, underpinned by the school's values of Respect, Accountability and Persistence, and a mantra of High Expectations – No Excuses.
Casterton Secondary College services the needs and provides opportunities for the people of Strathdownie, Dergholm, Coleraine, Merino and Casterton.
Selection CriteriaAbility to implement a range of small group and whole-school mental health prevention and promotion activities aimed at improving student mental health and wellbeing, including the delivery of capability building and awareness raising activities for staff and/or students on key mental health and wellbeing issues affecting the school's student population.Demonstrated ability to input into the development, implementation and evaluation of processes and strategies aimed at enhancing mental health and wellbeing prevention, promotion and early intervention.Demonstrated experience in assessing, conceptualising and analysing wellbeing issues, and providing evidence-based direct counselling support to clients with a range of mental health needs.Demonstrated experience in coordinating supports for young people with complex needs including referrals to a range of specialist services as appropriate.Highly developed communication, networking and interpersonal skills including the ability to liaise effectively with a wide range of people.Clear understanding of legislative requirements regarding privacy of health information.RoleThe Mental Health Practitioners (MHP) initiative was announced by the Minister for Education in late 2018 to expand mental health and wellbeing support in government schools. The initiative provides for a suitably qualified mental health professional in all government secondary school campuses and specialist school (with secondary-aged enrolments) settings.
Operating in collaboration with the relevant Department of Education Regional Mental Health Branch, this role has the following functions:
Enhancing mental health prevention and promotion activities in the school by contributing to whole-school health and wellbeing plans, building the capability of teaching staff and school leadership to address matters relating to student mental health and wellbeing, and helping to develop and deliver appropriate programs and strategies in the school according to specified school priorities.Providing early intervention services (including short-term counselling) for individual students and groups identified as at-risk and/or experiencing or demonstrating mild to moderate mental health concerns.Coordinating supports for students with complex needs both within and external to the school, including proactively working with regions, local mental health service providers and other health professionals to engage further support as required.The successful applicant will be an experienced professional who will carry out their duties and responsibilities, relative to their professional discipline, with a high level of autonomy and with minimal reliance on professional supervision. The successful applicant will be responsible for the development and implementation of professional support programs within an educational environment, including guidance to other professional staff.
Who May ApplyApplicants 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.Conditions of EmploymentAll 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.To apply for this role, you will be redirected to the Schools (Government) job application system.
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