Wellbeing Leader - Youth Worker

Department of Education Victoria – Mernda VIC

18h ago , from Department of Education & Training Victoria

Mernda Central P-12 College operates under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model. Through this model, the College has been financed, designed, and constructed by the private sector to meet high contractual standards. This allows our Principal and teaching staff to focus on what matters most, student learning while asset management is handled externally.

Located at 70 Breadalbane Avenue in Mernda, within the City of Whittlesea, our College caters to students from Prep to Year 12. Our state-of-the-art facilities reflect modern educational design, offering adaptable and functional spaces that support active, student-centred learning.

Mernda Central College offers a seamless educational journey from Prep through to Year 12. The school is structured into four sub-schools to support students at every stage of their development:

• Junior School: Prep to Year 4
• Middle School: Years 5 to 7
• Aspire: Years 8 to 9
• Senior School: Years 10 to 12

Our College is committed to delivering the highest quality education for the young people of Mernda. Students are at the heart of everything we do. They engage in stimulating, relevant, and inspiring learning experiences designed to spark a lifelong love of learning and a strong sense of community connection. We maintain high expectations for all students and staff.

Inspirational teaching and quality learning are the cornerstones of Mernda Central College. Our dedicated staff support and challenge students to reach their full potential in a safe and engaging environment. Teachers work collaboratively within Learning Communities, embracing shared responsibility for all students and offering flexible teaching approaches that meet individual learning needs. Our teaching practices reflect 21st-century learning, with a focus on ICT-rich environments and personalised learning.

The College is recognised for its exemplary programs and is a leader in areas such as STEM, sport, literacy, numeracy, Japanese, visual arts, performing arts, and music. Our neighbouring aquatic centre, operated by Kings Swim, offers students access to a comprehensive swimming program through a high-quality facility.

Our curriculum and teaching strategies are designed to encourage students to aim high, take pride in their work, and strive for excellence.

Student leadership is a valued part of college life. Leadership opportunities are available across all year levels, supported by training and development programs. Students are encouraged to take initiative, contribute their voice, and help shape the future of the College.

Designed as a community hub, Mernda Central College fosters strong partnerships with the YMCA and Downer to provide shared facilities and community programs. The relationships between staff, students, families, and the wider community are a key strength of the College. Parent involvement in school life is highly valued and contributes significantly to the success of our learning community.

Our Vision

Mernda Central College empowers all members of the college community to aim high, show respect, behave safely, and value our community.

Our Mission

• Provide opportunities for all members to work collaboratively in accessing a seamless, personalised, and innovative education.
• Build a safe and supportive learning environment where all members are challenged and inspired to pursue their interests and achieve their full potential.
• Operate as a community hub to foster connected, curious, and tolerant global citizens.

Selection Criteria

SC1 Proven ability to develop and implement programs in the College that foster resilience and address the social, emotional and educational needs of students 'At Risk'.

SC2 Ability to design, deliver or facilitate professional development information sessions for teachers, students and parents.

SC3 Ability to undertake individual support including counselling and case management for students and their families and to work with external support agencies.

SC4 Highly developed communication and inter-personal skills, including the ability to work as the member of a team and to liaise effectively with a wide range of people within the education community.

SC5 Demonstrate capabilities to follow mandatory reporting processes.

SC6 A demonstrated awareness and understanding of the issues encountered by young people and an ability to develop safety/support plans, initiate referrals and assist students to implement strategies.

Role

The Student Wellbeing leader will be a member of the Student Wellbeing Team at Mernda Central College.

1. Support preventative educational programs in liaison with Head of Student Wellbeing and external agencies.
2. Meet with relevant staff and parents/guardians to identify wellbeing needs, develop a case management plan and provide support, advocacy, referral and information as required.
3. Maintain comprehensive and confidential data collection and records related to student case management plans.
4. Support staff in their wellbeing work with "at risk" students.
5. Provide effective support, including counselling to the student community and liaise with and where appropriate refer student to external agencies.
6. Understand and liaise with appropriate external agencies to assist students and their families who are experiencing difficulties which adversely affect student wellbeing.
7. Investigate and implement appropriate programs in response to the welfare needs of students.
8. Collaborate with school staff, Student Support Services and support agencies to foster the resilience of the individuals students, improve their attendance and response to their identified social, emotional and educational needs.
9. Provide advice and guidance to staff to support student wellbeing and engagement.
10. Provide school level advice related to areas such as mental health, mandatory reporting, critical incidents, and suicide prevention.
11. Work as a key member of the whole college wellbeing team to ensure uniformity of action and purpose across the college in matters relating to student wellbeing.
12. Ability to complete administration tasks, e.g. minutes of meetings, attend care team, wellbeing and sub school meetings as directed by the Head of Wellbeing.

Responsibilities

Preferred Youth Worker Qualifications

Operating in collaboration with their school, leadership and wellbeing team where relevant, the Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader will:

• Promote a whole school approach to mental health and wellbeing to students, staff and families
• Support teachers and school staff to expand their capacity to embed evidence-based mental health strategies, interventions and programs and build mental health literacy to identify and support primary school students with mental health concerns.
• Collaborate with school staff to inform, influence and provide input into teaching and learning relating to mental health and wellbeing. Provide support to schools staff and classroom teachers to build their capabilities to embed mental health into the classroom.
• Work with school leadership and wellbeing teams to embed whole school approaches to mental health into school planning and strategic processes. Coordinate clear referral pathways internally (within school) and externally (to community services) for students identified as requiring further assessment and intervention.
• Proactively work with and support regional staff, school wellbeing and leadership teams, teachers, parents/carers and other external agencies to coordinate targeted mental health support for primary school students.
• Contribute to the school's existing wellbeing team.

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

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