Selection Criteria
- Demonstrated leadership and strategic planning skills in managing a comprehensive career development and student pathways program.
- Proven ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders including students, parents, teachers, employers, training providers and external agencies.
- Extensive knowledge and understanding of post-school options, including further education, training, apprenticeships, employment pathways, and senior secondary reforms (including VCE, VCE-VM and VET).
- Highly developed interpersonal, counselling and communication skills, including the capacity to provide one-on-one support and facilitate large group presentations.
- Experience in program management, including planning, delivery, risk management, evaluation, and data reporting in a school or training environment.
- Commitment to student wellbeing, inclusion, and success, particularly in supporting diverse learners and those at risk of disengagement.
Role
No regular additional attendance required for this position.
Will usually be a member of the leadership team who is accountable for the development and delivery of key services that are integral to the effective operation of a school/s. Provides a range of services and/or undertakes the analysis of complex problems that form part of the policy framework.
A school or group of schools would need to have the necessary diversity and complexity to create a role at range 5. Management of a major school or district initiative, project or Department targeted strategy would be an indicator depending on the breadth of management responsibilities.
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.
Responsibilities
The Director of Careers & Pathways is a senior leader responsible for driving the strategic and operational direction of the school¿s career development, vocational education and training (VET), Structured Workplace Learning (SWL), and student pathways programs. The role ensures students receive high-quality, individualised career planning, access to authentic workplace and training opportunities, and transition support into further education, training, or employment. This position is essential in fulfilling Department of Education requirements and aligning with senior secondary reform initiatives and the needs of the local community.
Leadership and Strategic Development
- Lead the Careers Team, including VET and SWL staff, ensuring professional excellence, compliance with regulations, and a student-centred approach.
- Design, implement, and review a whole-school careers education strategy aligned with the Victorian Career Education Framework, senior secondary reforms, and school improvement priorities.
- Collaborate with school leadership¿including the Principal, Directors, Year Level Coordinators, and Curriculum Leaders¿to embed career education across year levels and learning areas.
- Develop, implement, and maintain clear, compliant processes for work experience, VET enrolment, workplace learning, and career exploration activities.
- Chair and contribute to Careers and Pathways Team meetings and actively participate in school-wide planning and evaluation processes.
Student Support and Career Planning
- Provide tailored career counselling and guidance to individual students and groups, including advice on subject selection, post-school options, and vocational pathways.
- Support students with tertiary applications (e.g. VTAC), SEAS, scholarships, and access to alternative or flexible learning options.
- Develop and monitor Individual Career Action Plans (CAPs) that reflect students¿ strengths, goals, and aspirations, supporting them with resume writing, job search skills, and interview preparation.
- Assist with student pathway discussions in SSG and Attendance Improvement Plan meetings when required.
- Coordinate the delivery of Morrisby Testing in partnership with the Middle Sub-School and relevant staff.
Program Management and Delivery
- Oversee the Year 10 work experience program in collaboration with Middle and Senior Sub-Schools.
- Oversee the delivery of school-based VET and SWL programs, including student-employer matching, engagement strategies, and retention supports.
- Maintain oversight of all work placements, ensuring regular site visits are conducted for student safety, appropriateness, and alignment with career plans.
- Ensure all required documentation, risk assessments, and compliance records are completed and up to date.
Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships
- Establish and maintain strong partnerships with parents, community organisations, employers, LLENs, training providers, and external agencies.
- Develop collaborative relationships with tertiary institutions, apprenticeship networks, employment services, and government bodies.
- Represent the school at local, regional, and system-level forums, including professional networks and Department-led initiatives.
Communication and Events
- Plan and coordinate an annual calendar of careers-related events including the college career expo, guest speakers, industry visits, excursions, parent information sessions, and student assemblies.
- Ensure all digital and print communications (e.g. careers website, newsletters, bulletins) are current, accurate, and engaging.
- Deliver high-quality, student-centred presentations to students, families, and staff promoting career awareness and pathway opportunities.
Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting
- Maintain accurate and confidential records of student career plans, pathways data, placement logs and employer feedback.
- Monitor and report on career education data including post-school destinations to inform continuous improvement and meet Departmental requirements.
- Analyse career education data and provide informed recommendations to school leadership.
General
- Engage in ongoing professional learning in accordance with the school¿s Professional Development guidelines and the Department of Education¿s requirements.
- Participate actively in the Performance and Development (P&D) cycle, demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement.
- Ensure all programs comply with Department of Education policy, OH&S requirements, and Child Safe Standards.
- Provide appropriate supervision of students in controlled settings, including small group supervision during work placements, excursions, or other off-site learning activities, always ensuring student safety and wellbeing.
- Undertake additional duties as directed by the Principal or Operations Manager, in line with the ES1-5 Dimensions of Work.
Who May Apply
Qualifications & Requirements
- Relevant tertiary qualifications in Education, Career Development/ Counselling, or equivalent.
- Current Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) registration or valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) and other compliance checks as applicable.
- Demonstrated knowledge of Department of Education policy, VET/Structured Workplace Learning guidelines, and the Career Education Benchmarks.
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 [email protected]
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:
https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/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:
https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/values-department-vps-school-employees/overview
- 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 http://www.education.vic.gov.au/hrweb/Pages/default.aspx
Please ensure that your application includes:
- A resume including relevant experience as well as personal details (name, address and contact numbers, business and home)
- A section addressing the selection criteria and the requirements for application under the Who May Apply section
- Names and contact numbers (telephone and email if possible) of two referees who are able to attest to the claims made in your application.
Please note that the selection panel may seek additional referees beyond those you name. Consistent with policy, we shall advise you if we will take this action.
Location Profile
Werribee Secondary College is located in Duncans Road, Werribee, a 30-minute drive from the Melbourne and Geelong central business districts. Ample free staff parking is provided on site. The Werribee Railway Station is located just 10 minutes away by foot. The College currently employs over 150 staff including Principals, Leading Teachers, Learning Specialists, Classroom Teachers and Education Support. Our dedicated and diverse team work together to develop well-rounded, lifelong learners, equipped with knowledge, resilience and skills to achieve future success. Our motto ¿Live Worthily¿ embraces cultural and social diversity. Students develop a strong sense of personal identity and global citizenship, enabling different cultural groups to interact, learn from each other and grow together.