Work Type: Ongoing - Full-time
Salary: Salary not specified
Grade: Education Support - Level 1, Range 3
Occupation: Health and allied health
Location: Melbourne - Eastern suburbs
Reference: 1527515
Blackburn High School is a vibrant, multicultural, and inclusive co-educational government school for students in Years 7-12 that provides a comprehensive education located in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne, about 16 km from the CBD. We are proud of our rich academic and extensive co-curricular programs that provide opportunities for all students to reach their potential.
We deliver a dynamic educational program, underpinned by our school values of Respect, the pursuit of Excellence and Citizenship. The Learning Norms and Instructional Model, foster student agency and resilience. High expectations, effort and achievement are acknowledged and celebrated. Our reputation in the community has evolved through the hard work and positive partnerships between the staff, students, and parents.
There are approximately 1300 students with an enrolment cap placed for Year 7. The school's workforce is made up of the Principal, three Assistant Principals, twelve Leading Teachers and four Learning Specialists, with approximately 150 teaching and education support staff. The House System consists of four interdependent House learning communities, that foster a sense of connectedness and belonging that forge strong links with the home. The school day begins with a 15-minute mentor session on four of the days with students vertically arranged from Year 7-12 working together, followed by five 58-minute periods where students work within their year level groupings.
The school is situated on a large, spacious 12-hectare site with well-maintained grounds and exceptional sporting facilities including a gymnasium and the impressive covered outdoor sporting area. The school¿s learning spaces inspire and promote creativity and a sense of pride and include a STEM Centre, Art Precinct, VCE Centre, Resource Centre with Pathways, IT and Wellbeing. The school offers a wide range of core, enrichment electives and extension subjects for Years 7-10 and a High Achievers Program. We also offer a full range of VCE subjects, VET and Vocational Major with a high proportion of students entering tertiary educational institutions.
The school provides a comprehensive, challenging, curriculum that encourages a strong work ethic, a large range of extra-curricular activities and student leadership programs including clubs, extensive camps program, a highly acclaimed music program, the very successful sports program, robotics competitions, the Duke of Edinburgh and Art/Technology exhibitions.
Principal: Joanna Alexander
60 Springfield Road, Blackburn 3130
Tel: 03 8804 6464
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.blackburnhs.vic.edu.au
KSC 1.
Relevant tertiary qualifications in social work, psychology, counselling, youth work, community services, allied health or a related field, with current registration or eligibility for registration with the appropriate professional body where applicable (e.g. AASW, AHPRA, PACFA, ACA).
KSC 2.
Demonstrated experience supporting children, young people and families experiencing vulnerability, disadvantage, mental health concerns and/or wellbeing challenges, preferably within a secondary school or youth-focused setting.
KSC 3.
Demonstrated knowledge and ability to apply evidence-based, trauma-informed and strengths-based approaches when supporting students and families, including the ability to respond appropriately to heightened behaviours and wellbeing concerns.
KSC 4.
Demonstrated understanding of child and adolescent development, family violence, mental health and the range of interventions, programs and support services relevant to young people and families within the education, health and community sectors.
KSC 5.
Highly developed interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to build positive relationships with students, families, staff and external agencies, prepare accurate documentation and work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
KSC 6.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment, including strong organisational, problem-solving, conflict resolution and prioritisation skills, with the capacity to exercise sound judgement and maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
KSC 7.
Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, child safety and the wellbeing of all students, including knowledge of relevant Department of Education policies, procedures and Child Safe Standards.
KSC 8.
Personal qualities of integrity, adaptability and resilience, with the ability to contribute positively to a collaborative and evolving school culture.
Time Fraction: 1.0 FTE 8am-4pm Mon-Fri.
This is a Level 3 Educational Support position.
Roles and Responsibilities:
Acting as a warm, approachable first contact for students, ensuring a safe and inclusive experience.
Completing comprehensive intake, risk and safety assessments to support appropriate care planning.
Responding to disclosures of suicidal ideation, self-harm, and other safety concerns, by completing risk assessments, safety planning, coordinating referrals and providing follow-up. Ensuring all disclosures are reported appropriately by following the school¿s and DE policies for mandatory reporting.
Delivering individual brief interventions and small group work with students using evidence-based practices.
Providing guidance and practical support to students in connecting with appropriate external services such as Medicare, Centrelink, GPs, and other wellbeing and community supports. Advocating for students, and working with and supporting teachers and key school staff in understanding student needs.
Developing workable strategies to support positive student engagement and well-being
Assisting in mental health promotion and wellbeing across the school and support the development of social and emotional educational programs, such as Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships, SafeMinds etc
Reports to our school¿s Wellbeing Co-Ordinator and Mental Health Practitioner, as well as our school¿s Assistant Principal for Student Wellbeing and the wider Principal Team.
Maintain clear, accurate and up-to-date professional notes on all interactions.
Active participation in weekly Wellbeing Team meetings providing guidance and feedback on students, programs and administrative work.
Administrative support within the Wellbeing Team, including, but not limited to, organising Wellbeing initiatives for year levels, Breakfast Club, State Schools Relief. Public Transport Victoria, booking wellbeing events and programs for students, organising and delivering transition activities, stocktaking and organising wellbeing supplies and food hampers for families.
Participation in all key school events and activities, e.g. Sports Carnivals, camps, and excursions as requested.
Supporting families by providing appropriate guidance, information, and referral pathways to support young people.
Work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary environment, contributing to team learning, shared decision-making, and positive client outcomes.
Respond effectively to critical incidents through the implementation of DET and school policies and procedures, e.g. Mandatory Reporting, Four Critical Actions for Schools, and Child Safe Standards.
Any other duties as requested by Leadership.
About you:
We are seeking a passionate and dedicated Social Worker (or equivalent professional) who is committed to improving the wellbeing outcomes of young people and their families. The successful applicant will demonstrate the ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team, contributing positively to a supportive and inclusive school environment.
You will have a strong understanding of the education and care service system, including the barriers and challenges that families may experience when accessing and engaging with programs and supports for their child. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, professional judgement, and the ability to build positive relationships with students, families, staff, and external agencies are essential.
At Blackburn High School, we pride ourselves on developing high-quality educational and wellbeing partnerships with our students, their families, and the wider community. The successful candidate will actively support the school¿s values and contribute to strengthening student engagement, inclusion, and wellbeing outcomes.
A commitment to community engagement, collaborative practice, and continuous improvement are key features of this role. If you are motivated, enthusiastic, and passionate about working in partnership with young people, schools, and the broader community, we encourage you to apply.
Highly regarded previous experience:
Placement or work with Child Protection or Department of Families, Fairness and Housing
Experience in working with young people
Placement or work with community-based organisations that support young people such as Headspace, YSAS, Berry Street etc
Individuals with the aptitude, experience and/or qualifications to fulfill the specific requirements of the position.
The department is committed to diversity and inclusion and developing a workforce that is representative of the community we service. We value diversity and inclusion in all forms - culture, gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQA+, 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 safe, respectful and inclusive workplaces is essential to high performance and promotes flexible work and diversity across all schools and Department workplaces. It is our policy to provide reasonable adjustments for staff with disability (see Workplace adjustment guidelines).
Additional support and advice on the recruitment process is available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander candidates from the Koorie Outcomes Division (KOD) via [email protected]
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.
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
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
Please see Role description for Responsibilities.