Work Type: Fixed-term - Part-time
Salary: Salary not specified
Grade: Education Support - Level 1, Range 4
Occupation: Health and allied health
Location: Loddon Mallee - Mildura
Reference: 1520091
The Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System highlighted that primary schools provide opportunities to identify children with mental health and wellbeing challenges, who can then be referred to treatment, care and support.
The Mental Health in Primary Schools initiative is being expanded to every government and low-fee non-government primary school in Victoria. Scaling up across the state from 2023, by 2026 every primary school will be able to employ a Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader to implement a whole-school approach to wellbeing.
The Department of Education has been piloting the Mental Health in Primary Schools initiative in Victorian schools since 2020 in partnership with the Murdoch Children's Research Institute and the Faculty of Education at the University of Melbourne. Evaluation of this pilot initiative has shown that 95 per cent of Mental Health and Wellbeing Leaders consider the Mental Health in Primary Schools model has improved their school's capacity to support students' mental health and wellbeing needs.
Participating schools receive funding to employ a Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader, a qualified teacher, to work across the school to implement a whole-school approach to mental health and wellbeing for students, staff and families based on a broad knowledge of the needs of the school community.
The role of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader is to:
The role provides a proactive focus for the promotion and prevention of mental health and wellbeing through assessment and implementation of context-relevant programs, approaches and initiatives based on a broad and extensive knowledge of the needs of the school.
The Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader role is not a clinical role and is not designed for direct intervention. The role is seen as a key conduit in creating referral pathways once a teacher or other staff member identifies a concern in the classroom.
Mental Health and Wellbeing Leaders are provided training in mental health literacy, supporting emerging needs, and building school capacity and receive ongoing support and professional development through structured and regular Learning Communities Training is developed and facilitated by the Faculty of Education at University of Melbourne, supported by Murdoch Children's Research Institute.
Operating in collaboration with their school, leadership and wellbeing team where relevant, the Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader will:
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
Werrimull P¿12 School is proud to maintain strong and meaningful partnerships with our students, their families and the wider community.
We recognise that families are a child¿s first and most influential teachers, playing a vital role in their learning and development. Our aim is to ensure a smooth, positive transition from kindergarten to school. As a school, we enjoy a close and long-standing connection with Millewa Pre-School, our local kindergarten. By working in partnership with parents, we support students to develop academically, culturally, physically and socially.
Curriculum planning at Werrimull reflects the commitment and hard work of our staff, both during and beyond normal school hours. We are fortunate to have a dedicated leadership and teaching team who ensure students experience a rich and well-rounded program designed to nurture the whole child. While Literacy and Mathematics remain core priorities, we also place great value on subjects such as Design, SOSE, Science and Technology. We are proud of the additional support and extension programs we offer, including our new tutoring program, which assists some students while extending and challenging others at their point of need. We encourage all students to participate in NAPLAN and celebrate their achievements with pride.
Werrimull P¿12 is a vibrant school supported by highly qualified staff committed to continuous improvement. With an enrolment of approximately 30 students, we are located in the township of Werrimull in north-western Victoria, set on spacious grounds that offer a wealth of opportunities for play, exploration and development. Students benefit from extensive outdoor areas including a 650-metre bike track, multiple playgrounds, a student gym, tennis and volleyball courts, a full-size oval and an onsite swimming pool.
Our facilities are a source of pride from the moment you enter the school. We offer a multipurpose/library space, a fully equipped Art and Technical Design room, a well-resourced kitchen, and workshops for woodwork and metalwork. Modern classrooms, full-size sporting facilities, basketball courts and age-appropriate play spaces further enrich the learning environment. Mature shade trees, well-maintained lawns and student-planted gardens¿including our shared Community Garden¿add to the welcoming and nurturing atmosphere.
Academically, we provide a challenging and comprehensive curriculum delivered within a caring and stimulating environment. Our teachers come from diverse backgrounds and bring a wealth of expertise to the classroom. Werrimull P¿12 School strives to be a dynamic and thriving learning community.
We aim to foster confident, articulate and independent learners who demonstrate self-discipline, self-reliance and pride in themselves and their school. Each child¿s happiness, confidence, sense of security and belonging are prioritised alongside our commitment to high academic expectations. We want our students to be literate, numerate, healthy and resilient, and to interact positively and respectfully with others. Our incursions, excursions, leadership opportunities, speaking competitions and camps all support personal growth and confidence.
At Werrimull P¿12 School, every student is valued and supported. Respectful relationships between students and staff build a strong sense of belonging and connectedness. We set high expectations and offer opportunities for leadership, participation, autonomy and personal development through a wide range of extra-curricular activities. Together with families, we share the responsibility of helping children develop purpose, resilience and a positive outlook.
We believe children learn best when:
¿ They are actively engaged in their learning
¿ They take responsibility for their own progress
¿ Expectations and processes are clear
¿ They feel confident and valued
¿ Learning is meaningful, purposeful and connected to their interests
¿ Strong partnerships exist between home and school
Parents and guardians are encouraged to be active participants in our programs, sporting events, school activities and School Council. Their involvement strengthens the connection between home and school and enhances learning outcomes. Participation may include shared reading, assisting with sporting events, or supporting special activities. Our hardworking School Council plays a vital role in guiding the school¿s management and ensuring programs remain strong and effective.
Werrimull P¿12 School values an open, friendly atmosphere and welcomes community input and feedback. We look forward to continuing to grow alongside our community and supporting every child to thrive.