Work Type: Fixed-term - Part-time
Salary: Salary not specified
Grade: Education Support - Level 1, Range 3
Occupation: Health and allied health
Location: Barwon South West - Colac Otway
Reference: 1539986
As a Social Worker at Lake Colac School you will play a vital role in promoting a safe, inclusive and supportive learning environment, with a core focus on student wellbeing, engagement and learning. Your primary responsibilities will include providing counselling services, supporting students' wellbeing growth, and collaborating with educators and parents/carers to create a positive and inclusive learning environment.
With an understanding of our mission, vision, values, and the goals within our School Strategic Plan, the Social Worker at Lake Colac School will support the delivery of proactive and responsive wellbeing services to support the wellbeing of students primarily, as well as staff members and parents in relation to the student in question.
The Social Worker reports to the Wellbeing Team, and Principal Class Team.
The structure of the Social Worker's weekly timetable is to be developed and reviewed regularly in consultation with the Wellbeing Team and the Assistant Principals, according to the needs of the school.
The responsibilities of the position are to be performed in accordance with the provisions of the DE Education Support Class Level 1-Range 3, and Lake Colac School's relevant policies and processes
Individual Counselling:
Provide 1:1 counselling and debriefing to students facing academic, personal, social or emotional challenges. Help students develop coping strategies, set goals, and make informed decisions.
Group Counselling
Facilitate student group counselling sessions to address specific issues, such as bullying, conflict resolution or stress management.
Collaboration & Communication:
Liaise with LCS's Wellbeing Team and Leadership Team with regard to engagement of student wellbeing for specific students
Communicate and consult with staff and parents/carers on a regular basis regarding a students RRRR engagement and wellbeing - academic, social and emotional
Support teachers, Education Support staff and leaders to identify and develop educational, social and emotional programs to support referred students
Participate in Student Support Meetings (SSGs) for students and support in the development of Individual Learning Plans (ILPs)
Provide written and oral reports as necessary, including communicating information to staff
Assist in the development of positive home and school relationships and communication
Providing Professional Learning:
Facilitate professional learning and resources
Actively engage in ongoing professional development for staff, maintaining a portfolio of training, professional learning and resources provided
Facilitate parent education through information sessions, newsletter items, student support group meetings, and one-on-one contact regarding individual student needs
Support staff to create an environment which promotes the physical, emotional, social and intellectual development and wellbeing of all students
External Agencies & Health Professionals:
Liaise with external support agencies and specialists, as required
Liaise with community service organisations, government agencies, hospitals, specialist programs and other allied health professionals
Liaise with Principal Class team, re: recommendations for the DE Student Support Services
Record Keeping:
Develop, maintain and monitor comprehensive and confidential case files
Referrals:
Children who are identified as needing support will be referred to the Wellbeing Team through LCS's referral process and then triaged to identify who will access support
Liaise with and provide/recommend referrals to external support agencies and specialists, as required
Assist in the assessment of students' safety and welfare needs
Critical Incident Responses:
Be available to support responses to critical incidents and debriefing including emotional distress, traumatic events or other urgent situations
Wellbeing Structures, Programs & Practices:
Participate in the Wellbeing Team
Support the implementation of key improvement strategies as outlined in the School Strategic Plan and Annual Implementation Plan
Assist and consult on the existing wellbeing structures, programs and practices at LCS to further strengthen these
Carry out other duties as required, by the Leadership Team
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
Teach at Lake Colac School ¿ Where Evidence-Based Practice Meets the Learning and Wellbeing Needs of All Students
To see our staff and students in action, and why you should apply to work in our school, start by visiting our website at www.lakecolacschool.vic.edu.au or organise a school visit with us now.
Lake Colac School (LCS) is a dynamic and inclusive specialist school located in the regional town of Colac, serving students with diverse learning needs from Early Education through to the year they turn 18. We provide contemporary, research-based education and wellbeing programs for students across a broad catchment area that includes Colac and the surrounding coastal district.
Our students have a diagnosis of intellectual disability¿ranging from mild to profound¿and many present with additional needs, which make them suitable for the tailored education that they receive from our expert staff. Every day, our staff make a tangible difference in the lives of these young people by creating supportive, structured, and joyful learning environments where every student can thrive.
Our Approach to Teaching and Learning
At Lake Colac School, teaching is grounded in the science of learning and evidence-based pedagogies. Our programs are designed using Cognitive Load Theory, Explicit Instruction, and whole-school systems and supports to ensure that teaching is clear, purposeful, and accessible to every learner.
We provide:
Very small class sizes (from 5 up to 13 students) that enable meaningful connections and targeted teaching.
Multiple teacher aides in each classroom, ensuring every student receives individualised support.
Structured routines, visual supports, and explicit teaching that maximise engagement and learning efficiency.
Collaborative Professional Learning Teams (PLTs) and Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) where staff share practice, analyse student progress, and continuously refine their craft.
Supportive leadership, coaching, and mentoring by experienced leaders who understands what it takes to support staff to address the needs of each learner and to become a part of an established positive school culture
Our teachers are lifelong learners who embrace reflection, collaboration, and innovation. You¿ll be supported to implement best-practice pedagogy, build deep professional expertise, and see the impact of your teaching every day.
Curriculum and Stages of Learning
Our Early Education Program (EEP) caters for children aged 2.8 to 4.8 years who present with developmental delays in two or more areas. Guided by the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF), this program develops foundational skills in communication, motor coordination, social-emotional growth, and cognition through guided play and intentional teaching.
Across the school, the Victorian Curriculum F¿10 (including Foundation Levels A¿D) provides the basis for a highly differentiated, individualised learning experience. Each student has an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) that supports personalised goals, authentic assessment, and pathways for success. In the senior years, students participate in Enterprise Education, Work Experience, and the Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC) that prepare them for life beyond school.
A Supportive and Collaborative School Culture
At Lake Colac School, staff wellbeing and professional growth are as important as student achievement. We believe that great teaching happens in an environment of trust, teamwork, and shared purpose.
We value:
A collaborative, caring staff culture where everyone supports each other.
Strong partnerships with families and allied professionals to ensure the best outcomes for students.
A commitment to Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), building student confidence, self-regulation, and resilience.
Ongoing professional development and coaching aligned with the Framework for Improving Student Outcomes (FISO) 2.0 and the Victorian Teaching and Learning Model (VTLM) 2.0.
Our new, purpose-built facility in Colac West (opened 2024) provides modern, accessible, and flexible learning spaces designed to meet the diverse needs of our students and staff.
Join Our Team
If you are a teacher who values evidence-based practice, collaboration, and making a real difference, Lake Colac School offers an inspiring and rewarding environment to grow your career. You¿ll work alongside passionate colleagues, supported by strong leadership, professional learning opportunities, and a community that truly values education.
At Lake Colac School, you¿ll have the time, structure, and support to do what you do best ¿ teach well, and change lives.