Work Type: Ongoing - Full-time
Salary: Salary not specified
Grade: Education Support - Level 1, Range 3
Occupation: Education and training
Location: Melbourne - Southern suburbs
Reference: 1504171
SC1. Qualifications and Professional Knowledge
Relevant tertiary qualifications in counselling, youth work, social work, or a related discipline. Demonstrated knowledge of therapeutic and restorative practices to support the wellbeing and engagement of children and young people within an educational setting.
SC2. Demonstrated Experience Supporting Vulnerable Young People Through Therapeutic Practice
Proven experience providing therapeutic interventions and counselling support to vulnerable young people, including those with complex needs, trauma backgrounds, or experiencing disadvantage. Demonstrated ability to apply trauma-informed and strengths-based approaches to build trust, promote emotional safety, and enhance engagement and participation in learning.
SC3. Program Delivery and Therapeutic Practice
Demonstrated experience in planning and delivering evidence-based social and emotional learning programs that foster self-regulation, resilience, and positive relationships. Ability to apply a therapeutic lens when supporting students individually and in group settings.
SC4. Collaboration and Teamwork
Capacity to work effectively as part of multidisciplinary teams, including Care Teams and the broader teaching and learning team. Ability to provide wellbeing insights that inform classroom practice and contribute to improved engagement, attendance, and academic outcomes.
SC5. Child Safety, Record Keeping, and Professional Practice
Strong commitment to child safety, equity, inclusion, and cultural safety. Demonstrated ability to maintain accurate, detailed, and timely case notes and reports in line with school and departmental requirements, while upholding confidentiality and professional boundaries.
SC6. Interpersonal, Organisational, and Personal Attributes
Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills with students, families, and staff. Demonstrated reliability, strong work ethic, and organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise workload, adapt to changing demands, and work both independently and collaboratively.
Successful applicants will be subject to pre-employment checks including criminal history and working with children. Applicants must have proof of working rights in Australia.
Range 3 is distinguished by the introduction of management responsibility and accountability for the delivery of professional support services. The role will usually impact beyond the work area or professional field. It seeks to gain cooperation of other staff members or members of the school community to achieve specific objectives, such as in school administration, operations or educational programs.
Direction on targets and goals is provided but the position will have some degree of latitude in determining how they are achieved. This latitude will generally be limited by standard procedures and school policy. Deviation from standard procedures and school policy will require guidance and direction from senior management.
The provision of business management responsibilities becomes a feature at range 3. Management of staff to achieve the expected outcomes is a key responsibility. Staff management issues will be resolved with minimal reference to senior management, although guidance will be required in more complex cases. Senior management will be provided with timely reports and advice, although this will generally be confined to matters relating to the immediate work area, service provision or educational program and is unlikely to impact substantially on whole of school operations.
This is the minimum range for positions that carry a mandatory qualification requirement of not less than four years. Professional student support positions become a feature at range 3 (e.g. therapists, psychologists) where standard professional services are delivered. Professional support and guidance will be close at hand and deviation from standard procedures and school policy will require guidance and direction from senior management.
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.
Position Purpose:
The wellbeing practitioner will work with the wellbeing and engagement teams to support students in becoming school ready by building on their social and emotional capabilities, their engagement in education and the wider community through the reduction of barriers and empowering them to reach their full potential. The role will include working one to one with students as well as supporting as a therapeutic practitioner in our engagement programs.
The Wellbeing Practitioner¿s role will support and enable students to identify and manage psychosocial issues, including trauma, which may negatively impact their learning readiness, whilst building upon their strengths to achieve their personal, academic and career goals.
What we are looking for:
To be considered for the role and be successful in it, we¿re looking for someone who has the following key skills and experiences:
Key Responsibilities
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 ensure that your application includes:
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.
Monterey Secondary College is a vibrant Years 7 to 12 government secondary school located in Frankston North, proudly serving the communities of Karingal, Skye, Carrum Downs, Seaford, Frankston and Frankston North.
As a proud partner in the Frankston North Education Plan (FNEP), Monterey is committed to transforming lives and breaking the cycle of intergenerational disadvantage. The FNEP is a long-term, place-based initiative developed in partnership with Monterey Secondary College, Mahogany Rise Primary School and Aldercourt Primary School. It supports students from birth through to further education and employment by strengthening education, health and wellbeing pathways. The plan focuses on improving student outcomes, increasing community engagement and building stronger connections between families, schools and support services.
Supported by a $26.2 million investment, the FNEP is a collaborative initiative involving the Department of Education, Frankston City Council and the Colman Foundation. Together, we are implementing a comprehensive birth-to-adulthood education model designed to create genuine, life-changing opportunities for local families.
Monterey is home to approximately 483 students and a dedicated team of around 130 staff. We are proud that approximately 12 percent of our students identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, and a further 13 percent receive support through Disability Inclusion Profile funding. The College is strongly committed to inclusive education, ensuring every student, regardless of background or ability, has access to the adjustments, support and opportunities needed to thrive.
The College has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, highlighted in The Age newspaper in December 2021. Once considered a school facing significant challenges, Monterey is now recognised as a model of rapid improvement and educational excellence. The College is known for its calm and focused classrooms, state-of-the-art learning facilities, award-winning teachers and an unwavering commitment to high-quality teaching and learning. Positive education strategies are embedded across the school, supporting student wellbeing alongside academic success.
Monterey is widely recognised for its dynamic student engagement programs, offering meaningful opportunities beyond the classroom. Through initiatives such as the Silvertop Sports Science Academy, STEM enrichment, music, leadership development and cultural celebrations, students are empowered to explore their interests and grow as individuals. A strong focus on wellbeing and connection ensures all students feel supported to thrive both personally and academically.
A structured and supportive transition program helps every student feel welcomed, whether they are joining from within the Frankston North Education Precinct or beyond. Individualised pathways and tailored support systems ensure the diverse learning needs of students are met, allowing each young person to progress at their own pace. Monterey is deeply committed to fostering lifelong learning, academic excellence and personal growth for every student.
Monterey is not only a school of local significance but also a recognised leader within the Victorian education system. As a leader in Trauma-Informed Positive Education, the College regularly welcomes educators from across the state seeking to learn from our innovative practices. Our staff contribute actively to system-wide improvement by sharing expertise and building professional capacity across the sector.
In collaboration with Berry Street and the University of Melbourne, Monterey has developed a trauma-informed, strengths-based educational philosophy that fosters safe, supportive and emotionally intelligent learning environments. With a strong focus on emotional regulation, resilience, relationship building and restorative practices, students are empowered to grow, lead and succeed both academically and personally.
Monterey is also a recognised leader in Vocational Education and Training (VET) across Victoria, offering industry-aligned programs that equip students with practical skills, nationally recognised certifications and real-world experience. Through robust partnerships with TAFEs, industry providers and local employers, students access a wide range of courses in sectors such as construction, health, community services, hospitality and sport. These programs support successful transitions into apprenticeships, employment and further education. Monterey¿s VET offerings also extend to students from outside our immediate community, reflecting our reputation for excellence in vocational education.
Staff retention at Monterey is exceptionally high, particularly notable in the context of the current teacher shortage. This is a testament to the school¿s strong culture, meaningful professional support and powerful sense of shared purpose. Staff experience a collaborative and collegiate environment, supported by structured induction, ongoing coaching and sustained mentoring. Early-career teachers, experienced educators and aspiring leaders are all given opportunities to grow and thrive within a high-expectation, high-support culture that prioritises continual professional development.
Monterey¿s strong outcomes are reflected not only in student achievement but also in feedback data. Results from the Attitudes to School Survey (AtoSS), Parent Opinion Survey and Staff Opinion Survey consistently exceed state benchmarks, demonstrating high levels of satisfaction, engagement and trust across the school community.
If you are passionate about student success, committed to inclusive and transformative education, and eager to grow your professional capacity in a supportive and innovative environment, Monterey is the place for you.
If you are interested in learning more about Monterey¿s transformation and success and are considering joining our team, we warmly encourage you to book a tour by calling (03) 9781 7700.
For more information about Monterey Secondary College, please visit our website: www.monterey.vic.edu.au
Further reading about Monterey¿s success: