Work Type: Fixed-term - Part-time
Salary: Salary not specified
Grade: Education Support - Level 1, Range 3
Occupation: Education and training
Location: Melbourne - Northern suburbs
Reference: 1488314
KS1 Demonstrated ability to build strong, trusting relationships with children and young people to support their wellbeing, safety, and sense of belonging.
KS2 Proven skills in delivering individual and group support that promotes engagement, resilience, and positive behaviours for learning.
KS3 Well-developed collaboration and communication skills to work effectively with staff, families, and external services to support student success.
0.4 time fraction.
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 Description:
The Youth Support & Engagement Mentor plays a vital role in supporting the social, emotional and behavioural wellbeing of students at Wirrigirri Primary School. As part of the school¿s wellbeing and inclusion team, this role focuses on building strong, trusting relationships with students and working in partnership with Kin Teachers, leadership, families and community services (where applicable) to ensure every student feels safe, supported and connected.
This position strengthens student engagement, fosters curiosity and promotes meaningful participation in learning and school life. Through individual and group support, as well as hands-on and creative experiences, the Youth Support & Engagement Mentor helps students develop resilience, confidence and social skills. The role is highly relational, visible and responsive, with a focus on inclusion, connection and success for all students.
Key Responsibilities:
Individuals with the aptitude, experience and/or qualifications to fulfill the specific requirements of the position.
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]
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
The Wirrigirri Ethos
Wirrigirri, pronounced werry-jerry, derived from the Woiwurrung language of the Wurundjeri people, signifies messenger. Historically, the Wirrigirri was a key figure who conveyed important messages and invitations between Aboriginal groups, often carrying a message stick. This role symbolises communication and connection, embodying our school¿s core values of Respect, Curiosity, and Collaboration.
Just as the Wirrigirri facilitated communication and understanding between different groups, Wirrigirri Primary School aims to foster a community where these values are central to everything we do.
The Wirrigirri ethos is woven into the fabric of our school, inspiring open communication, fostering deep connections and collaboration, and promoting respectful exchange among students, staff, families, and the wider community.
About Our School
Wirrigirri Primary School is a new state school in Wollert, Victoria, that opened in 2025, serving one of Melbourne¿s fastest-growing communities. As a new school, we have the unique opportunity to shape our culture, learning environments, and practices from the ground up, ensuring they reflect our vision, values, and the needs of our students and families.
Vision and Mission
At Wirrigirri Primary School, our vision is to empower each student to explore their potential, embrace their uniqueness, and excel in a creative and supportive community.
Our mission is to provide a dynamic educational experience founded on respect, curiosity, and collaboration. We strive to uphold the highest standards in teaching and learning, promoting an innovative culture where students and staff alike are prepared to lead and succeed in a constantly evolving world. Together, we are committed to developing learners who are not only achievers but also thoughtful and responsible citizens.
Learning at Wirrigirri
Learning is powerful when students are actively involved, curious, questioning, and connecting their learning to real-world experiences. We believe every child is capable, curious, and full of potential. Our learning culture encourages safe risk-taking, collaboration, and purposeful engagement.
At the centre of our approach is our Learning Community model. Students belong to Kin Groups, led by a dedicated Kin Teacher who acts as their mentor, advocate, and primary point of connection. Flexible learning spaces, our shared Zones and Pods, support small group work, individual exploration, and collaborative projects, ensuring learning is responsive to student needs.
Our approach balances explicit teaching in literacy and numeracy with rich opportunities for experiential learning through play, projects, investigations, and real-world problem solving. This builds essential skills alongside critical thinking, creativity, and personal responsibility.
We place a strong emphasis on student agency, encouraging learners to set goals, reflect on their progress, and take ownership of their learning journey. This develops confident, capable learners prepared for the future.
Join Our Team
We are seeking a dedicated and skilled Youth Support and Engagement Mentor to join our dynamic and innovative team at Wirrigirri Primary School. In this vital role, you will work closely with students, Kin Teachers, and our wellbeing and inclusion team to build strong relationships, support social and emotional wellbeing, and strengthen student engagement in learning and school life.
The successful candidate will hold relevant qualifications in youth work and bring a strong commitment to creating safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environments.
This is an exceptional opportunity to help shape the culture and wellbeing programs of a new school, you will play a key role in ensuring every student feels connected, valued, and able to succeed.