Education Support ES 1-3 Student Wellbeing Officer in Bairnsdale

Bairnsdale West Primary School is a vibrant school community with a staff committed to meeting the needs of all students. The school continues to provide a wide range of programs in the areas of consolidation, intervention and extension. The staff at Bairnsdale West are committed to the school motto of 'a caring, learning, community' and the Beliefs and Values of our staff are listed below.

The following beliefs and values are based on the commitment that students will be the primary consideration in all decision making.

• Respect
• Recognising and valuing the opinions of others
• Recognising and valuing the diverse talents and abilities of all individuals
• Acknowledging the effort and achievements of others
• Encouraging a positive presentation and image of the school
• Being truthful to ourselves and others
• Reflecting on our own values and opinions regularly
• Taking personal responsibility for words and actions
• Giving and accepting honest feedback to assist development
• Encouraging and providing opportunities for all to participate in the school community
• Recognising and utilising everybody's abilities and contributions
• Supporting minorities by making decisions empathetically
• Understanding where others come from so there is less judgement
• Effective Communication
• Communicating is the responsibility of everyone
• Speaking to relevant people
• Listening to direct and indirect messages
• Strategically applying the timing and the delivery of interactions
• Enjoyment and Humour
• Having the ability to laugh at yourself
• Having the ability to laugh with others respectfully
• Having fun
• Developing an approach to education that values humour
• Teamwork and Co-operation
• Working together to achieve common goals
• Recognising and valuing the abilities and contributions of team members
• Accepting and supporting group decisions

Selection Criteria

• Demonstrated understanding of wellbeing/welfare work and evidence of knowledge of current practices
• Experience and/or ability in the development and implementation of programs that foster resilience in young people and address their social, emotional and educational needs.
• Knowledge of case management and student support strategies, with a demonstrated capacity to deliver a comprehensive wellbeing service to students and families in an educational setting.
• Demonstrated experience working successfully within a multi-disciplinary team.
• Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills, including cultural competence and sensitivity.

Role

To provide counselling and wellbeing support services to BWPS students.

Responsibilities

• Counselling Support
• Provide counselling sessions, using a range of therapeutic interventions and knowledge of risk and protective framework.
• Undertake case management including consultation with the range of stakeholders involved with a student and/or their family.
• Carry out case management of students in out of home care; indigenous; students with disabilities; refugees, including compliance with DE requirements.
• Develop and organise evidence-based programs that assist students to be resourceful and resilient at school and beyond.
• Recommend referrals to external programs, including the DE 'Navigator' Program for students as required.
• Promote student wellbeing to the school community through newsletters and other media platforms.
• Support new students to transition smoothly into the school.
• Promote Restorative Practice and Respectful Relationships.
• Data Collection, and Reporting
• Evaluate program results and data collection.
• Document ongoing Wellbeing support using agreed practice.
• Meetings and Networking
• Attend information nights & whole-school celebration days, assembly, Breakfast Club and other school events.
• Facilitate small groups of students to improve connectedness to school.
• Attend meetings including staff; wellbeing; SSS, parent, network and agency meetings.
• Team Support
• Work co-operatively within a multi-disciplinary team.
• Build positive relationships with students.
• Work with families and organise parenting forums.
• Work co-operatively with community service agencies and refer students/families where necessary.
• Liaise closely with all relevant members of staff.
• Other Duties
• Undertake other duties related to the role as directed.

Who May Apply

Individuals with the aptitude, experience and/or qualifications to fulfill the specific requirements of the position.

Diversity and Inclusion

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. Additional support and advice on the recruitment process is available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander candidates from the Koorie Outcomes Division (KOD).

Child Safe Standards

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.

Conditions of Employment

All staff employed by the Department and schools have access to a broad range of employment conditions and working arrangements. Appointment of successful applicants will be made subject to a satisfactory pre-employment conditions check. A probationary period may apply during the first year of employment and induction and support programs provided.