Youth Wellbeing Facilitator: Group Programs & Mentoring in Melbourne

KSC 1 Demonstrated highly developed skills when working with primary and secondary-aged children.

KSC 2 Demonstrated knowledge of, and skills in trauma symptomology and treatment, child/adolescence development, family systems, attachment, abuse/neglect, cumulative harm and neglect.

KSC 3 Demonstrated communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team including colleagues, other professionals, and community stakeholders. Willingness to contribute to a positive team culture through collaborative relationships.

KSC 4 Experience in the initiation, development, and implementation of programs that foster resilience in children and young people and address their social, emotional and educational needs.

KSC 5 Demonstrated experience in the facilitation of group programs.

The Student Wellbeing Youth Worker supports students from Prep to Year 9 by providing targeted therapeutic support that strengthens their engagement in education. The role contributes to the development of high-quality interventions and programs that promote wellbeing and engagement across the College.

The role has three key focus areas:

• Group work facilitation and program development
• Youth Engagement
• Mentoring and Support

Applicants must hold one of the following:

• A relevant diploma or higher with a specialisation in youth work
• An ACWA-accredited diploma or higher with a specialisation in youth work
• A relevant qualification (non-specialised): A relevant qualification related to community services and comparable to AQF level 5 or higher.

Qualifications and experience:

• Strong understanding of youth development principles and best practices.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team and independently.
• Knowledge of community resources and the ability to connect youth with appropriate services.

Desirable:

• Several years experience working in the health and wellbeing sector with a clear understanding of child and adolescent development.
• Ability to manage challenging situations related to traumatic exposure.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities:

Whole-School Role (Tier 1)

• Contribute to Tier 1 whole-school wellbeing and engagement initiatives that promote belonging, connection and positive behaviour across the College
• Support the planning and delivery of universal programs, such as social and emotional learning, in partnership with teachers and school leaders
• Offer classroom teachers practical universal strategies that support student wellbeing, inclusion and engagement
• Participate in whole-school events, transition activities and wellbeing initiatives as required
• Use whole-school wellbeing and engagement data, alongside staff input, to help identify emerging needs and inform early intervention
• Model and promote a safe, inclusive and respectful school culture

Group Facilitation and Program Development (Tier 2)

• Plan, organise and facilitate group activities that promote teamwork, communication and personal growth
• Foster a supportive and inclusive environment where participants feel comfortable expressing themselves and building positive peer connections
• Contribute to the design and development of group programs that align with the College's mission and the evolving needs of students
• Regularly evaluate program effectiveness and recommend improvements to enhance impact

Youth Engagement (Tier 2)

• Build trusting relationships with students, understanding their individual needs, challenges and aspirations
• Develop and implement strategies that actively involve young people in planning and evaluating group activities, ensuring their voices are heard and respected
• Provide comprehensive, individualised, goal-focused support for student mental health through assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of interventions
• Provide intensive support for students with specific social, emotional and educational needs through therapeutic interventions and case management
• Deliver transparent and comprehensive case management for allocated students
• Liaise with classroom teachers to identify strategies that benefit broader student cohorts

Mentoring and Support (Tier 3)

• Provide individualised support to students, offering guidance, mentorship and a listening ear
• Collaborate with other youth workers and support staff to address the diverse emotional, social and educational needs of students

Documentation, Reporting and Professional Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate case notes in line with the Doveton College Case Note Policy
• Prepare regular reports for program evaluation and to communicate outcomes to relevant stakeholders
• Report concerns to relevant external services, such as The Orange Door or Child Protection, as required
• Notify the Wellbeing Director and Leadership Team of any incidents affecting student wellbeing in a timely manner
• Participate in regular supervision
• Attend wellbeing meetings and other required staff meetings
• Provide professional development and staff training as required
• Undertake other duties as directed by the Wellbeing Director or Leadership Team

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.

Please ensure that your application includes:

• A resume including relevant experience as well as personal details (name, address and contact numbers, business and home)
• A section addressing the selection criteria and the requirements for application under the Who May Apply section
• Names and contact numbers (telephone and email if possible) of two referees who are able to attest to the claims made in your application.

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

Doveton College is a unique, diverse and vibrant learning community. It is unlike any other educational setting in Australia. Located in the South Eastern suburbs of Melbourne, Doveton College resides in one of the most disadvantaged metropolitan regions of Australia. It is the first of ten settings to be developed in association with the Colman Foundation, Our Place and the Department of Education.

Doveton College is committed to providing a child safe environment where children and young people are safe and feel safe, and their voices are heard about decisions that affect their lives. Particular attention is paid to the cultural safety of Aboriginal children, those with culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds, as well as the safety of children with a disability.

The community expectation is that the College will provide a safe and secure environment where the individual student can learn and develop to their full potential. In the school sector, high-quality teaching and learning is non-negotiable. All staff are strong professional educators, implementing teaching and learning programs that are evidenced based and informed by research and best practice.

The Doveton College vision is clear and is based on the belief that every child will succeed. There is a commitment to empowering all our children and young people to be curious, independent, happy and motivated to excel.