Defence School Mentor

These five criteria are written to assess applicants with experience in education, student wellbeing, youth work, Defence family support or related community roles, without requiring previous employment as a Defence School Mentor.

• KSC 1 – Student wellbeing and engagement: Demonstrated ability to build positive and supportive relationships with primary school-aged students, with an understanding of strategies that promote student wellbeing, engagement, resilience and a sense of belonging.
• KSC 2 – Communication and relationship building: Demonstrated strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships with students, families, school staff and external support services.
• KSC 3 – Understanding of Defence families and student transitions: Knowledge of, or the capacity to develop an understanding of, the unique experiences and challenges faced by Australian Defence Force families, including deployment, relocation, family separation and school transitions, and the ability to provide appropriate support.
• KSC 4 – Program planning and organisation: Demonstrated organisational skills and the ability to plan, coordinate and deliver engaging activities and initiatives that support student wellbeing, social connection, inclusion and participation within a school community.
• KSC 5 – Collaboration, professionalism and child safety: Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively within a school team, exercise initiative and sound judgement, maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries, and demonstrate a strong commitment to child safety, inclusion and student wellbeing.

The Defence School Mentor (DSM) at Guthridge Primary School plays an important role in supporting the wellbeing, engagement and sense of belonging of students from Australian Defence Force (ADF) families. The position provides targeted support to students and families who may experience challenges associated with Defence life, including relocation, deployment, family separation and transitions between schools. Working collaboratively with the school leadership team, wellbeing staff, classroom teachers and families, the Defence School Mentor will develop positive relationships with Defence-connected students and provide opportunities for them to feel supported, connected and included within the school community. The role will assist students to develop resilience, confidence and positive social connections while supporting their successful participation in school life. The Defence School Mentor will also strengthen communication between Defence families and the school, support families transitioning into and out of Guthridge Primary School, and promote an understanding of the unique experiences and needs of Defence families across the school community.

The successful applicant will demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, empathy, initiative and the ability to work collaboratively within a primary school setting. The role requires a commitment to student wellbeing, child safety, confidentiality and inclusive education.

Key responsibilities:

• Student wellbeing and engagement: Develop positive and supportive relationships with students from Defence families. Provide regular student check-ins and individual or small-group mentoring activities. Support students experiencing challenges associated with deployment, relocation, family separation and changes in routine. Promote positive relationships, resilience, emotional regulation and a sense of belonging. Identify students requiring additional support and connect them with the school's wellbeing team.
• Defence family engagement and transition: Welcome new Defence families and assist students to settle into the school environment. Support students and families transitioning into or out of Guthridge Primary School. Maintain regular communication with Defence families to identify emerging needs and provide appropriate assistance. Provide information about school programs, routines, services and available wellbeing supports. Strengthen relationships between Defence families, school staff and relevant community support services.
• Student connection and school activities: Plan and facilitate activities that encourage friendships, inclusion and positive peer relationships. Organise opportunities for Defence students to connect with one another and the wider student community. Support Defence-related school activities, including ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day commemorations. Promote student voice and opportunities for Defence students to contribute to school life. Encourage participation in school events, extracurricular activities and community initiatives.
• Collaboration and school capacity building: Work collaboratively with the principal, leadership team, classroom teachers and wellbeing staff. Raise staff awareness of the challenges and experiences associated with Defence family life. Share appropriate resources and information to strengthen the school's capacity to support Defence students. Liaise with Defence Member and Family Support and relevant external organisations when appropriate. Contribute to the school's broader wellbeing and inclusion priorities.
• Program administration and accountability: Maintain appropriate records of student engagement, activities and support provided. Assist with monitoring student participation, connection and wellbeing outcomes. Support the collection of information required for Defence School Mentor Program reporting. Ensure all activities align with program funding guidelines and school policies. Maintain confidentiality, professional boundaries and compliance with child safety requirements.

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.

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.