Student Wellbeing Support in Williamstown

Rutherglen High School is a vibrant and growing secondary school in north-east Victoria, serving the communities of Chiltern, Rutherglen, Springhurst, Wahgunyah and the surrounding rural district. With an enrolment of approximately 282 students, the school combines the benefits of a close-knit learning community with a broad range of educational opportunities. Increasingly recognised as a school of choice, Rutherglen High School attracts students from a wider catchment area including Barnawartha, Wodonga, Corowa, Howlong and Albury, reflecting the confidence families place in the school's programs, culture and student outcomes.

At the heart of the school are the values of Respect, Responsibility and Aspiration, which underpin all aspects of school life. These values guide the way students learn, interact and contribute to their community, creating a culture where every student is known, valued and supported to achieve success. Our diverse student population includes students from a range of backgrounds, including 4% who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. The school's dedicated teaching and educational support staff work collaboratively to ensure students are challenged, supported and encouraged to pursue their goals.

A key strength of Rutherglen High School is its commitment to providing engaging and innovative learning experiences. In Year 7, students participate in an integrated curriculum program designed to support a smooth and successful transition from primary school to secondary education. At Year 9, students undertake the highly regarded Future Makers program, where they develop leadership, teamwork and project management skills through authentic community-based learning opportunities. Through these experiences, students learn the importance of responsibility, service and active citizenship while building the confidence to make a positive contribution to their local and broader communities.

Strong partnerships with families, local businesses, community organisations, tertiary providers and industry groups enhance student learning and pathway opportunities. These connections help students develop the skills, knowledge and experiences required to confidently transition into further education, training or employment.

Selection Criteria

• KSC 1 Student Wellbeing and Support: Demonstrated knowledge and experience in supporting the wellbeing, engagement and educational needs of young people, including the capacity to identify barriers, risk factors and appropriate intervention strategies.
• KSC 2 Assessment, Intervention and Referral: Demonstrated capacity to undertake student intake, psychosocial assessment, brief intervention and triage, and to facilitate appropriate referrals to internal and external wellbeing, health and community services.
• KSC 3 Case Management and Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to contribute effectively to student case management and work collaboratively with students, families, school staff, multidisciplinary professionals and external agencies to achieve positive outcomes for young people.
• KSC 4 Relationships and Communication: Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills, including the demonstrated ability to establish positive, respectful and trusting relationships with young people, particularly students experiencing vulnerability, disengagement or complex circumstances.
• KSC 5 Professional Practice and Administration: Demonstrated ability to maintain accurate and confidential case notes, records and wellbeing data, together with an understanding of professional boundaries, privacy, information sharing, child safety and duty of care requirements within a school environment.
• KSC 6 Wellbeing Programs and Student Advocacy: Demonstrated capacity to facilitate individual, small-group and/or whole-cohort wellbeing interventions and programs, and to advocate effectively for young people by recognising and promoting their strengths, voice, needs and interests.

Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with the Assistant Principal Wellbeing and Engagement to identify and respond to the wellbeing, engagement and educational needs of students.
• Undertake student intake, initial psychosocial assessment, brief intervention and triage to determine appropriate levels and types of support.
• Identify barriers and risk factors impacting student wellbeing, engagement and learning and assist in developing, implementing and documenting appropriate intervention strategies.
• Provide individual and small-group wellbeing support within the scope of the role and relevant professional qualifications.
• Participate in the case management of students with identified wellbeing, engagement or support needs.
• Contribute to the development, implementation and review of student support plans and intervention strategies.
• Assist the Leading Teacher Disability Inclusion with care team and Student Support Group meetings for Out of Home Care (OOHC) and Koorie students, as required.
• Facilitate appropriate referrals to internal and external services, including Doctors in Secondary Schools, headspace, NECAMHS, Department of Education Navigator and relevant family and community support services.
• Liaise appropriately with families, school staff and external professionals to support coordinated student interventions.
• Advocate for students experiencing vulnerability or disadvantage, ensuring their strengths, needs, perspectives and interests are considered in planning and decision-making.
• Maintain accurate, confidential and up-to-date student case notes, records and files in accordance with school and Department requirements.
• Collect and maintain data relating to wellbeing referrals, interventions and service provision to assist the school in identifying trends and areas of need.
• Contribute to the evaluation of wellbeing programs and interventions.
• Facilitate and/or deliver targeted wellbeing programs in response to identified student needs, including programs such as Love Bites, Social Stencil, The Man Cave, Boys to the Bush and Hands on Learning.
• Support the facilitation of professional learning and information sessions for staff relating to student wellbeing, engagement and identified areas of need.
• Work collaboratively with teachers and other Education Support staff to strengthen students' connection with school and engagement in learning.
• Participate as an active member of the school's Wellbeing Team and contribute to relevant meetings, planning and initiatives.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries, confidentiality and information-sharing practices in accordance with Department policy, Child Safe Standards and relevant legislation.
• Identify and appropriately escalate concerns relating to student safety, wellbeing, child protection or significant risk to the Assistant Principal Wellbeing and Engagement and/or Principal Class.
• Undertake other duties appropriate to the classification and role as directed by the Principal.

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.

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.