Student Wellbeing Counsellor - 2027

Government schools; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

McKinnon Secondary College is seeking a qualified wellbeing professional to deliver counselling, assessments and short interventions for students across Years 7–12. The role focuses on student safety, wellbeing and proactive support within a vibrant, diverse community.

Reporting to the Wellbeing and Leadership teams, you will work to develop and implement whole-school wellbeing initiatives, liaise with external agencies, and maintain meticulous records in line with DET and school policies.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in psychology, social work, or related discipline.
• Experience in adolescent wellbeing is desirable.
• Knowledge of confidentiality and safeguarding practices would be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Provide counselling and brief interventions to students as required.
• Conduct safety assessments including suicide risk and violence risk, with follow-up plans.
• Liaise with external support agencies for student wellbeing services.
• Contribute to school-wide wellbeing programs and positive learning environment.
• Provide guidance to staff on student wellbeing and privacy considerations.
• Maintain accurate student wellbeing records and comply with data standards.

Skills

Counselling

Education

Psychology degree

Job description

McKinnon Secondary College is a Year 7 to 12 co-educational dual campus school with a student population of over 3100. Located in the south-east of Melbourne, the College was founded in 1954. The McKinnon Road Campus caters to Years 7, 10, 11 and 12, while the East Campus, which opened in 2022 in the nearby Virginia Park site off East Boundary Road, serves Years 8 and 9.

McKinnon does not believe in a `one size fits all education and offers a positive, caring and safe learning environment in which all students can achieve success through its comprehensive and differentiated curriculum, and an extensive extra-curricular program.

The College has an instructional model that aligns with VTLM 2.0 and has a strong focus on explicit teaching. McKinnon Secondary College is an accredited school with the Council of International Schools and strives to prepare its students to thrive in a world which values interpersonal skills as much as academic excellence.

McKinnon Secondary College lives by its motto `Wisdom and Service' by actively promoting a culture that celebrates the achievement of excellence, that values and respects individual diversity and that encourages participation by all members of the community. Students at McKinnon are very conscious of the opportunities being offered to them and take pride in themselves and the College. Student voice is valued at the College as is student wellbeing. Student achievements are formally recognised and celebrated in College publications, at whole school assemblies, on the school’s website and at the annual Presentation Assembly.

The College’s positive culture, high expectations and rigorous teaching and learning program have consistently translated into excellent VCE results, rating amongst the best in the State for a non-select entry school. These factors have maximised tertiary educational opportunities with over 95% of our students going on to study at university. In addition, our VM and VPC programs provide an applied learning pathway for our senior students. Aside from a reputation for academic excellence, McKinnon also has well-regarded art, music and sporting programs, as well as an impressive array of extra-curricular offerings. Our students regularly participate in community events and festivals, and represent the school at regional, state and national level. The richness of the College program allows students to flourish as they pursue their particular interests and goals.

McKinnon has established itself as an IT leader in the education space, being recognised as Australia’s first Google Reference School. IT has become central to the school’s learning programs and administration. With the opening of the new campus the school is further investing in STEAM-focused technologies.

The College has always relied on the commitment of its parent body through which the school council has provided support for teaching programs and facilities. With the addition of the new East Campus and the construction of the impressive new gymnasium at the McKinnon Rd Campus, the College has high-quality sporting facilities, a Lecture Theatre, and attractive ground spaces for students to socialise and be active.

The McKinnon school community is determined to meet the challenges of the modern world with a continuing commitment to our core values.

Location Profile

McKinnon Secondary College is a Year 7 to 12 co-educational dual campus school with a student population of over 3100. Located in the south-east of Melbourne, the College was founded in 1954. The McKinnon Road Campus caters to Years 7, 10, 11 and 12, while the East Campus, which opened in 2022 in the nearby Virginia Park site off East Boundary Road, serves Years 8 and 9.

McKinnon does not believe in a `one size fits all education and offers a positive, caring and safe learning environment in which all students can achieve success through its comprehensive and differentiated curriculum, and an extensive extra-curricular program.

The College has an instructional model that aligns with VTLM 2.0 and has a strong focus on explicit teaching. McKinnon Secondary College is an accredited school with the Council of International Schools and strives to prepare its students to thrive in a world which values interpersonal skills as much as academic excellence.

McKinnon Secondary College lives by its motto `Wisdom and Service' by actively promoting a culture that celebrates the achievement of excellence, that values and respects individual diversity and that encourages participation by all members of the community. Students at McKinnon are very conscious of the opportunities being offered to them and take pride in themselves and the College. Student voice is valued at the College as is student wellbeing. Student achievements are formally recognised and celebrated in College publications, at whole school assemblies, on the school’s website and at the annual Presentation Assembly.

The College’s positive culture, high expectations and rigorous teaching and learning program have consistently translated into excellent VCE results, rating amongst the best in the State for a non-select entry school. These factors have maximised tertiary educational opportunities with over 95% of our students going on to study at university. In addition, our VM and VPC programs provide an applied learning pathway for our senior students. Aside from a reputation for academic excellence, McKinnon also has well-regarded art, music and sporting programs, as well as an impressive array of extra-curricular offerings. Our students regularly participate in community events and festivals, and represent the school at regional, state and national level. The richness of the College program allows students to flourish as they pursue their particular interests and goals.

McKinnon has established itself as an IT leader in the education space, being recognised as Australia’s first Google Reference School. IT has become central to the school’s learning programs and administration. With the opening of the new campus the school is further investing in STEAM-focused technologies.

The College has always relied on the commitment of its parent body through which the school council has provided support for teaching programs and facilities. With the addition of the new East Campus and the construction of the impressive new gymnasium at the McKinnon Rd Campus, the College has high-quality sporting facilities, a Lecture Theatre, and attractive ground spaces for students to socialise and be active.

The McKinnon school community is determined to meet the challenges of the modern world with a continuing commitment to our core values.

Selection Criteria

KSC1: Essential: Tertiary level qualifications in psychology, social work, behavioural/social sciences, community services or a related discipline that provides a sound understanding and knowledge of working with adolescents in the counselling setting and assessing and supporting young people at risk. Preferred: experience working in a school setting.

KSC2: Knowledge of adolescent development and demonstrated therapeutic ability to provide brief interventions and counsel young people to achieve positive outcomes.

KSC3: Demonstrated ability to develop and implement student wellbeing programs within the school setting (i.e. mindfulness, social skills, emotional management /coaching, self care etc.)

KSC4: Demonstrated ability to provide family support and work with adolescents in a school framework

KSC5: The ability and experience to conduct risk assessments, including suicide and violence risks, and to develop action plans that mitigate these risks.

Responsibilities

• Provide counselling and brief interventions to students as required.
• Conduct safety assessments including assessment of risk of suicide, violence, abuse and neglect and to develop action plans to mitigate any risks including follow up, support plan and referral pathways.
• Liaise and provide referral to external support agencies and specialists as required.
• Contribute to the development of a whole school approach to student engagement and wellbeing and a positive and secure school environment.
• Advise and assist with the implementation of proactive and preventative wellbeing programs.
• Work collaboratively within the Wellbeing Team to provide coordinated and effective student case co-ordination.
• Provide feedback and advice to staff on the wellbeing of students whilst bearing in mind privacy constraints.
• In consultation with the relevant member of the Leadership Team, report cases of risk to relevant authorities and follow DET and child safety requirements.
• Consult with staff and parents on matters relating to student wellbeing and conduct school based meetings with students and parents.
• Maintain ethical standards of profession in regards to confidentiality and duty of care in the school setting.
• Maintain up-to-date client records and comply with data collection standards.

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 (seeWorkplace adjustment guidelines).

Additional support and advice on the recruitment process is available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander candidates from the Koorie Outcomes Division (KOD) via*******@education.vic.gov.au

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.

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. 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

DE Values

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

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.
• Detailed information on all terms and conditions of employment is available on the Department's Human Resources website at https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal

Role

No attendance is required during term breaks.

Range 4 is distinguished by broader management responsibility, particularly in the areas of finance, human resource and other support functions. Range 4 is responsible for managing a range of functions under a wide range of conditions, subject to the size and complexity of school operations.

Objectives will, generally, be clearly defined; guidelines will be broad and day-to-day direction minimal. Management responsibility extends to ensuring appropriate support levels are maintained across the school. Range 4 generally provides key support and timely advice to the leadership team and school council and liaises with the general school community, the Department and other government agencies and service providers.

Specialised professional roles will carry a high level of independence and accountability where suitable scope is provided to achieve objectives.

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.

Other Information

A current Employee Working With Children Check is required in order to undertake this role.

Be careful - Don’t provide your bank or credit card details when applying for jobs. Don't transfer any money or complete suspicious online surveys. If you see something suspicious, report this job ad.