About our College

Sunbury College is a vibrant, cohesive and inclusive school located 35km (about 30 minutes drive) from the CBD in Melbourne¿s north-west growth corridor. The college holds the values of respect, responsibility, resilience and endeavour as guiding principles. It has a focus on the academic growth, personal development and general wellbeing of each student. It is greatly valued by its local community of Sunbury and surrounds.

The student enrolment is currently 1050. The staff are in the main a mixture of mature, experienced teachers in the expert range along with a number of graduates providing the school with an energetic mix. Our staff are committed, professional and collaborative. They value continuous improvement and development.

A comprehensive curriculum is offered from years 7-12, including VET options, and the college is organised around these sub-schools (Years 7-8, 9-10, 11-12) and four houses. The college has well established co-curricular programs with high interest and success in sport, the performing arts, student leadership and student engagement activities.

Sunbury College is set on eight hectares and has well-established facilities in the final stages of being modernised. Our new classrooms and science building are now fully established.

Our strategic directions going forward have a strong emphasis on pedagogical development and on student agency and voice in their learning. In the area of student pathways and transition the college aims to provide a post compulsory program, counselling and advice that maximises the further education, training and employment options for all students. As part of its focus on student engagement and wellbeing, the college has undertaken to provide a supportive and productive learning environment supported by positive student and teacher relationships that promotes overall wellbeing and engaged, motivated learners with a strong sense of connection to the school community

Role

Range 3 is distinguished by the introduction of management responsibility and accountability for the delivery of professional support services. The role will usually impact beyond the work area or professional field. It seeks to gain cooperation of other staff members or members of the school community to achieve specific objectives, such as in school administration, operations or educational programs.

Direction on targets and goals is provided but the position will have some degree of latitude in determining how they are achieved. This latitude will generally be limited by standard procedures and school policy. Deviation from standard procedures and school policy will require guidance and direction from senior management.

The provision of business management responsibilities becomes a feature at range 3. Management of staff to achieve the expected outcomes is a key responsibility. Staff management issues will be resolved with minimal reference to senior management, although guidance will be required in more complex cases. Senior management will be provided with timely reports and advice, although this will generally be confined to matters relating to the immediate work area, service provision or educational program and is unlikely to impact substantially on whole of school operations.

This is the minimum range for positions that carry a mandatory qualification requirement of not less than four years. Professional student support positions become a feature at range 3 (e.g. therapists, psychologists) where standard professional services are delivered. Professional support and guidance will be close at hand and deviation from standard procedures and school policy will require guidance and direction from senior management.

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.

Responsibilities, Duties and essential job functions of the Student Counsellor

Counselling and psychological services:

• Provide counselling for students, families and groups where appropriate
• Maintain case notes and student files in accordance with school guidelines
• Provide feedback and support for families regarding individual students
• Conduct psycho-educational and other relevant assessments
• Contribute to educational planning on the basis of assessments conducted

Professional relationships:

• Liaise with teachers where appropriate to develop personal, social and learning strategies for students
• Liaise with Year Level Co-ordinators, wellbeing team and leadership in matters relating to individual and group needs
• Refer to and liaise with, external agencies and professionals as required
• Attend wellbeing and whole school meetings
• Actively participate in the wellbeing team case discussion, planning, critical incident response, development of knowledge and processes
• Report to Student Wellbeing Coordinator and Principal team

Professional contributions:

• Contribute to the professional learning of staff on child development, emotional and psychological issues
• Promote a model of good mental heath for staff, students and families
• Contribute to the planning and delivery of parent education seminars
• Participate in relevant classroom programs as required and/or offer specialised groups on targeted areas eg. social skills, study skills

Other:

• Attend parent information evenings
• Assist with the critical incident response where necessary
• Participate in relevant professional development activities

Selection Criteria

• Demonstrated competency in psychological/counselling intervention, using recognised, evidence-based approaches.
• Demonstrated highly developed communication and interpersonal skills to improve the learning and wellbeing outcomes of young people.
• Previous experience that demonstrates ethical counselling practices with young people.
• Demonstrated ability working effectively and efficiently to support young people in complex situations.
• Ability to work as an individual and as part of a team to deliver shared outcomes.

Qualifications

• Registered Psychologist, social worker and / or counsellor
• Experience working in schools is an advantage

Other skills and attributes

• Discretion and confidentiality are essential attributes to this position
• Demonstrated proficiency in core psychological interpretation and report writing
• Initiative and confidence to make contributions and suggestions
• Highly effective verbal and communicating skills, using tact and diplomacy
• Critical thinking when problem solving
• Time management skills - able to work to deadlines and capable or directing others when necessary
• Ability to remain calm under pressure
• Overall good interpersonal skills when working in a team environment

Other Information

The Student Counsellor will work as part of a wellbeing team delivering positive wellbeing outcomes for students. The Wellbeing team includes -

• Wellbeing Coordinator
• Two Youth Workers
• Mental Health Practitioner
• Student Counsellor
• Adolescent Health Nurse

For any questions regarding the position, please contact the Assistant Principal, Mrs Fiona Scott-Young 0417 889 804

JOB ID: 1421324