Social Worker

Selection Criteria Ability to implement a range of small group and whole-school mental health prevention and promotion activities aimed at improving student mental health and wellbeing, including the delivery of capability building and awareness raising activities for staff and/or students on key mental health and wellbeing issues affecting the school’s student population. Demonstrated ability to input into the development, implementation and evaluation of processes and strategies aimed at enhancing mental health and wellbeing prevention, promotion and early intervention. Demonstrated experience in assessing, conceptualising and analysing wellbeing issues, and providing evidence-based direct counselling support to clients with a range of mental health needs. Demonstrated experience in coordinating supports for young people with complex needs including referrals to a range of specialist services as appropriate. Highly developed communication, networking and interpersonal skills including the ability to liaise effectively with a wide range of people. Clear understanding of legislative requirements regarding privacy of health information. Role We are seeking a Social Worker to be a part of our Wellbeing Hub. The Wellbeing Hub is led by the Wellbeing Leader and includes an MHP, Social Worker, School Nurses and the Disability Inclusion Co-ordinator. The team will also liaise with external agencies and providers. The Wellbeing Leader reports directly to the Assistant Principal (Wellbeing and Engagement). The Wellbeing Hub team will work closely with the Senior and Junior Mini School Leaders, Year Level Managers and Home Group teachers to support student wellbeing. They will receive referrals from staff as well as self-referrals from students and use a case management approach in order to determine the best wellbeing supports for each student. This is a part-time role, ideally at a 0.6 FTE time fraction, however this may be negotiable with the successful applicant. Days of attendance will be determined after discussion with the Principal and Wellbeing Leader and will allow for meeting of the entire Wellbeing Hub team Responsibilities Providing advice and professional learning to others, including teachers and other school wellbeing staff, to build the capacity of schools to improve students wellbeing, learning and developmental outcomes. Delivering professional support services in a school, including mental health prevention and promotion activities and early intervention activities (including short-term counselling) for students with a range of mental health needs, applying sound theoretical knowledge and practical expertise. Planning and implementing evidence-based intervention strategies for students with complex needs including collaborating with families, other professionals and agencies when appropriate to effectively manage risk. Working collaboratively with the school to enhance mental health prevention and promotion across the school by contributing to policies and operational practices that will guide the work of others, including other school wellbeing staff and teachers. Liaising with other department areas (including secondary school nurses and Student Support Services staff) and external service providers where necessary to provide appropriate support to students. Maintaining professional competence and continued professional development, including attending professional development activities throughout the year. Meeting relevant policies and legislative requirements in relation to student health information, privacy and consent. Please note: Continued professional development is a registration requirement under the National Law, which governs the operations of the National Boards and Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Who May Apply Required Applicants must be qualified as a social worker. Specifically, applicants must be eligible for membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers Demonstrated direct counselling experience A current Working With Children Check. Desirable Membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers and an Accredited Social Worker Trade Mark. 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 (see Workplace 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 Location Profile Thomastown Secondary College has a unique and proud history. Designed in 1971 on a mini-school model with a strong focus on engagement and student voice, we have retained our core values while responding to the changing needs of our community and that of the broader society. Central to our core values is the pursuit of Individual Excellence for each member of the College and this is embedded in our rich learning environment which values and supports diversity, excellence and teamwork. We foster a spirit of mutual respect and support, where every student is expected to strive to reach his or her potential. The College mission is to empower students to develop strong social, emotional, and academic skills essential for all citizens in this global world and we encourage all students to participate in shaping and improving our learning environment while taking every opportunity to participate in enrichment and extension programs. The College is structured around a Junior and Senior Mini school, each led by an Assistant Principal supported by Year Level Coordinators, which allows us to focus on the individual needs of each student while ensuring a strong and broad curriculum. Home Group teachers within each Mini School mentor and guide their students, providing strong positive connection and encouragement. The College provides senior students with a range of options from VCE, VM and VET and the opportunity to access a relevant work placement is available to all students enrolled in a VET course. Year 10 students benefit from being part of a senior learning environment and have access to Year 11 subjects.

Location: Preston, Victoria, AU

Posted Date: 11/17/2025