Youth Counsellor

Location: Western Region | Ballarat

Job type: Full time / From 15/07/2024 - 04/07/2025

Organisation: Schools (Government)

**Salary**: Salary not specified

Occupation: Education and Training

Reference: 1415171

**Selection Criteria**:
Applicants are requested to present a written response to the selection criteria below:

- Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills and an ability to maintain comprehensive confidential case notes.
- Demonstrated awareness and understanding of the issues encountered by young people and the ability to work alongside and support those who are experiencing barriers to education, training and employment.
- Demonstrated ability to work in a multi-faceted team, fostering effective working relationships with external agencies and service providers, and knowledge of a range of support services available to young people and families.
- Demonstrated ability to develop, implement and evaluate high quality programs which support student wellbeing and success.
- Demonstrated capacity for critical reflection and leadership in the Student Wellbeing area.
- A relevant tertiary qualification in welfare, counselling or psychology.

**Role**:
The position of Youth Counsellor is one of providing significant support to Ballarat High School in achieving the government targets of improved retention.

Working within the framework of our Strategic Plan and Annual Implementation Plan, the Youth Counsellor will provide counselling advice to students of Ballarat High School and be required to work in close association with all members of staff to develop policies, programs and implement strategies to improve student engagement, retention and wellbeing.

As an Education Support staff member, the range of duties may be expanded in the future in accordance with the ES Level 1, Range 3 General Duties.

Attendance during some school holiday periods may be required and would be compensated through Leave Purchase or Time in Lieu arrangements.

**Responsibilities**:
The key responsibilities of the position may include, but is not limited to:
**A: Student development**
- Work in close association with the Assistant Principals, Sub-school Leaders, Team Leaders, Student Wellbeing Team, Mentors and external agencies in the development and implementation of the policies and practices that support student success, engagement and wellbeing.
- In consultation with others at Ballarat High School and external agencies, identify program needs and support the implementation of appropriate programs especially for those identified as being at risk.

**B: Student Welfare and Support**
- Identify and assess the barriers to education being faced by young people.
- Provide counselling support to individual students as needed.
- Work specifically with students in the Inclusion program, Koori students, EAL students and those in out of home care.
- Collaborate with Team Leaders, Mentors and classroom teachers to develop individual learning plans for identified students, to address their individual needs.
- Develop and assist in delivering pro-active classroom and extra curricula programs that improve student resilience and wellbeing.
- Provide information and advice to parents and students upon request, including referral to DET Student Support Services, other Government agencies and alternative education/training/employment programs.
- Liaise with community agencies and education related groups as required.

**C: Administration and Management**
- Maintain confidential records of referrals, student information and detailed case notes.
- Attend relevant committees and forums on youth issues.

**D: Human Resources**
- Assist in the identification of own training needs.
- Participate in an annual Performance and Development process.

**Who May Apply**:
Individuals with the aptitude, experience and/or qualifications to fulfill the specific requirements of the position.

**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:
**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:
**Other Information**:
Enquiries regarding the position can be directed to Mrs Lesley Thorpe on 03 5338 9000.

**Location Profile**:
Ballarat High School is a learning community where ever