Defence School Mentor

**Estimated start date**:ASAP

**Position tenure**:Fixed Term

**Weeks worked**:School term weeks only (holidays unpaid)

**Tenure duration**(where Fixed Term)**:Financial Year

**Total Paid Hours (per week) & days required**:15 Hours per week

**Salary level, range or hourly rate**:Level 4 School Officer(School Salary Scale)/(Services Salary Scale)

**Employment conditions**: Diocesan Catholic Education Employing Authorities in Queensland Single Interest Agreement

St Mary's College, Ipswich is a close knit Catholic, secondary College committed to the education of young women in the Mercy Tradition. We are a growing school community that has a current enrolment of approximately 700 students. The educational experiences offered are holistic and designed to be values based and life-giving. In joining our community, you join supportive, collaborative and professional colleagues who are dedicated to the best outcomes for each student. **Explore**our school website**to learn more about us.**

We are seeking to appoint a Defence School Mentor (DSM) who is passionate about the wellbeing of children and young adults, as part of the Defence School Mentor Program (DSMP). This program, delivered in schools, is designed to provide practical assistance to Defence families and support the social and emotional wellbeing of Defence students within their schools. The role is funded by the Defence Member and Family Support (DMFS) Branch, of the Commonwealth Department of Defence. This position is based on Funding - the potential for renewal of contract in July 2025 is possible.

Primary Objectives for the role:

- Supporting the integration of new Defence students into the school environment
- Supporting Defence students experiencing any social, emotional or academic challenges
- Supporting Defence students experiencing the impacts of Defence-related parental absence and relocation
- Directing students to school, Defence or external programs, services or opportunities that meet their support needs
- Increasing the awareness and appreciation of the unique Defence lifestyle and associated challenges for students in schools and local communities

Key Responsibilities:

- Supporting the transition of Defence families and students into and out of the school during posting (e.g. developing welcoming activities, integration activities to provide support during transition into a new school, absence support activities to provide support during periods of parental absence, and farewelling activities to prepare Defence families and students for relocating to a new school).
- Providing Defence students with age-appropriate, social and emotional support that enhances existing school supports.
- Providing Defence families with information about the school environment and available Defence Member and Family Support (DMFS) programs relevant to their student’s development.
- Raising awareness and building capacity among school staff to respond to the social and emotional needs of students from Defence families (e.g., sharing information with school staff about the Defence lifestyle, impacts on Defence students, and supports available through the DSMP and DMFS).
- Possessing a strong understanding of the Defence lifestyle and developing strong relationships with Defence students at the school

Selection Criteria:

- Valid Working with Children Check
- Knowledge about wellbeing principles for young children and young adults
- High level of oral and written communication skills, and the ability to communicate effectively with Defence students, families, DSM Supervisors, Principals, and school staff
- Ability to effectively plan, organise, and deliver innovative and creative programs, resources and activities relating to Defence students, families and the school community
- Strong initiative and the ability to organise their own work, set priorities, meet deadlines, and be able to work independently and within team environments
- Ability to quickly acquire an understanding of the school context and student population

To be eligible to be considered for this role you will:

- hold a Paid Employee Positive Notice Blue Card prior to commencement;
- be eligible to work in Australia for the duration of the appointment; and
- have a commitment to and understanding of the ethos and traditions of Catholic Education.
- _
- Everyone at Brisbane Catholic Education models and fosters a _commitment to the safeguarding of children_ and promotes a culture where _**_student protection is everyone’s responsibility_**_. Successful applicants will complete requisite _Working With Children (WWC)_ pre-employment screening, in accordance with legislation, prior to appointment._

**Contact**: Paula Goodwin

**Contact number**: 34325444

**Closing date: Sunday 12th January**

Defence School Mentor - Position Description 2024