Youth Counsellor

**Overview**:
**Work type**:Part time

**Salary**:Salary not specified

**Grade**:Ed Support Level 1-Range 3

**Occupation**: Education and Training

**Location**: Ballarat

**Reference**: 1476809

**Location Profile**:
Ballarat High School is a learning community where every person is valued, respected, and challenged as a learner.

We are entering into the next exciting phase of our journey as a school, and we aim to be leaders in education in order to secure the best possible outcomes for all of our students.

Ballarat High School commenced in 1907 as Agricultural High School and today has a student population of 1500 students. Ballarat High School has a long history and tradition of providing a quality education to the youth of Ballarat. While the school has changed physically over its hundred-year history, what has not changed is the significant contribution it makes to many young lives.

We endeavour to provide an inclusive, positive, respectful learning environment for all students. We believe in educating the whole person and acknowledge the correlation between student wellbeing, connectedness, and academic achievement. Our mission is to provide the right supports to the right students at the right time.

Our values of Pride, Respect and Responsibility under the motto of Duty Always ensure we build and maintain strong and positive relationships. We focus on teaching and learning improvement strategies that will raise standards and outcomes for all individuals in a culture of high expectations, collaboration, shared values and trust.

Ballarat High School is incredibly fortunate to have high quality facilities for all faculty areas and we fully utilise these spaces to ensure that all students find their passion and their time with us is enriched with excellent learning opportunities both within and beyond the classroom.
- BHS Strategic Plan
- BHS Annual Implementation Plan
- Annual Report to the School Community
- Vision for School Improvement
- Policies and other resources

**Selection Criteria**:
Applicants are requested to present a written response to the key 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.
- Relevant experience and/or tertiary qualifications 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.
- 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 DE Student Su