Student Welfare Officer

Location: Western Region | Ballarat

Job type: Part time / From 29/01/2025 - 27/01/2028

Organisation: Schools (Government)

**Salary**: Salary not specified

Occupation: Education and Training

Reference: 1447649

**Selection Criteria**:
SC1: Outstanding short-term counselling and relationship building skills with staff, students, parents and the broader school community.

SC2: A proven capacity to work within the school environment and an ability to liaise with outside agencies.

SC3: A proven capacity to provide high quality and needs based professional development to staff and other school community members.

SC4: An ability to provide well being support and specific programs within the classroom environment to complement existing programs.

SC5: Demonstrated excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to communicate effectively with students, parents and staff.

SC6: A capacity to work closely with key staff members whilst adhering to department guidelines and school based protocols.

**Role**:
**The National Student Wellbeing Program (NSWP)** provides:

- pastoral care services
- strategies that support the wellbeing of the broader school community.

The NSWP defines pastoral care as the practice of supporting the general wellbeing of students and the school community.

A student wellbeing officer engaged via the NSWP may:

- work as a member of the school's wellbeing team in the delivery of student wellbeing services
- contribute to improving student engagement and connectedness
- contribute to providing a safe, inclusive and supportive learning environment
- provide pastoral care and guidance to students
- operate within the school community and with external providers
- operate within the school community and with external providers.

**Responsibilities**:
The roles and responsibilities of NSWP student wellbeing officers could include:

- supporting student attendance, engagement and mental health
- supporting students in difficult or challenging situations such as during times of grief
- providing students with referrals to specialist services when required
- providing guidance to students about values and ethical matters
- supporting physical, emotional, social and intellectual development and wellbeing of all students
- supporting an environment of cooperation and respecting a diversity of cultures and traditions

Demonstrated understanding and implementation of evidence based practice approaches and techniques which support the wellbeing and engagement of those associated with our learning community, including students, parents/carers, staff and external agencies. Other responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

- Meet regularly with school staff to update and consult on student information and wellbeing programs.
- Provide information to parents on appropriate services and supports and assist families with referrals to external agencies.
- Provide advice to staff on any wellbeing concerns within their classroom.
- Act as liaison between school and home environment as required.
- Attend Professional Development relevant to enhancing wellbeing support.
- Develop and maintain effective working relationships and networks with local agencies.
- Maintain accurate student files and case notes.
- Other relevant duties as directed by the Principal or her delegate.
- Maintain and support the development of wellbeing programs and initiatives within the school in partnership with teaching staff
- Work directly with students (1:1 and small group settings) on wellbeing matters.
- Regularly liaise with the Principal on wellbeing matters.
- Communicate effectively with and support the school community with regard to proactive wellbeing support.

**Who May Apply**:
Student wellbeing officers must hold a Certificate IV equivalent or higher qualification that includes competencies in:

- mental health and making appropriate referrals, and
- providing pastoral care or working with youth.

Qualifications in the Community Services Training Package that meet these requirements are:

- Certificate IV in Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care (CHC42315)
- Certificate IV in Community Services (CHC42015)
- Certificate IV in Mental Health (CHC43315)
- Certificate IV in Youth Justice (CHC40513)
- Certificate IV in Youth Work (CHC40413).

Other qualifications in psychology or social work may be suitable. See:

- the Psychology Board of Australia approved courses of study
- the Australian Association of Social Workers accredited courses.

All student wellbeing officers must hold a valid employee working with children clearance.

Student wellbeing officers must comply with the school's child safety screening requirements.

**EEO AND OHS Commitment**:
**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 t