Social Worker

An exciting opportunity exists for an energetic self-motivated Social Worker (AH2) to join Student Support Services (SSS) Goulburn (Shepparton office) on an ongoing basis. In this role you will support schools to address the barriers that impact on student(s) access, preparation and progress to achieving their educational goals and development. You will provide comprehensive social work services and professional advice to schools and students across the Area, this may include support for highly vulnerable students, students with learning difficulties, behavioural challenges, mental health concerns, disabilities and school transitions. Social workers also play a vital role in response to critical incidents within the school communities. New Graduates are encouraged to apply.

**About the Department**

The role of the Department of Education is to support Victorians to build prosperous, socially engaged, happy and healthy lives. It does this by supporting lifelong learning and healthy development, strengthening families and helping to equip people with the skills and knowledge for a 21st century economy and society. The department supports a culture of leadership, learning and renewal in all workplaces with opportunities for career development and advancement.

**About the Division**

Schools and Regional Services comprises 17 Areas within four regions across the state, as well as 5 central Divisions. The responsibilities of Schools and Regional Services include:

- service delivery including performance, contract management, funding delivery and acquittal
- program implementation including detailed implementation planning and delivery
- local area engagement, advice, support and partnerships
- workforce capability development, professional practice leadership and delivery
- emergency management including critical incident response
- supporting strong regional partnerships with early childhood services, schools and other education providers to deliver high-quality services and outcomes with a 0-18 focus.

The regional model is designed to:

- connect between central government policy and the delivery of high quality services to Victorians
- drive outcomes across all stages of learning through expert advice and support
- connect with families, service providers, schools and communities
- lead, collaborate and partner at a local level to overcome social and economic challenges facing our communities, towns and cities
- deliver health, wellbeing and support services to children, young people and their families to assist them in their learning and development
- improve connectedness and transitions between important points in a child's life - such as between early childhood, kindergarten, school and tertiary education
- assist and support children and young people who are vulnerable, disengaged, and those with disabilities or challenging behaviour.

**About the Role**

SSS comprise a broad range of Allied Health professions including psychologists, speech pathologists, occupational therapists and social workers.

Working in SSS is deeply meaningful, highly rewarding, challenging, and dynamic and gives you the opportunity to make a positive contribution to the life of children and young people, their families, schools, and communities. You'll work with a diverse group of people who share a common goal, and you will be well supported to use your professional skills and knowledge to provide specialised support at the individual, group, school, and area level.

As part of an Area based multi-disciplinary health, wellbeing, and inclusion team, you will work to help to support and build the capability of schools for student achievement, engagement, and wellbeing. You will be working in a vibrant multicultural festive community, in small and large urban and rural schools across Greater Shepparton and Moira shires.

**Attributes**

**Expert advice**: You will be required to provide advice that will influence the development of teaching and learning strategies and student wellbeing programs for school leadership teams.

**Communication**: We are looking for highly developed communication, networking and interpersonal skills as liaison with a range of people in the education community and beyond is a regular activity.

**Flexibility**: The ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team and the capability to work autonomously when required.

**Collaborative approach**: You will have the ability to work collaboratively with other professionals in respect to complex cases, including supporting teachers in the development of educational programs to improve student learning, particularly for students with additional needs.

**Mandatory**Qualifications and Experience**

**Required**: A graduate or post-graduate degree in Social Work and eligibility for membership with Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). Possess a current Australian Drivers' Licence and Working with Children Check.

**What can we offer you?**

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