Dean of Students

DEAN OF STUDENTS - SAFEGUARDING AND WELLBEING

Closing Date for Applications: 15th September

St Vincent's College is a Catholic Day and Boarding College for girls in Years 7 to 12. The College was founded by the Sisters of Charity in 1858 and is now under the stewardship of Mary Aikenhead Ministries. The College fosters creativity, discernment and leadership in the development of students to be courageous women of action.

Rationale and Role:

St Vincent's College places the highest priority on the safeguarding of young people and therefore has policies and processes in place to ensure the safety of all students.  This role will develop, implement, promote and amend policies, processes and practices that, through the nurturing of respectful and compliant culture ensures the safeguarding and wellbeing of all students.

Organisational Relationships:

The Dean of Students - Safeguarding and Wellbeing is accountable to the College Principal and reports through the Deputy Principal, working closely with the Deans of Early, Middle and Senior Secondary School who have oversight of the care of a particular stage of a student's educational journey through the College. The Dean of Students - Safeguarding and Wellbeing will collaborate with the wellbeing team of Counsellors and Nurse and liaise closely with Diverse Learning and Boarding on matters of child protection and safeguarding to ensure relevant support is given to all students. The role requires daily contact with students, staff and parents as well as consultation with health professionals and external agencies such as DCJ.

The Dean of Students - Safeguarding and Wellbeing will be a practising teacher (.4 load). The role is a Level 3 Leadership position.

Key Strengths and Attributes

· A commitment to the values of the Gospel and Mary Aikenhead Ministries which holds as its foundation, a deep respect for the dignity and the uniqueness of the individual.

· A capacity to foster a culture of safety across the College as a Catholic entity.

· Knowledge of legislative requirements of schools in regards to child protection and ability to implement and model the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards as they apply to our organisation.

· Demonstrated commitment to student wellbeing and knowledge of emerging trends and best practice in a whole school approach to wellbeing.

· Experience in managing concerns for student welfare and providing interventions of support for students facing significant risks to their safety, wellbeing, or education, such as those at risk of harm.

· Knowledge of appropriate responses, conflict resolution and restorative practices when dealing with student issues, including friendship issues and bullying.

· A capacity to foster positive relationships with effective and respectful communication between staff, parents & students.

· A capacity to develop trust with students, parents and staff and ability to deal with student matters sensitively and fairly, maintaining confidentiality.

· Displayed commitment, professionalism and integrity with ability to inspire, motivate and lead staff in the pastoral care of students.

· Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues.

· Clear minded and solution focused.

· Highly organised with ability to balance competing priorities, with attention to detail.

· Excellent interpersonal skills, management and administrative skills.

· Excellent written, verbal communication and technology skills.

The Dean of Students - Safeguarding and Wellbeing is ultimately responsible for:

Actively promoting the College values, vision and mission, demonstrating active and continued support of the Catholic faith and traditions.

Lead safeguarding and child protection practices in the College.

Lead interventions that support students of concern.

Application Process:

All applications with an Application for Employment form (from the College web site), Application Letter addressing the Key Strengths and Attributes required, CV, transcripts of qualifications, WWCC number and contact details of 3 referees should be sent by email to: 

St Vincent's College is committed to the safety of young people. We support the right of young people to be informed, transformed and empowered. We listen to our young people and learn from their insights and wisdom. We believe that everyone in our community has a role to play in ensuring a safe environment for young people. Child Protection legislation requires that, as the preferred applicant of a position classified as child-related employment, you must meet the requirements of the Working with Children Check.

St Vincent's College is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to a work environment that supports, inspires, and respects all individuals and in which personnel processes are merit-based and applied without discrimination.

Please note that applications will be considered as they are received, and an appointment may be made prior to the closing date.