Mental Health in Primary Schools

Role type: Part-time or Full -time FTE), Fixed-term until December 2026

Fa c ulty: The Faculty of Education

Salary: Level A .6 - $110,319 p.a. plus 17% super

• E quip school leaders with the knowledge, confidence, and practical tools to embed effective, evidence-informed mental health and wellbeing practices within their school communities.

• C ontribute to a transformative, state-wide initiative that is shaping the future of mental health support in primary education

• Enjoy a benefits package that includ es salary packaging, health and wellbeing programs, discounted services, and professional development opportunities.

The University of Melbourne

We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website .

Your next career opportunity

The Mental Health in Primary Schools ( MHiPS ) Learning Leader works within the MHiPS Teaching and Learning team, guiding and supporting Mental Health and Wellbeing Leaders (MHWLs) and their schools as they implement the Mental Health in Primary Schools Initiative. This position combines the delivery of high-quality training, the coordination of learning activities, and the provision of expert guidance to ensure that each MHWL is well-equipped to promote effective, evidence-informed mental health and wellbeing practices within their school communities.

Working across a diverse cohort of schools from the government, Catholic and independent sectors, the Learning Leader will draw upon their deep expertise in education and wellbeing to tailor support to each school's context. The role demands exceptional organisational and communication skills, a collaborative approach, and the ability to cultivate enduring professional relationships with MHWLs, schools, and key stakeholders including the Department of Education. With strong pedagogical insight and a commitment to improving student wellbeing, the Learning Leader will be instrumental in ensuring the successful translation of evidence-based mental health strategies into meaningful, sustainable practice.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Guiding and supporting each Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader (MHWL) along their learning pathway, assisting with the development and ongoing review of school mental health and wellbeing plans, and monitoring progress throughout the year.

• Delivering and facilitating high-quality training through workshops and learning community sessions, both in person and online, while providing responsive support to participants through queries, structured learning support meetings and learning management systems such as Canvas.

• Monitoring and reporting on participation and engagement, maintaining accurate records, analysing attendance trends, and identifying potential risks to program quality and delivery.

• Curating and sharing evidence-based resources and guidance to enhance MHWLs' professional learning, while coordinating associated administrative tasks with precision and timeliness.

You may be a great fit if:

You are an engaging and empathetic professional with a natural ability to inspire confidence and build strong, respectful relationships across diverse school communities. Your exceptional communication and interpersonal skills enable you to connect with individuals at all levels, guiding and supporting them with sensitivity, professionalism, and clarity. You demonstrate a calm and collaborative approach, bringing both initiative and adaptability to your work while maintaining meticulous attention to detail and organisation . With a genuine commitment to improving the wellbeing of children and the capacity to balance multiple priorities with composure, you thrive in a role that requires thoughtful judgement, emotional intelligence, and the ability to lead meaningful professional learning with poise and credibility.

You may also:

• Hold a tertiary qualification in a relevant discipline such as psychology, social work, education, or another allied health field, with a minimum of five years' experience in a comparable role.

• Demonstrate knowledge and application of evidence-based approaches to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of primary school students, ideally gained within an educational or clinical context.

• P ossess p roven experience delivering professional learning, with strong facilitation skills and confidence presenting to groups of varying sizes both in person and online.

• Exhibit h igh-level administrative, organisational , and digital literacy skills, with the ability to manage multiple systems, platforms, and competing priorities effectively.

For further information please refer to the attached PD.

What we offer you

We offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits to support your success and sense of fulfillment, including:

• Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being

• Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balance

• Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance

• Health and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program

Your new team – The Faculty of Education

The Faculty of Education ( FoE ) fosters staff productivity, growth and engagement in a collective effort to enrich the contribution that education makes to society. We conduct research and teaching that leads to the transformation of education practice both within and beyond the profession. FoE stimulates learning that enriches the potential of students from around the world, enabling meaningful careers and profound contributions to communities. We provide research leadership, setting the direction for high-impact, innovative and responsive research that addresses the pressing issues of our time. We lead purposeful engagement with society, sharing our resources and expertise as part of collaborative efforts to build a resilient, equitable and sustainable future.

Be Yourself

The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child-safe organisation. We believe the diversity of our community enriches us all, and we are committed to creating an inclusive and fair workplace where everyone is valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Discover more about Diversity and Inclusion at UniMelb.

We're committed to a barrier-free recruitment process and ongoing workplace support, providing reasonable adjustments throughout . We warmly encourage applications from people with disabilities. For assistance , please contact Kim Groizard on or at hr- (subject: 'Recruitment Adjustments'). Contact details for other enquiries are located at the bottom of this page.

F ind more information for applicants requiring reasonable adjustments .

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants

We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians . Our Indigenous strategy, Murm u k Djerring outlines our investment and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and students.

Indigenous applicants are encouraged to connect with our Indigenous Employment & Development team at oied- for further information and support .

Please note : This role requires current valid work rights for Australia. Visa sponsorship is not available.

A Working with Children Check (WWCC) is required for all positions. If successful, we'll guide you through the WWCC application process during onboarding and reimburse the cost.

Join Us and unlock your career potential

I f this role is right for you, please apply with the following documents:

• Resume

• Cover Letter outlining your interest and experience

• The responses against the Selection Criteria^ (found in the )

Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible, as interviews may be scheduled throughout the advertising period

Learn more about the application process , including tips and FAQs .

For recruitment queries, email Petra Newton hr- . Include the Position Number and Job Title in the subject line. Please do not send applications to this email address.

For job-specific queries, refer to the contact details in the .

Applications close:Sunday 23rd November at 11:55 PM Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) / Melbourne time zone.

: JR Mental Health in Primary Schools, Learning