Head of Wellbeing

Mansfield Steiner School fosters a close-knit, supportive community where educators are encouraged to bring creativity and passion into their teaching. Staff members enjoy a dynamic and nurturing environment that promotes personal growth alongside professional development. The school's commitment to rich academic development learning creates a fulfilling and inspiring workplace for educators.

0.8 FTE – 1.0 FTE

Location: Mansfield Steiner School, Victoria, Australia

Position Overview: The Wellbeing Coordinator at Mansfield Steiner School plays a pivotal role in nurturing the mental, emotional, and social well-being of students spanning from Kindergarten to Year 12. This position entails collaborative efforts with parents, teachers, and external organisations, ensuring a comprehensive approach to student support while upholding child safety standards. Additionally, the Head of Wellbeing will supervise Learning Support staff, facilitate Learning Support meetings, allocate time effectively, and oversee professional development for Learning Support Staff. Funding for this role is partially derived from the MHIPS program. The Wellbeing Coordinator must align our wellbeing program with the aims and philosophy of Steiner Education.

Key Responsibilities:

• Referral and Support:

• Refer families in need to pertinent support services, including Mansfield Autistic Statewide Service, MIFS via Orange Door.
  Work closely with class teachers to identify diagnostic pathways for students requiring additional assistance.

• Communication and Collaboration with Class Teachers and Guardians:

• Support teachers to engage in discussions with parents to elaborate on the National Consistent Collection of Data (NCCD) and the classroom strategies implemented for their child's support.
• Ensure classroom teachers and guardians' NCCD and IEP documentation is up-to-date and accurately recorded.
• Effectively manage volatile situations by providing necessary support that may include the temporary removal of dysregulated students from the classroom.

• Provide and/or coordinate support for students requiring assistance to develop social/relationship skills.
  Support students requiring a temporary break from the classroom.

• Restorative Practices:Lead restorative practices to address conflicts or wrongdoings, ensuring a comprehensive understanding through gathering information from various perspectives.

Proactive Initiatives:

• Wellbeing Curriculum:
• Collaborate with class teachers to document and enhance the well-being curriculum in the classroom.

• Introduce innovative ideas to classes for navigating challenging friendships or behaviours.
  Ensure the wellbeing program aligns with the aims and philosophy of Steiner Education.

• External Support and Education:

• Organise visits from wellbeing specialists, including Developing the Self, Lou Harvey Zahra, and eSmart.

• Facilitate visits from external organisations such as SOCIT to engage with year 7/8 students.
  Work collaboratively with Learning Support Officers (LSOs) to guide their work and ensure meticulous documentation of support.

• Supervision and Development:

• Supervise Learning Support staff, ensuring effective time allocations and facilitating regular Learning Support meetings.
  Oversee the professional development of Learning Support Staff.

• Documentation and Professional Development:

• Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation for NCCD, aligning with ChildSafe standards.
  Deliver professional development sessions on NCCD and Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for teaching staff.

Qualifications and Skills:

• VIT Registration or the ability to be granted teacher registration in the case of interstate applicants.
• Bachelor's degree in education, psychology, social work, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in working with students across diverse age groups.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Knowledge of restorative practices and effective wellbeing strategies.
  Familiarity with relevant referral services and support organisations.

The Head of Wellbeing at Mansfield Steiner School actively contributes to cultivating a positive and supportive learning environment, prioritising the holistic development of students, and ensuring that the well-being program aligns seamlessly with the aims and philosophy of Steiner Education. Funding for this role is supported by the MHIPS program.