Overview
Work Type: Fixed-term - Full-time
Salary: Salary not specified
Grade: Education Support - Level 1, Range 3
Occupation: Education and training
Location: Melbourne - Southern suburbs
Reference: 1487691
Selection Criteria
SC1 Demonstrated capacity and experience to provide support to students and parents individually and in group settings
SC2 Experience in the delivery of student and family wellbeing services in a Secondary setting
SC3 Demonstrated knowledge of current best-practice interventions for students with support needs.
SC4 Capacity to work as part of a collaborative multidisciplinary professional team and contribute significantly to the achievements of the team
SC5 Demonstrated capacity to liaise with a range of organisations related to student and family support.
SC6 Demonstrated a wide range of interpersonal and communication skills.
Role
The Defence School Mentor (DSM) & Student Wellbeing Officer (SWO) is a blended role supporting the transition, engagement, and wellbeing of students with a particular focus on children from Defence families and vulnerable students. This role integrates elements of youth work, mentoring, and early intervention counselling.
The DSM component provides tailored support to ADF students and their families, ensuring smooth transitions into the school community and ongoing support through periods of parental absence.
The Student Wellbeing Officer component delivers wellbeing support to the wider student population, working collaboratively with the Wellbeing and Sub-School Teams to promote positive mental health, attendance, engagement, and social-emotional learning.
Range 3 is distinguished by the introduction of management responsibility and accountability for the delivery of professional support services. The role will usually impact beyond the work area or professional field. It seeks to gain cooperation of other staff members or members of the school community to achieve specific objectives, such as in school administration, operations or educational programs.
Direction on targets and goals is provided but the position will have some degree of latitude in determining how they are achieved. This latitude will generally be limited by standard procedures and school policy. Deviation from standard procedures and school policy will require guidance and direction from senior management.
The provision of business management responsibilities becomes a feature at range 3. Management of staff to achieve the expected outcomes is a key responsibility. Staff management issues will be resolved with minimal reference to senior management, although guidance will be required in more complex cases. Senior management will be provided with timely reports and advice, although this will generally be confined to matters relating to the immediate work area, service provision or educational program and is unlikely to impact substantially on whole of school operations.
This is the minimum range for positions that carry a mandatory qualification requirement of not less than four years. Professional student support positions become a feature at range 3 (e.g. therapists, psychologists) where standard professional services are delivered. Professional support and guidance will be close at hand and deviation from standard procedures and school policy will require guidance and direction from senior management.
An education support class position supports the educational services being provided to students, but must not include duties of teaching as defined in clause 2.6.1 of the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 (Vic) or its successor. Supervision of students cannot be required except where it is an integral part of the employees position or involves supervision of students individually or in small groups, in controlled circumstances, where the responsibility for students remains clearly with a teacher.
Responsibilities
Defence School Mentor (DSM)
- Assist ADF students and their families with school and community transition.
- Coordinate welcome and farewell activities for Defence families.
- Provide wellbeing check-ins and social/emotional support for Defence students.
- Support students during periods of parental absence (deployments, training, etc.).
- Enhance awareness of Defence family experiences within the school community.
- Maintain positive, regular communication with Defence families.
- Connect families with internal and external supports as needed.
Student Wellbeing Officer
- Provide emotional support, counselling, and wellbeing check-ins to students.
- Support students experiencing trauma, anxiety, family breakdown, or disengagement.
- Develop and implement individualised wellbeing support plans.
- Support student engagement and attendance strategies.
- Participate in Sub-School and Wellbeing Team meetings, contributing to case management.
- Deliver evidence-based group programs, mental health initiatives, and resilience-building workshops.
- Liaise with external services (mental health, DFFH, hospitals, community organisations).
- Attend Student Support Group (SSG) or Care Team meetings as required.
- Support the delivery of whole-school wellbeing initiatives and student events.
Who May Apply
Individuals with the aptitude, experience and/or qualifications to fulfill the specific requirements of the position.
EEO AND OHS Commitment
Applicants seeking part-time employment are encouraged to apply for any teaching service position and, if they are the successful candidate, request a reduced time fraction. Such requests will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis and will be subject to the operational requirements of the school.
The Department of Education is committed to the principles of equal opportunity, and diversity and inclusion for all. We value diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for roles within the Department. The Department recognises that the provision of family friendly, supportive, safe and harassment free workplaces is essential to high performance and promotes flexible work, diversity and safety across all schools and Department workplaces. It is our policy to provide reasonable adjustments for persons with a disability (see Workplace adjustment guidelines).
Additional support and advice on the recruitment process is available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islanders from the Koorie Outcomes Division (KOD) via marrung@education.vic.gov.au
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 their legal obligations including child safe standards. All schools have a Child Safety Code of Conduct consistent with the department's exemplar available at:
https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/child-safe-standards/policy
DE Values
The department's employees commit to upholding the department's Values: Responsiveness, Integrity, Impartiality, Accountability, Respect, Leadership and Human Rights. The department's Values complement each school's own values and underpin the behaviours the community expects of Victorian public sector employees, including those who work in Victorian Government Schools. Information on the department values is available at:
https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/values-department-vps-school-employees/overview
Other Information
Defence School Mentor (DSM)
- Ensure that all new Defence families and students receive a welcome check-in and induction within 2 weeks of enrolment.
- Facilitate a minimum of two community events per year (e.g. welcome and farewell events) for Defence families.
- Maintain ongoing contact with all enrolled Defence families, with a minimum of one wellbeing check-in per term.
- Evidence of providing transition support for incoming or outgoing Defence students, including communication with previous or future schools where appropriate.
- Delivery of pastoral support and check-ins for Defence students during periods of parental deployment, absence, or training.
- Contributions to school communications (e.g. newsletters, assembly announcements) to raise awareness of Defence-related activities and support available.
- Maintain accurate, up-to-date Defence family records, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with data requirements.
Student Wellbeing Officer
- Ability to identify when a student may be at risk and take appropriate steps to ensure their safety, including making a wellbeing plan when needed.
- Compliance with PROTECT protocols, the Child Safe Standards, and Department of Education (DET) guidelines.
- Develop, document, and implement Student Support Plans (SSPs) or Wellbeing Plans with clear goals and strategies to improve student wellbeing and engagement.
- Respond to referrals in a timely manner, adhering to the school's referral and triage processes.
- Maintain accurate, timely, and professional records of student interactions in Compass and/or the school¿s Wellbeing Drive, in line with school processes.
- Achieve an appropriate number of client sessions per term relative to the role¿s time fraction and caseload allocation.
- Support and/or deliver small group programs, with records of program attendance, participation data, and session outcomes.
- Demonstrate a understanding of local community support services, completing timely and appropriate referrals to external agencies when needed.
- Regular attendance and active participation in Sub-School meetings, Wellbeing Team meetings, and relevant student support meetings (SSG/Care Teams).
Conditions of Employment
- All staff employed by the Department and schools have access to a broad range of employment conditions and working arrangements.
- Appointment of successful applicants will be made subject to a satisfactory pre-employment conditions check.
- A probationary period may apply during the first year of employment and induction and support programs provided.
- Detailed information on all terms and conditions of employment is available on the Department's Human Resources website at http://www.education.vic.gov.au/hrweb/Pages/default.aspx
Location Profile
Western Port Secondary College is conveniently located at 215 High Street, Hastings. Getting here is a breeze: just a 15-minute drive from Pearcedale, Somerville, and Tyabb, a 20-minute commute down the Western Port highway from Cranbourne, or Langwarrin. Peninsula link (toll free) makes the commute from Frankston and surrounding suburbs of Seaford, Carrum and Patterson Lakes a smooth 25-minute drive making your way to Western Port Secondary College is a stress-free journey each day!
Imagine joining a school where the Principal, Leaders and staff are deeply involved in daily life, actively supporting each other to foster an environment that reflects our Western Port Way. Are you seeking a school with an amazing staff who collectively support and build each other up, and who truly get along and enjoy working together, making the workplace one where no one wants to leave? With a hands-on approach, you'll find the Principal Class actively engaged in the college community, visible daily at the school gate, in and around classrooms, on yard duty, supporting School Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) processes and interacting with the students. With an open-door policy, they warmly welcome any staff member seeking support or a conversation, or any student seeking advice or counsel. They wholeheartedly foster a collaborative environment, where every staff member's voice is not only heard but also valued.
Are you looking for a school who has high standards where students are respectful and well behaved, displaying positive attitudes and a strong eagerness to learn. Our college ensures from the moment students walk in they are one time, ready to learn and equipped to enthusiastically engage in a harmonious and productive classroom atmosphere, where both teaching and learning are highly effective and enjoyable. This positive environment fosters academic and personal growth, making our college a wonderful place to work and learn. For times when our students are not ready to learn or exhibiting behaviours that are not reflective of our college values of Community, Achievement, Respect and Engagement (CARE) we have arguably the most effective and well-resourced support system in the network. We have a strong SWPBS model that is resourced with a full time Rover (youth worker or teacher) who monitors a live call-out system through Compass when teachers need support in their classroom. The average wait time for support to reach a classroom is 2 mins, where the Rover works with the teacher to either rectify the situation or remove the student if necessary. Students removed attend a supervised space staffed by Leaders and the Principal Team who follow up and deal with student issues while attempting to return them to their learning program the following period where possible. Click on this SWPBS link for further information and to view videos of these processes in action.
In line with our supportive and well-resourced school, our college has experienced significant growth. Student enrolment numbers are 760, making us a beautifully sized secondary college. Big enough to offer the full suite of VCE subjects, but small enough to know every student by name and build relationships with families. Year 7 enrolments have doubled in recent years, as we have become the school of choice in our community and a place where students love to learn, and staff love to teach.
Our staff bring together a mixture of skills and expertise, but all demonstrate our values and work together to support one another. Our staff take immense pride in this welcoming, inclusive, and enjoyable atmosphere, where we all work harmoniously towards our common goals.
At Western Port Secondary College, we strongly encourage and model work/life balance. We aim to promote a focus on other important things, like self and family.
Our meetings are set around school priorities, with Curriculum and Instructional Practice the focus, and not deviated from, to allow staff to maximise their time and undertake collaborative work and learning together. Year Level team time and staff wellbeing are also priorities within our term planners.
We have brand-new, modern facilities, including a 12 million dollar architecturally designed Senior and Junior Hub and dedicated Wellbeing Wing, domestic and industrial kitchens, science labs, visual arts, and performing arts spaces, a gymnasium as well as expansive, manicured grounds. We sit on over 7 hectares with loads of space for students to enjoy with 3 ovals, outdoor courts and an amazing new Dream Court space for Ready to Learn plans and lunchtime recreation.
Now you could read this, think that this college is desperate for staff and will write anything to attract them, or you could listen to what the staff have said about our college.
Staff Trust in Colleagues
Western Port Secondary
87% positive
State
73% positive
Collective Responsibility
Western Port Secondary
80% positive
State
72% positive
Collective Efficacy
Western Port Secondary
64% positive
State
55% positive
School Leadership
Western Port Secondary
70% positive
State
59% positive
So, what about our student attitudes towards school? Just have a look how they view our school and their experiences.
High expectations for success
Western Port Secondary
79% positive
State
69% positive
Stimulated Learning
Western Port Secondary
62% positive
State
52% positive
Advocate at School
Western Port Secondary
75% positive
State
63% positive
If you have doubts about the Staff Opinion Survey or Student Attitudes to School survey results, we encourage you look over our social media profile and read through the comments from staff members and our families or reach out and speak to any staff at the college. You can find us at http://facebook.com/westernportSC
If after reading our profile, if you are interested in this opportunity, we urge you to reach out to our Principal, Chris Quinn or HR Manager, Sharon Spencer.
Looking forward to meeting you.
Applications close Monday 25 August 2025 at 11.59pm
Posted
12 August 2025