An opportunity exists for a psychologist to join the Department of Education's (DE) Student Support Services (SSS) workforce. In this role you will provide high-level professional advice to schools that strongly influence student learning outcomes and wellbeing policies within a school community, and across the wider Mallee Area. SSS staff do vital work in supporting students' health and wellbeing and are critical to building an excellent education system that reduces the impact of disadvantage. This position is based in Mildura.

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.

About the Division

Schools and Regional Services comprises 17 Areas within four regions across the state, as well as 5 central Divisions. Student Support Services (SSS) comprise the Allied Health professions of psychologists, speech pathologists, social workers, occupational therapists and behaviour analysts.

SSS staff are part of an Area based multi-disciplinary health, wellbeing, and inclusion team and, together with the Area school improvement team, help build the capability of schools to support student achievement, engagement, and wellbeing.  To achieve these outcomes, SSS work in a multidisciplinary way to plan and deliver services in collaboration with schools in a multi-tiered system of support. SSS services include consultation, provision of a range of strategies and specialised support at individual, group, classroom, school, and Area levels.

About the Role

Join our dynamic team as a psychologist where you will be primarily responsible for:

• Provide high level psychology support services to school age students to improve student learning.
• Undertake advanced wellbeing interventions that support students and schools
• Assist the coordination of student support services within a multi-disciplinary team.
• Contribute to student wellbeing policy development
• Provides leadership, professionally and operationally, within a multi-disciplinary student support team.
• Support teachers in the development of educational programs, particularly in respect to students with additional needs.
• Provide authoritative professional advice in relation to issues involving student wellbeing.
• Collaborate with and provide advice to other student support services team members in respect to complex cases.
• Contribute to the professional development of other psychologist support service team members.
• Liaise with community service organisations, DHHS, hospitals, specialist programs and other professionals regarding the support needs for students.

Attributes

Are you passionate about helping students achieve their educational goals? As a psychologist working with our team in the Mallee, you'll be based at our Mildura Office with direct access to fleet vehicles for school visits.

You will have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on young learners from diverse families by supporting their educational/developmental needs. You'll work in a vibrant, progressive community, enjoying professional growth opportunities and the chance to make a difference every day. If you're ready to bring your expertise into a collaborative, dynamic school environment where your skills are valued and your work truly matters, we want to hear from you!

Your specialist expertise as a psychologist coupled with knowledge of student wellbeing issues and skills in providing consultation to a variety of stakeholders within the education community, will be highly regarded. Apply now, don't miss out on this rewarding opportunity to be part of an inspiring community dedicated to empowering students to reach their full potential.

This position is a full-time ongoing position based in Mildura. Part time applications will be considered.

Qualifications and Experience

• Ability to provide expert consultation to schools, healthcare providers and families on evidence-based, best practices for speech and language development and intervention.
• Knowledge of student wellbeing issues, disability Inclusion, policies and experience working with schools will be highly regarded.
• Demonstrated experience in the initiation, development and implementation of programs, procedures and policies that foster resilience in children and young people to support their educational needs.
• Experience in emergency management response, desirable.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and school leadership team to ensure holistic care, supporting student learning and wellbeing. 
• Ability to work flexibly, as Student Support Services is a front-line service requiring rapid response.

• Experience working in schools and with children and youth, desirable.

• Exceptional planning and organising skills, with an ability to be responsive, taking initiative and accountability for actions.

Mandatory requirements

• A graduate or post-graduate degree in Psychology or equivalent.
• Full registration as a Psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioners Registration Agency (AHPRA).
• A valid Working with Children Check and full Drivers' License is required for this position.

Further Information

Applications should include a Cover letter addressing the Key Selection Criteria (no more than 2 pages) along with a Curriculum Vitae. For more details regarding this position please see attached position description. 

The department values 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 more information about our work, working for the Department, diversity and inclusion, and our employment conditions visit the Department website and our Diversity and Inclusion page

Applicants requiring adjustments can contact the nominated contact person.

Information about the Department of Education's operations and employment conditions can be located at www.education.vic.gov.au.

For further information pertaining to the role, please contact Mrs Helen Martin, Branch Manager on 0407845859 or via email: helen.martin4@education.vic.gov.au

Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and may be subject to other pre-employment checks. Information provided to the Department of Education will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Please let us know via phone or email if you require any adjustments to ensure your full participation in the recruitment process or if you need the ad or any attachments in an accessible format (e.g. large print) due to any viewing difficulties or other accessibility requirements.

Applications close 11:59pm on Thursday, 10 October 2024.