Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader

Role

The Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System highlighted that primary schools provide opportunities to identify children with mental health and wellbeing challenges, who can then be referred to treatment, care and support.

The is being expanded to every government and low-fee non-government primary school in Victoria. Scaling up across the state from 2023, by 2026 every primary school will be able to employ a Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader to implement a whole-school approach to wellbeing.

The Department of Education has been piloting the Mental Health in Primary Schools initiative in Victorian schools since 2020 in partnership with the Murdoch Children's Research Institute and the Faculty of Education at the University of Melbourne. Evaluation of this pilot initiative has shown that 95 per cent of Mental Health and Wellbeing Leaders consider the Mental Health in Primary Schools model has improved their school's capacity to support students' mental health and wellbeing needs.

Participating schools receive funding to employ a Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader , a qualified teacher, to work across the school to implement a whole-school approach to mental health and wellbeing for students, staff and families based on a broad knowledge of the needs of the school community.

The role of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader is to:

build capability of the whole school with regard to mental health and wellbeing (identification, promotion and prevention), provide support to staff to better identify and support students with mental health needs, establish clear pathways for referral for students requiring assessment and intervention, and monitor and evaluate student progress.

The role provides a proactive focus for the promotion and prevention of mental health and wellbeing through assessment and implementation of context-relevant programs, approaches and initiatives based on a broad and extensive knowledge of the needs of the school.

The Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader role is not a clinical role and is not designed for direct intervention. The role is seen as a key conduit in creating referral pathways once a teacher or other staff member identifies a concern in the classroom.

Mental Health and Wellbeing Leaders are provided training in mental health literacy, supporting emerging needs, and building school capacity and receive ongoing support and professional development through structured and regular Learning Communities Training is developed and facilitated by the Faculty of Education at University of Melbourne, supported by Murdoch Children's Research Institute.

Responsibilities

Operating in collaboration with their school, leadership and wellbeing team where relevant, the Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader will:

Promote a whole school approach to mental health and wellbeing to students, staff and families Support teachers and school staff to expand their capacity to embed evidence-based mental health strategies, interventions and programs and build mental health literacy to identify and support primary school students with mental health concerns. Collaborate with school staff to inform, influence and provide input into teaching and learning relating to mental health and wellbeing. Provide support to schools staff and classroom teachers to build their capabilities to embed mental health into the classroom. Work with school leadership and wellbeing teams to embed whole school approaches to mental health into school planning and strategic processes. Coordinate clear referral pathways internally (within school) and externally (to community services) for students identified as requiring further assessment and intervention. Proactively work with and support regional staff, school wellbeing and leadership teams, teachers, parents/carers and other external agencies to coordinate targeted mental health support for primary school students. Contribute to the school's existing wellbeing team.

Who May Apply

Applicants should be currently registered or eligible for registration with the Victorian Institute of Teaching and qualified to teach.

A qualification in student wellbeing or mental health is desirable but not required.

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 ).

Additional support and advice on the recruitment process is available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islanders from the Koorie Outcomes Division (KOD) via

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:

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:

Other Information

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

Please ensure that your application includes:

A resume including relevant experience as well as personal details (name, address and contact numbers, business and home) A section addressing the selection criteria and the requirements for application under the Who May Apply section Names and contact numbers (telephone and email if possible) of two referees who are able to attest to the claims made in your application.

Please note that the selection panel may seek additional referees beyond those you name. Consistent with policy, we shall advise you if we will take this action.

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

VIT LANTITE

To be eligible for employment, transfer or promotion in the principal or teacher class a person must have provisional or full registration from the Victorian Institute of Teaching. In addition, from 3 August 2020, to be eligible for employment in the principal class or teacher class, a person who graduated from a Victorian Initial Teacher Education program after 1 July 2016, must demonstrate that they have passed the literacy and numeracy test for initial teacher education (LANTITE) requirements. This condition is satisfied where the LANTITE requirement is part of the Victorian Initial Teacher Education program completed by the person.

Location Profile

Gembrook Primary School is nestled in the picturesque Dandenong Ranges, approximately 50kms from Melbourne's city centre. As part of the Dandenong Ranges Network, our school boasts strong connections with the Emerald District Education Community (EDEC), participating in various sporting and community events that enrich the lives of our students. Our close ties with local institutions like Gembrook Pre-School, Little Gems Early Learning Centre, and nearby secondary colleges ensure a seamless transition for students at every stage of their education.

Gembrook is a vibrant township with a growing number of boutique shops and cafes, reflecting the area's thriving community spirit. Our school is deeply embedded in this community, receiving consistent support from local businesses, organisations, and environmental groups. With a stable enrolment of around 250 students, Gembrook Primary is a close-knit and nurturing environment where every child is known and valued.

At Gembrook Primary, we are committed to fostering strong partnerships between home and school. Our active School Council and Parents and Friends Association play a vital role in decision-making and organising social and fundraising events, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all families. Parents are actively involved in the school, contributing to classroom activities and school-wide initiatives.

Our school is home to twelve classrooms spread across three dynamic learning centres: the Parker Learning Centre (Grades 3/4), Wilson Learning Centre (Grades 5/6), and Barak Learning Centre (Grades Prep and 1/2). Our dedicated teaching staff includes graduate, accomplished, and expert teachers, supported by part-time specialists in Art, Auslan, Music, and Physical Education. Our Educational Support Staff and School Wellbeing Officer work collaboratively to ensure the holistic development of each student, addressing both academic and social-emotional needs.

At Gembrook Primary, we place a strong emphasis on English, Mathematics, and Science, while also encouraging creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork through a variety of extracurricular programs. Our school is an eSmart school, promoting cyber safety and responsible use of technology. Students can participate in a wide range of activities, including sports, music, performance, leadership programs, and environmental initiatives like the Eco Warriors.

Our core values of RESPECT and HIGH EXPECTATIONS, along with our Positive Behaviours for Learning Program (SWPBS), are at the heart of everything we do. They guide our relationships, support our teaching and learning programs, and form the foundation of our school community.

Will you join us?

Are you an educator who:

-Values a strong community connection and a supportive school environment?

-Is dedicated to fostering the holistic development of each student?

-Thrives in a collaborative setting where innovation and creativity are encouraged?

-Believes in the power of strong partnerships between home and school?

If this sounds like you, Gembrook Primary School is the place where you can make a lasting impact. Join us in creating an inspiring and nurturing environment for our students and the broader community.

Please note that this role is at least two full days out of the classroom, with scope for extra days depending on the needs of the school. The Mental Health & Wellbeing portion of the role may be subject to ongoing funding.

If you are interested in a school tour, please contact the office.

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