Defence School Mentor

Department of Education Victoria – Wodonga VIC 10d ago , from Department of Education & Training Victoria Wodonga Middle Years College is a supportive teaching and learning environment where student needs and backgrounds are reflected in the learning and design of the school. The clear strategic intention is to maximize opportunities for all students by developing their talents and challenging them to have high aspirations so they achieve their potential and become logical, self aware, collaborative and inquisitive. Importantly, Wodonga Middle Years College seeks to develop skills and competencies so students are well prepared for future study in the next stage of their education. Wodonga Middle Years College caters for 1,000 students in Years 7 to 9 on three campuses. In the Middle Years College: Teachers specialise in meeting needs and improving outcomes for middle years students. Teachers generally work in a house across year levels. There are improved leadership options for Year 9 students. The Middle Years campuses have the scope to develop a variety of programs emphasising: TLI (Targeted Literacy Intervention), AAP (Academic Advancement Program), Civics and Citizenship, Excellence in The Arts and Technologies. There is a concentrated focus on transition with stronger links and co-operation with neighbourhood feeder primary schools and the Wodonga Senior Secondary College. Common report writing, timetabling, roll marking and student management software is used at each campus. There are expanded curriculum offerings for middle years including: Strong academic studies in all areas of the Victorian Curriculum including classroom and instrumental music. The two campuses offer language – Indonesian. Middle Years programs are not restricted by timetable constraints of senior campus requirements. Authentic purpose – student outcomes will include the completion or production of tasks relevant to the young people demonstrated through presentations, performance, creation and event management. Celebrate and share the opportunities that exist with the work of the Flying Fruit Fly Circus School. There are strong partnerships with the wider community including tertiary institutions, community agencies, and businesses. Wodonga Middle Years College has three campuses: Felltimber, Huon and the Flying Fruit Fly Circus School. Selection Criteria SC 1 Demonstrated ability to empathise and work with young people. SC 2 Appropriate tertiary qualifications and/or demonstrated relevant experience. SC 3 Demonstrated high level of communication skills both oral and written and the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse range of people e.g. school principal, school staff, parents, ADF Members and their families. SC 4 Ability to liaise with a range of individuals and community groups. Demonstrated skills in advocacy and negotiations including problem solving and conflict resolution are essential. SC 5 Demonstrated ability to organise own work, set priorities, meet deadlines, work independently and as a team member, and maintain confidentiality. SC 6 Ability to plan, organise, evaluate and deliver innovative and creative programs, resources and activities relating to mobile families, students and the school community. SC 7 Demonstrated understanding and appreciation of the support needs for transitional defence students and families. SC 8 Attributes: Initiative and leadership qualities; Ability to work independently; Display an inclusive approach to working with young people. Role The Defence School Mentor provides assistance to Defence families to minimise the impact of the mobile lifestyle on Defence student’s education, including the social aspects of their schooling, and to build the capability of the school to support Defence students particularly during transitions into and out of the school and during parental absences. The occupant of this position will provide information and support and develop a range of activities for the young people of Australian Defence Force families. Facilitate a supportive educational environment for Defence families during times of change. Establish ongoing programs and resources for use during and beyond the life of the DSTA program. Help Defence families integrate successfully and quickly into their school and local community. Provide a conduit to education and community resources to support Defence children’s wellbeing. All staff employed at Wodonga Middle Years College must ensure that they are aware of Child Safety Policies and Procedures and the requirements of the Staff Code of Conduct. Work Environment Schools perform a vital role in providing quality educational services to their students to assist them to acquire knowledge and understanding, to pursue special interests, to strive to achieve excellence, and to develop social and vocational skills. Schools also aim to facilitate and support the participation of parents and careers to enable a smooth transition and rewarding educational experience for young people from ADF families. Reporting Relationships The Defence School Mentor (DSM) will be responsible to the Principal or nominee for everyday activities and meet with the Management Team on a regular basis. The REDLO and DSM will also be in close contact for advice, support and training needs. Including but not limited to: Information sharing about support available Social and emotional support - Parental Absence Social and emotional support - Relocation Support Build relationships and connections Raise awareness about the impacts of the Defence lifestyle on children and families Responsibilities Key Areas of responsibility include KRA 1 Create a greater and ongoing awareness within the school community of the needs of young people from ADF families. KRA 2 Work with individuals, groups, families and stakeholders to develop, implement and evaluate relevant programs. KRA 3 Promote the participation of young people from ADF families in school and community activities. KRA 4 Provide advocacy and negotiation support for these young people as required. KRA 5 Provide them with information and appropriate referral to support services. KRA 6 Develop resources and programs to support young people from ADF families. KRA 7 Proactively contribute to the school team adhering to school policies and priorities. KRA 8 Support and assist young people from ADF families to integrate into the school community. KRA 9 Be instrumental in organising ANZAC and Remembrance Day Events. KRA 10 Other duties as required by the Principal of WMYC. The above responsibilities set out the major duties and tasks associated within the stated job description. Other duties of a similar nature and/or level undertaken within the school are not excluded, simply because they are not itemised. These duties could vary from time to time resulting from new legislation, changes to technology or policy and procedure, and in the context of any changes, appropriate training may be given, if required, to undertake the new/varied role. Who May Apply Individuals with the aptitude, experience and/or qualifications to fulfill the specific requirements of the position. Diversity and Inclusion The department is committed to diversity and inclusion and developing a workforce that is representative of the community we service. We value diversity and inclusion in all forms - culture, gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQA+, 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 safe, respectful and inclusive workplaces is essential to high performance and promotes flexible work and diversity across all schools and Department workplaces. It is our policy to provide reasonable adjustments for staff with disability (see Workplace adjustment guidelines). Additional support and advice on the recruitment process is available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander candidates from the Koorie Outcomes Division (KOD) via *******@education.vic.gov.au. 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. 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: Application Procedures WMYC does not bind itself to make any appointment whatsoever from applications received. Applications must include the following: A covering letter; Brief statements addressing each of the selection criteria; Your resume/CV detailing employment history; Names and contact numbers of two professional referees (including current employer/supervisor) who can provide comment on the selection criteria. Applications can be lodged on the DET School Jobs Website and follow the link to Job Vacancy/Recruitment Online OR email a copy of your application to **@wmyc.vic.edu.au 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 #J-18808-Ljbffr