Mental Health Practitioner

Mental Health Practitioner - new secondary school opening 2026 - foundation team member Kolorer College is a brand‑new secondary school being built 33km west of the Melbourne CBD in the suburb of Cobblebank. The school will serve the diverse and growing communities of Strathtulloh, Cobblebank and Thornhill Park and will open for Year 7 students only on Day 1, Term 1, 2026, growing to a Year 7‑12 school by 2031. Anticipated enrolments for 2026 are 150‑175 students, with a Stage 1 built capacity for 865 students. Our School Kolorer College will be a supported inclusion school and will feature outstanding facilities including: A two‑story building with administration spaces, a library and learning neighbourhood A three‑story building for STEAM subjects including designated studios and labs for Science, Media, Digital Design and Technology, and the Visual Arts A Community Hub with specialist learning areas for Food Technology, the Performing Arts and Physical Education, including an indoor multi‑use court and a fitness room These facilities will enable our school to offer high‑quality learning to our students and a modern work environment to our staff. Kolorer, a Wurundjeri word meaning lava flow, embodies the powerful transformation and enduring impact we foster in every young person we serve. Mission & Values Guided by our conviction that learning matters, our mission is clear: Equip every learner with the knowledge, skills and confidence to lead a life full of purpose and possibility Build strength of character, empowering our learners to be thoughtful, informed and active contributors to their community and to the world Foster a community of belonging that supports and challenges every student, every day. We live our values every day by being our B.E.S.T. : Be Brave – face challenges with courage and persistence Excel Together – aim high, support one another, and celebrate growth Show Integrity – act with honesty, fairness and responsibility Think and Care – use wisdom, empathy, kindness and respect to guide our actions, embrace and celebrate the differences and diversity of others. Role Overview The Mental Health Practitioner (MHP) initiative was announced by the Minister for Education in late 2018 to expand mental health and wellbeing support in government schools. This role provides a suitably qualified mental health professional in all government secondary school campuses and specialist school (with secondary‑aged enrolments) settings. Operating in collaboration with the relevant Department of Education Regional Mental Health Branch, this role has the following functions: Enhancing mental health prevention and promotion activities in the school by contributing to whole‑school health and wellbeing plans, building the capability of teaching staff and school leadership to address matters relating to student mental health and wellbeing, and helping to develop and deliver appropriate programs and strategies in the school according to specified school priorities. Providing early intervention services (including short‑term counselling) for individual students and groups identified as at‑risk and/or experiencing or demonstrating mild to moderate mental health concerns. Coordinating supports for students with complex needs both within and external to the school, including proactively working with regions, local mental health service providers and other health professionals to engage further support as required. Responsibilities Providing advice and professional learning to teachers and other school wellbeing staff to build the capacity of schools to improve student wellbeing, learning and developmental outcomes. Delivering professional support services in a school, including mental health prevention and promotion activities and early intervention activities (including short‑term counselling) for students with a range of mental health needs. Planning and implementing evidence‑based intervention strategies for students with complex needs, collaborating with families, other professionals and agencies when appropriate to effectively manage risk. Working collaboratively with the school to enhance mental health prevention and promotion across the school by contributing to policies and operational practices that guide the work of others. Liaising with other department areas (including secondary school nurses and Student Support Services staff) and external service providers where necessary to provide appropriate support to students. Maintaining professional competence and continued professional development, including attending professional development activities throughout the year. Meeting relevant policies and legislative requirements in relation to student health information, privacy and consent. Selection Criteria SC1 Ability to implement a range of small group and whole‑school mental health prevention and promotion activities aimed at improving student mental health and wellbeing, including delivery of capability building and awareness raising activities for staff and/or students on key mental health and wellbeing issues. SC2 Demonstrated ability to input into the development, implementation and evaluation of processes and strategies aimed at enhancing mental health and wellbeing prevention, promotion and early intervention. SC3 Demonstrated experience in assessing, conceptualising and analysing wellbeing issues, and providing evidence‑based direct counselling support to clients with a range of mental health needs. SC4 Demonstrated experience in coordinating supports for young people with complex needs, including referrals to a range of specialist services as appropriate. SC5 Highly developed communication, networking and interpersonal skills including the ability to liaise effectively with a wide range of people. SC6 Clear understanding of legislative requirements regarding privacy of health information. Who May Apply Required Applicants must be qualified as a psychologist, social worker, mental health nurse, occupational therapist or counsellor of a prescribed class. Specifically: Psychologists – hold full registration with AHPRA. Mental Health Nurses – hold full registration with AHPRA and a postgraduate qualification in mental health. Social Workers – eligible for membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers. Occupational Therapists – hold full registration with AHPRA. Counsellors – completed a Bachelor or Master of Counselling and practicise with either the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) or the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA). Demonstrated direct counselling experience. A current Working With Children Check. Desirable Psychology applicants – specialisation in educational and/or developmental psychology. Mental Health Nurse applicants – holding a Mental Health Nurse Credential and membership with the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses. Social Work applicants – membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers and an Accredited Social Worker Trade Mark. Occupational Therapy applicants – a Better Access to Mental Health Endorsement. Counselling applicants – Level 3‑4 registration (ACA) or a Registered Clinical Counsellor endorsement (PACFA). Diversity and Inclusion The Department is committed to diversity and inclusion and developing a workforce that is representative of the community we serve. 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. Additional support and advice on the recruitment process is available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander candidates through the Koorie Outcomes Division at Child Safe Standards Victorian government schools are child‑safe environments. All school staff are committed to protecting students from abuse or harm in the school environment, in accordance with legal obligations including child safe standards. The Child Safety Code of Conduct is available at . DE Values The Department’s employees commit to upholding the Department’s values: Responsiveness, Integrity, Impartiality, Accountability, Respect, Leadership and Human Rights. Information on these values is available at . 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