Defence School Mentor

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 required: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 students’ 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. To facilitate a supportive educational environment for Defence families during times of change. To establish ongoing programs and resources for use during and beyond the life of the DSTA program. To help Defence families integrate successfully and quickly into their school and local community. To 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. Responsibilities 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 programmes. 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 programmes 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. Who May Apply Individuals with the aptitude, experience and/or qualifications to fulfil 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. 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. Information on the department values is available at Application Procedures 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 (include 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 programmes provided. Detailed information on all terms and conditions of employment is available on the Department’s Human Resources website at Location Profile 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 maximise 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. We provide opportunities for teachers who wish to accept the exciting challenge of teaching in a uniquely authentic middle school programme. The College has high expectations of its students and the staff understand the importance of engaging their learners. Our Mission – To be a student focused learning community from which our graduates will: Be confident, capable and self‑motivated. Be comfortable living in a world of diverse people, cultures, and beliefs. Be able to establish and maintain effective relationships. Be tolerant and act with empathy. Be respectful of self and others. Make meaningful contributions to society – the local and global community. Demonstrates intellectual tenacity and persistence in problem solving. Be skilled analytic, critical, aesthetic and creative thinkers as the situation demands. Respond positively and appropriately to change and challenges. Set high expectations for themselves and act to meet those expectations. Flourish in a digital world and be a skilled user of evolving technologies. Be aware of post‑school options and successfully access them. 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 programmes emphasising Victorian Curriculum, AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination), TLI (Targeted Literacy Intervention), AAP (Academic Advancement Program), Sporting Excellence, 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 programmes 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr