Mental Health Practitioner

Benalla P-12 College is located in the Rural City of Benalla, close to Victorian snowfields and major centres such as Wangaratta and Shepparton. The town surrounds quality wineries and natural environments, with the Murray River only an hour away, and Melbourne is reachable within two hours via the Hume Freeway and the Melbourne‑to‑Wodonga railway line. The College, established in January 2013 from the merger of all four government schools in Benalla, serves a student population of approximately 870, offering a vibrant teaching and stimulating learning environment that covers Prep through to VCE and VCAL. From 2026 the College will operate across three sites: Avon Campus (P‑6), Waller Campus (P‑6) and Faithfull Campus (7‑12). Each site is managed by an Assistant Principal, with a College Principal overseeing the entire institution. The College’s vision is to ensure every child learns and is prepared for the future through a commitment to teaching excellence, high expectations, and positive relationships in a safe and inclusive environment. Core values of Respect, Responsibility, High Expectations and Integrity guide our work and focus. Students benefit from leadership development programmes and formal leadership positions on each campus. Staff collaborate in teams and Professional Learning Communities, applying data‑driven, evidence‑based practice through our Teaching Cycle. Well‑being is a priority, supported by experienced wellbeing staff, and a School Wide Positive Behaviour Support Programme underpins our supportive culture. Selection Criteria Ability to implement a range of small group and whole‑school mental‑health prevention and promotion activities, including delivering capability‑building and awareness‑raising activities for staff and students on key mental‑health issues. Demonstrated ability to input into the development, implementation, and evaluation of strategies aimed at enhancing mental‑health prevention, promotion, and early intervention. Experience assessing, conceptualising, and analysing wellbeing issues, and providing evidence‑based direct counselling support to clients with a range of mental‑health needs. Experience coordinating supports for young people with complex needs, including referrals to specialist services. Highly developed communication, networking, and interpersonal skills, including the ability to liaise effectively with a wide range of people. Clear understanding of legislative requirements regarding the privacy of health information. Role The Mental Health Practitioners (MHP) initiative, announced by the Minister for Education in late 2018, expands mental‑health and wellbeing support across government schools. Working in partnership with the Department of Education’s Regional Mental Health Branch, the MHP provides: Enhancement of mental‑health prevention and promotion through whole‑school health and wellbeing plans, building the capability of teaching staff and school leadership, and delivering appropriate programmes and strategies aligned with school priorities. Early intervention services (including short‑term counselling) for individual students and groups identified as at‑risk or exhibiting mild to moderate mental‑health concerns. Co‑ordination of supports for students with complex needs, both internally and externally, collaborating proactively with regional mental‑health service providers and other health professionals. This is an Education Support Class level 1 range 4 position. The successful applicant will execute duties with a high level of autonomy and minimal supervision, developing and implementing professional support programmes and providing guidance to other professional staff. It does not involve teaching duties as defined by the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 (Vic). Responsibilities Provide advice and professional learning to teachers and wellbeing staff, building capacity to improve student wellbeing, learning, and developmental outcomes. Deliver professional support services, including mental‑health prevention and promotion activities and early intervention (short‑term counselling) for students with varied mental‑health needs. Plan and implement evidence‑based intervention strategies for students with complex needs, collaborating with families, other professionals, and agencies to manage risk effectively. Work collaboratively with the school to enhance mental‑health prevention and promotion across the institution, contributing to policies and operational practices that guide others. Liaise with other department areas (e.g., nurses, Student Support Services) and external providers to provide appropriate support to students. Maintain professional competence and continue professional development, attending activities throughout the year. Meet relevant policies and legislative requirements regarding student health information, privacy, and consent. 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 – full AHPRA registration. Mental‑health nurses – full AHPRA registration and a postgraduate qualification in mental health. Social workers – eligibility for membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers. Occupational therapists – full AHPRA registration. Counsellors – completion of a Bachelor or Master of Counselling and membership of 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, fostering a workforce that reflects the community we serve. We welcome candidates of all cultures, genders, religions, ethnicities, LGBTIQA+ identities, disabilities, and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. The Department provides reasonable adjustments for staff with disabilities and promotes flexible work and diversity across all schools and workplaces. Child Safe Standards Victorian government schools are child‑safe environments. Our staff are committed to protecting students from abuse or harm, meeting legal obligations under child‑safe standards. Relevant policy documents are available at Child Safety Code of Conduct . DE Values Employees uphold the Department’s values: Responsiveness, Integrity, Impartiality, Accountability, Respect, Leadership, and Human Rights. These values reinforce the behaviours expected of Victorian public‑sector staff and align with each school’s own values. Further information is available at Department Values . Conditions of Employment This vacancy replaces an employee on parental absence and is for a period of seven years, or until the employee on leave returns to duty. #J-18808-Ljbffr