Phoenix P-12 Community College is currently searching for a qualified Social Worker to join our multidisciplinary wellbeing team in a full time position.

Phoenix P-12 Community College is a large coeducational school, located in Sebastopol, which is a suburb of Ballarat. We service a wide geographical area including the suburbs of Delacombe, Redan and Sebastopol and rural townships within the Golden Plains.

We are proud to be a community school which delivers learning programs for students from foundation through to the completion of year 12. Our College community includes a diverse range of families from various socio-economic backgrounds. The College prides itself on delivering outstanding academic and co-curricular educational opportunities for all students. Our goal is to develop respectful and responsible global citizens, who are empowered to strive for the pathways of their dreams, whether that be university, TAFE or work. At Phoenix we believe all students can learn and every child has a right to be literate, numerate and curious about the world they live in. To ensure that our students are encouraged to be active global citizens we create an ICT rich learning platform where every child has access to a high quality device with contemporary functionality.

At Phoenix P-12 Community College we have a commitment to ongoing instructional improvement. We understand the importance of explicit teaching, most especially in the domains of literacy and numeracy. We intentionally build teacher capacity through PLC cycles, regular coaching, observation and feedback. Student engagement is developed through purposeful, student centred learning that is grounded in an agreed instructional model. At Phoenix we are committed to building individual and collective efficacy as a key strategy for ensuring that all students have the opportunity to achieve optimal learning growth.

Phoenix P-12 Community College is committed to implementing FISO 2.0 and has a clear focus on nurturing Learning and Wellbeing. To ensure that every child has a point of connection and belonging we have established smaller communities within our school known as Learning Villages. Our Villages are organised in the following way:

• Foundation to Year 4 – located on the Redan Campus
• Year 5 to Year 6 – Located on the Sebastopol Campus
• Year 7 to 10 – Located on the Sebastopol Campus
• Year 11 to 12 - Located on the Sebastopol Campus
• DOTS (Developing Other Talents and Skills) – Grant St Campus

The College values of Respect, Responsibility, Integrity, Cooperation and Excellence are at the core of all relationships at Phoenix and guide every daily interaction. We know that quality relationships which are based on mutual respect are the key to us achieving our purpose. We are committed to strengthening the partnerships between parents, teachers and students.

In alignment with FISO 2.0 at Phoenix we place a high priority on the development of wellbeing and inclusion both for students and staff. In addition to the integration of SWPBS and Respectful Relationships we are proud to be a TRP school. A comprehensive student wellbeing team is in place to ensure that we meet every individual at their point of need. This diverse team includes, Dr’s In Schools, Youth Workers, Social Workers and other allied health members. This expert team delivers a comprehensive suite of programs and services that build student wellbeing, connection and identity. The College transitioned effectively to DET’s DIP process and supports student diversity through a comprehensive range of intervention programs.

At Phoenix we strive to provide our students with a complete learning experience that extends beyond the classroom. We offer an extensive co-curricular program that includes sport, drama, music, public speaking, student leadership and the arts. We actively encourage our staff to engage with the myriad of clubs and community activities offered to students.

At Phoenix P-12 Community College we are proud to cater for all students, we excel in the provision of broad, flexible and inclusive educational pathways. Our Senior School structure has embraced the implementation of the new VCE and we are proud to offer a wide range of VCE and VET subjects both at school and through the cluster. Our Managed Individual Pathway (MIP’s) Team has expert knowledge and skills and our ability to support the transition to university, TAFE or work is exceptional. Senior students are supported by our designated VCE study centre, complete with a study centre manager, tutors and individually selected mentors.

Role:

The Social Worker will join a team that includes the School Counsellor, Student Engagement Coordinator and Psychologist. Situated in the school's wellbeing centre, the Social Worker acts as the first point of contact for students seeking immediate wellbeing support, triaging them to the appropriate services.

The Social Worker will take a case management role with students identified as needing support to achieve success. Students are referred by teaching staff or self-refer to the wellbeing team and are allocated a member of the wellbeing team to manage their case load based on individualised suitability. The Social worker will work with students and liaise with teachers, families, and external support agencies to best support students to achieve social and academic success.

The Social Worker works with the wellbeing team and village leader to identify the needs of specific cohorts and groups within the school. They also take a proactive role in engaging external agencies to provide support for these groups. In addition, providing a positive classroom and extracurricular programs that promote and improve student well-being, safety, resilience, engagement, and connectedness, across the school (e.g. peer support, restorative practice and personal development programs) in consultation with the Student Well-being team.

Time fraction may be negotiable, submit to discussion with Principal.

Responsibilities on the Social Worker will include:

• Liaise effectively with external service providers and assist teachers, students and their families to access these services.
• Implement and evaluate intervention programs to support school curriculum and the needs of identified groups of students.
• Provide or facilitate counselling and guidance to students.
• Work with students and their families to develop pathways to success at school.
• Ensure the safety of the young people whilst under their supervision.
• Facilitate and assist young people to develop skills and achieve goals.
• Support and advocate for young people to progress and move towards success.
• Engage young people in activities that are of both a social and learning opportunity to advance their skills.
• Assist in creating an environment that facilitates learning, growth and change.
• Use appropriate boundaries, processes and structures that allow young people to learn from their experiences and choose appropriate ways to meet their needs.
• Perform duties in accordance with DE guidelines, accepted practice and College policy being respectful of confidentiality, mandatory reporting requirements and observing necessary boundaries.
• Be responsible to the Wellbeing team in the development of programs and in the day-to-day identification of students in need, and of caseload management.
• Be a team player who has excellent communication skills (written and verbal) and ability to develop positive working relationships with students, especially those at risk.
• Work with students individually, and in groups, to encourage emotional intelligence, interpersonal skills and a social awareness.
• Identify students who need to be referred on to other services and work within school processes to take appropriate action to make referrals.
• Work as a mentor where appropriate, modelling appropriate positive behaviours and relationships.
• Provide information and feedback to Advisory teachers, Leading teachers and Principal class regarding individual needs, issues, concerns and assist in the development of effective learning programs that can be implemented for students at risk.
• Develop links with Students Support Services, school networks and relevant support agencies with a view to optimising and coordinating service provision to students as risk.
• Provide regular confidential feedback and updates to the Principal, Assistant Principal and team leaders regarding students being assisted.
• Implement and evaluate intervention programs to support school curriculum and the needs of identified groups of students.
• Lead Tier 1 level school wellbeing activities such as Wellbeing Wednesdays
• Supervision of the wellbeing hub during student break times
• Other duties as directed by the Principal or Business Manager

Key Selection Criteria

SC1 An ability to use culturally sensitive; evidence-informed practice when working to address the needs and goals of students

SC2 Demonstrated capacity to communicate effectively with members of the school community and relevant external human service organisations.

SC3 Capacity to work cooperatively with range of people including teachers, education support, students and parents.

SC4 A commitment to professional learning and growth.

SC5 Demonstrated skill in ability to record and manage information in an ethical and confidential manner.

Please apply via the link below:

https://edupay.eduweb.vic.gov.au/psc/EDUPPRD1_EA/APPLICANT/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=1&JobOpeningId=1469973&PostingSeq=1

If the Job has closed, please send applications through to [email protected]