Social Worker

The Department of Education and Training is looking for a skilled and driven Social Worker to contribute to the important work of our Student Support Services (SSS) teams in supporting schools to address the barriers that impact on student(s) access, preparation, and progress to achieving their educational goals and development potential.

About the Department

The role of the Department of Education is to support Victorians to build prosperous, socially engaged, happy and healthy lives. It does this by supporting lifelong learning and healthy development, strengthening families and helping to equip people with the skills and knowledge for a 21st century economy and society.

About the Division

Schools and Regional Services comprises 17 Areas within four regions across the state, as well as 5 central Divisions. Student Support Services (SSS) comprise the Allied Health professions of psychologists, speech pathologists, social workers, occupational therapists and behaviour analysts.

SSS staff are part of an Area based multi-disciplinary health, wellbeing, and inclusion team and, together with the Area school improvement team, help build the capability of schools to support student achievement, engagement, and wellbeing.  To achieve these outcomes, SSS work in a multidisciplinary way to plan and deliver services in collaboration with schools in a multi-tiered system of support. SSS services include consultation, provision of a range of strategies and specialised support at individual, group, classroom, school, and Area levels.

About the Role

As a social worker with Student Support Services you will be required to work as part of a multidisciplinary Area-based team to build the capabilities of schools to support children and young people to access their education.

You will provide a range of social work supports to school-aged students to improve student learning. You will have highly developed communication, networking and interpersonal skills that enable you to liaise effectively with a range of people in the education community and beyond.

The purpose of Student Support Services is to assist children and young people facing a range of barriers to learning to achieve their educational and developmental potential through the provision of a range of strategies and specialised support at individual, group, school and network levels.

Student Support Services (SSS) do vital work in supporting students' health and wellbeing - particularly our most vulnerable students - and SSS are critical to building an excellent education system that reduces the impact of disadvantage.

The successful applicant may be required to work with other teams based in the Bayside Peninsula Area as/when required. Ther advertisement relates to one full time fixed term position ending on 31/12/2025. This position is based initially in our East Bentleigh office. Supervision and peer support is available within the team.

Attributes

Are you passionate about helping students achieve their educational goals? As a Social Worker working with our team in Bayside Peninsula, you'll have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on young learners from diverse families by supporting their communication and language development. You'll work in a vibrant, growing area with a supportive community, enjoying professional growth opportunities and the chance to make a difference every day. If you're ready to bring your expertise into a collaborative, dynamic school environment where your skills are valued and your work truly matters, we want to hear from you!

Your specialist expertise as a Social Worker coupled with knowledge of student wellbeing issues and skills in providing consultation to a variety of stakeholders within the education community, will be highly regarded. Apply now, don't miss out on this rewarding opportunity to be part of an inspiring community dedicated to empowering students to reach their full potential.

 Mandatory requirements

• A graduate or post-graduate degree in Social Work or equivalent.
• Eligibility for membership of AASW.
• A valid Working with Children Check and full Drivers' License is required for this position.
• Ability to work flexibly, as Student Support Services is a front-line service requiring rapid response.

For further information please contact: Clare Chapman on 0439 058 259 or Greta Schulz on 0438 468 463.

For more details regarding this position please see attached position description.

Applications should include a Cover letter addressing the Key Selection Criteria (no more than 2 pages) along with a Curriculum Vitae. 

The Department values diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. For more information about our work, working for the Department, diversity and inclusion, and our employment conditions visit the Department website and our Diversity and Inclusion page

Applicants requiring adjustments can contact the nominated contact person

Information about the Department of Education's operations and employment conditions can be located at www.education.vic.gov.au. 

Applications close midnight on 7th October, 2024.