This is an exciting opportunity to join the Mental Health Regional Team as a Mental Health Project Officer working across the North East Victoria Region. This full-time, fixed term (11months) role will focus on supporting the regional implementation of key mental health initiatives that emerged from the Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System (2021), including:

• The Mental Health Practitioners (MHP) Initiative
• The Schools Mental Health Fund and Menu
• The Mental Health in Primary Schools (MHiPS) Initiative

The successful candidate will have a relevant tertiary qualification in a related field such as education, mental health or public health or the demonstrated professional capacity to undertake the key accountabilities as outlined in the position description. As a Project Officer, you will collaborate with regional colleagues, including Mental Health Coordinators and Project Officers, as well as area-based staff. This role reports to the Regional Mental Health Manager.

Key Responsibilities:

The Project Officer will:

• Serve as a regional point of contact for operational issues, liaising with Mental Health Coordinators,  Regional Mental Health Managers and Central Office.
• Provide data to Central Office and Mental Health NE Branch, on key indicators to support the monitoring and evaluation of major initiatives.
• Assist in developing implementation resources to support an integrated and consistent implementation model across the Region.
• Support the delivery of professional supports for key workforces (e.g., MHPs), including Communities of Practice.

The successful applicant will be based in one of the North East Victoria regional offices and must be available for regular travel within the region. A valid Victorian Driver's Licence is required. Flexible work arrangements are available.

For more information about this position, please refer to the attached position description.

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 Group

Schools and Regional Services (SRS) offers central, regional, and local expertise to enhance learning and development outcomes, supported by a diverse and geographically dispersed workforce. It comprises 17 areas within 4 regions, backed by 5 central office divisions, all collaborating to deliver improved outcomes for early childhood services, schools, communities, and learners, in line with Education State commitments. SRS regions serve as a bridge between the central office, schools, and service providers, ensuring smooth transitions for learners and achieving the department's ambitious targets. Each region includes divisions specialising in school performance, student wellbeing and early childhood support, working with area-based teams to tailor local interventions and practices. The 17 areas provide crucial insights into local trends and issues, facilitating effective policy and program development and driving child and learner outcomes across all services and programs.

This role is located in the Student Wellbeing and Enagagement Division, South West Victoria Region, SRS. The newly established Regional Mental Health Team will support schools in all aspects of student mental health and wellbeing, including implementation of the Mental Health Practitioners initiative, the Schools Mental Health Fund and Menu, and the Mental Health in Primary Schools program. The team will also have a role in supporting the development of partnerships between Areas and schools with key stakeholders, including local mental health services.

About the Role

Working as part of the the Regional Mental Health Team, the Project Officer, will contribute to the provision of operational, school-level support for the ongoing implementation, reporting and improvement of key mental health and wellbeing initiatives and reform in Victorian primary, secondary and specialist schools.

The Project Officer will provide operational support for the ongoing implementation, reporting and improvement of the three mental health related initiatives. The role will include communication with schools, data and information management, reporting, project management support, providing process and procedure advice and improvement.

For more information, see the Mental Health in Schools policy on the Policy and Advisory Library. 

The position may be located in any of the regional offices and will require travel across the region.

Attributes

Are you a proactive, innovative thinker with strong problem-solving skills? Do you thrive in a team environment and enjoy collaborating to achieve shared goals? We're looking for someone who excels at navigating issues and addressing stakeholders' needs. Your ability to build and maintain strong relationships with peers and stakeholders will be essential for supporting continuous improvement and making a positive impact.

Qualifications and Experience

Desirable: Relevant tertiary qualification in in a related field such as education, mental health or public health or the demonstrated professional capacity to undertake the Key Accountabilities.

How to Apply

Applications should include a resume and covering letter that outlines the applicants' skills and experience against Key Selection Criteria in the position description. Maximum 2 pages.

Further Information

For more details regarding this position please see attached position description for the capabilities to address in application.

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.

For further information pertaining to the role, please contact Carolyn Macaulay via Carolyn.macaulay@education.vic.gov.au.

Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and may be subject to other pre-employment checks. Information provided to the Department of Education will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Please let us know via phone or email if you require any adjustments to ensure your full participation in the recruitment process or if you need the ad or any attachments in an accessible format (e.g large print) due to any viewing difficulties or other accessibility requirements.

Applications close 11:59pm on Tuesday 1st July 2025.