Role
Wellbeing Counsellor will work closely with the members of the Student Management Team and other members of the Wellbeing team at Patterson River Secondary College to provide high-level counselling and support services to improve student learning outcomes and undertake advanced wellbeing interventions that support students and schools. The focus of this role will be to:
1. undertake individual and/or small group counselling and wellbeing interventions with students to assist them in enhancing their capability to self-manage their social, emotional and educational needs.
2. work as a member of the wellbeing team to plan and implement evidence-based intervention strategies for students with complex needs (including collaborating with parents and families, other professionals and agencies when appropriate)
3. provide case management and support to students identified at risk, including co-ordinating and/or participating in Care Team Meetings and Student Support Group meetings as required
4. contribute to the development and implementation of student safety and behaviour plans as require
5. Provide information and feedback to the Sub School Leaders regarding individual student’s needs, issues and concerns that will assist engagement in learning programs that can be implemented for students with mental health issues.
6. Maintain appropriate records and provide written and oral reports in accordance with DET and school policies
7. Demonstrate leadership and provide professional learning to others, such as teachers and other school wellbeing staff, to build the capacity of the College to improve students’ learning and developmental outcomes.
8. Liaise with other Department areas (including secondary school nurses and Disability Inclusion staff) and external service providers with a view to optimising service access for at risk students and where relevant their families.
9. Maintain professional competence and continued professional learning, including attending professional development activities throughout the year.
10. Meet relevant policies and legislative requirements in relation to student health information and privacy.
11. Other duties consistent with qualifications and experience as required
Who May Apply
It is expected that the person in this position hold a Bachelor qualification or specialist/post graduate qualification where applicable in Social Work, Psychology or similar Allied Health qualification.
EEO AND OHS Commitment
The Department of Education is committed to the principles of equal opportunity, and diversity and inclusion for all. We value 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 roles within the Department. The Department recognises that the provision of family friendly, supportive, safe and harassment free workplaces is essential to high performance and promotes flexible work, diversity and safety across all schools and Department workplaces. It is our policy to provide reasonable adjustments for persons with a disability (see ).
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants can contact Brett West, Yamatji man, in the Koorie Outcomes Division to talk about the recruitment process, the Department and supports for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people in the Department. Mobile: 0477 726 801 or email on:
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 DET’s Values: Responsiveness, Integrity, Impartiality, Accountability, Respect, Leadership and Human Rights. DET’s Values complement each school’s own values and underpin the behaviours the community expects of Victorian public sector employees, including those who work in Victorian Government Schools. Information on the DET values is available at
Conditions of Employment
12. All staff employed by the Department and schools have access to a broad range of employment conditions and working arrangements.
13. Appointment of successful applicants will be made subject to a satisfactory pre-employment conditions check.
14. A probationary period may apply during the first year of employment and induction and support programs provided.
15. Detailed information on all terms and conditions of employment is available on the Department's Human Resources website at
Location Profile
Patterson River is a friendly, high performing school. We work to create a supportive and productive learning community where students are challenged by high expectations and encouraged to achieve their personal best in all endeavours. Our College values of Persistence, Excellence, Community & Respect guide our decision making and actions. Patterson River has close connections with the community and sees itself as an important hub of the local community.
Set next to the Seaford Wetlands and within walking distance of the beach, our school enjoys beautiful surrounds. Our grounds are spacious and contain a number of landscaped courtyards which provide attractive shaded seating areas for our students. Student learning takes place in a safe and stimulating environment with a range of modern facilities which includes new senior school and Performing Arts centres as well as a modern three-court basketball stadium. The College is about to finish an $8 million capital works program, including a multi-million dollar STEM centre.
The current Student Family Occupation & Education (SFOE) Index is The College enjoys a positive school climate and student connectedness, with staff, student and parent opinion surveys all reporting results which place the College in the top quartiles in state-wide comparisons.
The College has an established Wellbeing Team, providing both intervention and proactive strategies and programs.
Current School Wide Health & Wellbeing Initiatives
16. Respectful Relationships
17. School Wide Positive Behaviours
Targeted Support and Interventions
18. Doctors in Secondary Schools
19. Mental Health Practitioner
20. Adolescent Health Nurse
21. Student Counselling
School Tours
Further information or a tour of the College can be arranged by contacting:
Lisa Cavey (Assistant Principal)
Kelly Maxwell (Wellbeing Team Leader)
Responsibilities
Wellbeing Counsellor will work closely with the members of the Student Management Team and other members of the Wellbeing team at Patterson River Secondary College to provide high-level counselling and support services to improve student learning outcomes and undertake advanced wellbeing interventions that support students and schools.