Overview
Work type: Part time
Salary: Salary not specified
Grade: Ed Support Level 1-Range 3
Occupation: Education and Training
Location: Ballarat
Reference: 1471643
Location Profile
Ballarat High School is a learning community where every person is valued, respected, and challenged as a learner.
We are entering into the next exciting phase of our journey as a school, and we aim to be leaders in education in order to secure the best possible outcomes for all of our students.
Ballarat High School commenced in 1907 as Agricultural High School and today has a student population of 1500 students. Ballarat High School has a long history and tradition of providing a quality education to the youth of Ballarat. While the school has changed physically over its hundred-year history, what has not changed is the significant contribution it makes to many young lives.
We endeavour to provide an inclusive, positive, respectful learning environment for all students. We believe in educating the whole person and acknowledge the correlation between student wellbeing, connectedness, and academic achievement. Our mission is to provide the right supports to the right students at the right time.
Our values of Pride, Respect and Responsibility under the motto of Duty Always ensure we build and maintain strong and positive relationships. We focus on teaching and learning improvement strategies that will raise standards and outcomes for all individuals in a culture of high expectations, collaboration, shared values and trust.
Ballarat High School is incredibly fortunate to have high quality facilities for all faculty areas and we fully utilise these spaces to ensure that all students find their passion and their time with us is enriched with excellent learning opportunities both within and beyond the classroom.
Please visit for additional information, including the following key documents
* BHS Strategic Plan
* BHS Annual Implementation Plan
* Annual Report to the School Community
* Vision for School Improvement
* Policies and other resources
Selection Criteria
Applicants are requested to present a written response to the key selection criteria below:
1. Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills and an ability to maintain comprehensive confidential case notes.
2. Demonstrated awareness and understanding of the issues encountered by young people and the ability to work alongside and support those who are experiencing barriers to education, training and employment.
3. Demonstrated ability to work in a multi-faceted team, fostering effective working relationships with external agencies and service providers, and knowledge of a range of support services available to young people and families.
4. Demonstrated ability to develop, implement and evaluate high quality programs which support student wellbeing and success.
5. Demonstrated capacity for critical reflection and leadership in the Student Wellbeing area.
6. Relevant experience and/or tertiary qualifications in welfare, counselling or psychology.
Role
The position of Youth Counsellor is one of providing significant support to Ballarat High School in achieving the government targets of improved retention.
Working within the framework of our Strategic Plan and Annual Implementation Plan, the Youth Counsellor will provide counselling advice to students of Ballarat High School and be required to work in close association with all members of staff to develop policies, programs and implement strategies to improve student engagement, retention and wellbeing.
As an Education Support staff member, the range of duties may be expanded in the future in accordance with the ES Level 1, Range 3 General Duties.
Attendance during some school holiday periods may be required and would be compensated through Leave Purchase or Time in Lieu arrangements.
Responsibilities
The key responsibilities of the position may include, but is not limited to:
A. Student Development
* Work in close association with the Assistant Principals, Sub-school Leaders, Team Leaders, Student Wellbeing Team, Mentors and external agencies in the development and implementation of the policies and practices that support student success, engagement and wellbeing.
* In consultation with others at Ballarat High School and external agencies, identify program needs and support the implementation of appropriate programs especially for those identified as being at risk.
B: Student Welfare and Support
* Identify and assess the barriers to education being faced by young people.
* Provide counselling support to individual students as needed.
* Work specifically with students in the Inclusion program, Koori students, EAL students and those in out of home care.
* Collaborate with Team Leaders, Mentors and classroom teachers to develop individual learning plans for identified students, to address their individual needs.
* Develop and assist in delivering pro-active classroom and extra curricula programs that improve student resilience and wellbeing.
* Provide information and advice to parents and students upon request, including referral to DE Student Support Services, other Government agencies and alternative education/training/employment programs.
* Liaise with community agencies and education related groups as required.
C: Administration and Management
* Maintain confidential records of referrals, student information and detailed case notes.
* Attend relevant committees and forums on youth issues.
D: Human Resources
* Assist in the identification of own training needs.
* Participate in an annual Performance and Development process.
Who May Apply
Individuals with the aptitude, experience and/or qualifications to fulfil the specific requirements of the position.
EEO AND OHS Commitment
Applicants seeking part-time employment are encouraged to apply for any teaching service position and, if they are the successful candidate, request a reduced time fraction. Such requests will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis and will be subject to the operational requirements of the school.
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 Workplace adjustment guidelines).
Additional support and advice on the recruitment process is available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islanders from the Koorie Outcomes Division (KOD) via
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 the department's Values: Responsiveness, Integrity, Impartiality, Accountability, Respect, Leadership and Human Rights. The department'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 department values is available at:
Other Information
APPLICATIONS
Enquiries regarding the position can be directed to Mrs. Lesley Thorpe 03 5338 9000.
Applications should be submitted via School Jobs Vic (formally Recruitment Online)
or a copy of your application can be emailed to Mrs. Tracey Ginn, Personnel Manager, marked Confidential ¿ Youth Counsellor, by 4.00pm on the closing date.
Responses to the Key Selection Criteria and a Resume including the names of three referees, their contact numbers and email addresses must be included in the application.
Conditions of Employment
* All staff employed by the Department and schools have access to a broad range of employment conditions and working arrangements.
* Appointment of successful applicants will be made subject to a satisfactory pre-employment conditions check.
* A probationary period may apply during the first year of employment and induction and support programs provided.
* Detailed information on all terms and conditions of employment is available on the Department's Human Resources website at
* Have or able to obtain an ¿Employee¿ Working with Children Check.
Applications close Tuesday 15 April 2025 at 11.59PM
Posted 02 April 2025