Job Application Package

Page 1

JOB APPLICATION PACKAGE

Applying for a job with SECET...... p.1

Forms

Job Application Form...... p. 2

Information about the position and SECET

Teacher Characteristics and Position Description...... p. 3

Mission, Vision, Object and Statement of Faith...... p. 7

Code of Conduct...... p. 8

APPLYING FOR A JOB WITH SECET

Thank you for your interest in Scripture teaching with the Shoalhaven Employers of Christian Education Teachers (SECET). SECET has been providing Special Religious Education at state high schools in the northern and central Shoalhaven since 1993, and currently works at four schools – Bomaderry High, Shoalhaven High, Nowra High and Vincentia High.

We are seeking to employ a committed Christian with teacher training and experience and a passion for sharing Jesus with high school students. Preference will be given to applicants withqualifications from aBible College or equivalent &/or experience in teaching special education &/or primary classes.

In writing your application, please:

Fill in the Job Application Form, including the names and phone numbers of two referees, preferably a recent supervisor and your pastor. Also tell us how you know each referee, e.g. is the referee your pastor, your supervisor, or a co-worker, etc? Please invite your referees to attest to your teaching skill.
If you do not already have a Working With Children Check Clearance, apply online at

3.Write a submission about how you satisfy the Teacher Characteristics of the position.

Include an up-to-date Résumé. Tell us what type of work, including voluntary or unpaid work, you have done in the past, especially work relevant to the position you are applying for, whatorganisations you have worked for, how long you were employed, what you did, your skills and responsibilities in the positions.

5.Include certified copies of your academic transcript for your qualifications.

6.Make sure you have all these documents in your application and return it by the due date.

If you are selected for interview, you will be contacted by phone. You may be asked to bring a portfolio or samples of previous lesson material to the interview.Also bring all original documents with you for sighting for certification by the interviewing panel.

Applications must be returned to:

by email attachment toOR The Secretary,

CET Inc.,

PO Box 2094,

BOMADERRY 2541

Warning: The information you provide in this form and accompanying documents will be used for consideration of your eligibility to be appointed as SECET Teacher and for no other purpose.

Should any of the information you provide on this form or accompanying documents be found to be false or misleading after you have been appointed as a SECET teacher, SECET Inc. may terminate your employment without notice.

JOB APPLICATION FORM

Position Details

Title
Full-time / Part-time

Personal Details

Title / Ms / Mrs / Mr Other _____

Sex

/ Female / Male
Surname
Christian Name(s)
Home Address / Postcode
Postal Address / Postcode
Phone / Work / Home / Mobile
Email address
Working With Children Check Clearance No. / Expires:
Church Attending
Relevant
Qualifications
Where Obtained
Teaching Experience
Other Youth Work Experience
Do you have any medical condition which might affect your ability in the classroom?
How did you learn about this job?
Names & contact details of Referees
Signature / Date

Make sure you attach copies of your qualifications and resume

SECET Teacher Characteristics and Position Description Policy

Glossary

“SECET” means Shoalhaven Employers of Christian Education Teachers Inc.

“SRE” means Special Religious Education, commonly known as Scripture

“DEC” means NSW Department of Education and Communities

“Teacher” means SECET SRE Teacher, unless otherwise defined.

0.Preamble

0.1Teachers employed by SECET are appointed to teach SRE in Bomaderry, Nowra, Shoalhaven and Vincentia High Schools. This shall normally include the teaching of classes, the arrangement of SRE seminars, coordination of the contributions of ministers/pastors, youth ministers/pastors and others who come into their school to support them, and such other duties as agreed between SECET and the School Principal.

0.2When carrying out their duties teachers shall comply with relevant sections of the Education Act, the Religious Education Implementation Procedures, the SECET Code of Conduct and agreements made between SECET and the Principal of an SRE teacher’s school.

1.TEACHER CHARACTERISTICS

When employing an SRE teacher, SECET will apply the following selection criteria to applicants.

1.1Essential Criteria

The applicant shall …

(a)be an active Christian who is regular in attendance at one of the Christian denominations that is an approved provider of SRE to government schools in NSW;

[This criterion is a necessary occupational requirement under NSW law.]

(b)hold teaching qualifications/experience appropriate for the position;

(c)demonstrate a sound knowledge of the Bible and a passion to communicate this to teenagers;

(d)be prepared to commit to the SECET Mission, Vision and Statement of Faith;

(e)be prepared to attend SECET Board meetings, prayer breakfasts and other meetings and activities of SECET as required;

(f)hold a valid Working with Children Check clearance as required by NSW law;

(g)be competent in the use of information technology in the classroom.

1.2Desirable Criteria

The applicant shall …

(h)demonstrate experience in church ministry with children and/or youth;

(i)provide evidence of appropriate theological study or be willing to undertake an approved program of study;

(j)be prepared to talk to congregations of supporting churches (deputations) about the SECET program;

(k)demonstrate an enthusiasm for ongoing professional development, both in teaching practice and bible knowledge;

(l)demonstrate special skills required for a particular position (e.g. special education);

(m)demonstrate the ability to collaborate as a team member.

When offered appointment, an applicant may be set conditions based on these Desirable Criteria.

2.POSITION DESCRIPTION

The duties of a teacher will include the following:

2.1Classroom responsibilities

To implement the curriculum approved by SECET for all classes taught in a manner relevant to the needs of the student population
To get to know students and how they learn
To plan, assess and evaluate teaching for effective learning
To recognise the range of teaching, traditions and practices of the different Christian churches and not promote or oppose distinctive denominational views
To work according to school policies, including student welfare and school management policies
To create and maintain a safe and challenging learning environment through the use of classroom management skills
To have an emergency file of lessons/activities so that a relief teacher can teach students in an SRE teacher’s absence (rolls, worksheets, videos etc accessible and with an up-to-date lesson register)
To show due respect to students and staff from other belief systems
To meet the school’s requirements concerning reporting on student progress

2.2Other school responsibilities

To liaise with the supervising faculty head teacher and ensure they and the school recognise that, outside the SRE lessons or other SECET-approved activities, SECET SRE teachers are community volunteers and would be acting unlawfully if they perform alone any duty that is normally the responsibility of a Departmental Teacher
To be available to students and staff for appropriate Christian counsel as requested
To be the patron, supported by other staff, of the school’s Inter-Schools Christian Fellowship (ISCF) group
To seek every opportunity to engage in additional ministry activities in the school and be significantly involved in school activities, such as informal contact, sport, excursions and camps as agreed with the Principal. In participating in these activities an SRE teacher is acting as a community volunteer and must have aDEC teacher with them, in charge of the activity. An SRE teacher cannot take responsibility for a group of students for anything other than SRE and related activities (e.g. ISCF).
To liaise with school and other SECET SRE teachers to organise visits from outside individuals and groups
To participate in parent-teacher nights when appropriate
To participate in faculty and staff meetings and staff development days when appropriate
To work in accordance with the school’s and SECET's Student Welfare and Child Protection Policy
To work in accordance with the school’s and SECET’s Work Health and Safety Policy
To work in accordance with all other relevant school policies as appropriate; e.g. Critical Incidents, Emergency Care and Treatment for Anaphylactic Shock
To provide assistance for any other SRE seminars and related activities

2.3Professional Development responsibilities

To undertake continuing professional development in SRE teaching and Bible knowledge
To upgrade qualifications to better perform the role of an SRE teacher in a high school, as agreed
To attend in-service training arranged and/or approved by SECET
To participate in school professional development activities relevant to SRE teaching or mandatory for all teachers to attend.

2.4Other Responsibilities

To attend SECET Teacher and Board meetings, and other meetings as required
To visit local churches on deputation for SECET to keep the work of SECET before those who support this ministry
To adhere to the SECET Statement of Faith
To be a regular member in good standing of the SRE teacher’s own church, which needs to be anauthorised provider of SRE, and carry a current SRE authorisation card signed by the teacher’s minister
To provide reports at SECET Board meetings and for inclusion in Newsletters and prayer bulletins
To ensure security and maintenance of SECET property in an SRE teacher’s care and advise SECET of failure of equipment
To seek approval for expenditure of over $50

3.DEC statement of professional responsibilities

3.1In addition, SRE teachers should be aware of the relevant parts of the statement of professional responsibilities set by the DEC which must be adhered to by all Departmental teachers. The following excerpt is amended to relate to SECET SRE teachers. SECET SRE teachers may need to claim the exemption that Faithfulness in Service gives church workers from complying with any expectations that are contrary to the Christian faith.

3.2Excerpt from DEC Statement of Professional Responsibilities:

In carrying out their duties and responsibilities teachers must:

be conscious of their special duty of care to the students of the NSW public education system in all educational activities in and out of school;
demonstrate the highest standards of professional behaviour, exercise professional judgement and act in a courteous and sensitive manner when interacting with students, parents or caregivers, staff and the public;
collaborate in the development of school plans, policies, and programs (as appropriate);
devise and document teaching and learning programs and develop and implement appropriate evaluation mechanisms;
be conscious of the need for equitable treatment of all students, including those with disabilities or other special needs; meet the individual learning needs of students and assist each student to maximise his or her learning outcomes;
effectively manage and implement programs for child protection and student welfare, including approved use of social media;
undertake appropriate ongoing professional development to promote competence in curriculum development, delivery and evaluation, classroom management and teaching skills;
comply with legislative and industrial requirements and the Department's Code of Conduct, policies and procedures;
be familiar with the provisions of legislation relevant to their official responsibilities;
comply with reasonable directions given by a supervisor/principal and adhere to the official guidelines concerning the performance of their duties;
implement the priorities of SECET and the school and ensure their professional actions reflect SECET policy and departmental procedures and guidelines, including the use of social media;
be fair in exercising delegated responsibility and promote personal and professional development of staff;
perform their duties efficiently and effectively and with honesty, integrity and fairness at all times;
ensure that decisions are made fairly and conveyed promptly both within the School and to those students and members of the public who have a right to know;
use information gained in the course of employment only for proper and appropriate purpose;
use School and SECET resources economically;
except in the discharge of official duties use no information gained by or conveyed to them in the course of those duties;
without the express direction or permission of the School Principal not disclose (whether directly or indirectly) any such information;
behave in such a manner as to protect and enhance the esteem and standing of the School and SECET. In particular:
teachers must not, under any circumstances, have sexual relationships with students. It is irrelevant whether the relationship is homosexual or heterosexual, consensual or non consensual or condoned by parents or caregivers. The age of the students or staff member involved is also irrelevant;
teachers must not, under any circumstances, engage in conduct of a sexual nature with a student. Improper conduct of a sexual nature by an SRE teacher against a student includes sexual intercourse and any other form of child sexual abuse (which must be notified) as well as but not limited to: inappropriate conversations of a sexual nature; obscene language of a sexual nature; suggestive remarks or actions; jokes of a sexual nature; obscene gestures; unwarranted and inappropriate touching; sexual exhibitionism; personal correspondence with students in respect of the teacher's sexual feelings for the student; and deliberate exposure of students to sexual behaviour of others, other than in the case of prescribed curriculum material in which sexual themes are contextual;
only in accordance with departmental guidelines should teachers administer prescribed medications and non prescribed medications (such as analgesics) . Teachers must not give students alcohol or other drugs, or encourage or condone the use of alcohol or other drugs by students;
teachers must not, under any circumstances, use any form of discipline that includes any threat of physical violence or harm, corporal punishment or engage in any form of behaviour which could cause physical, emotional or psychological harm of any kind to students.

The profession of teaching necessarily brings teachers into close contact with children and young people. Effective teaching is based on warm, mutually respectful relationships between teachers and students.

With a growing awareness that abuse of children can occur in all areas of the lives of children and young people, parents and carers are increasingly vigilant. Having their behaviour under increased scrutiny is a professional challenge for teachers. It is important to remember that the privilege and many benefits associated with employment in a role that involves work with children also carries with it expectations of the highest standards of care and protection for them. Processes are in place to ensure that the rights of departmental and SECET staff are protected and that procedures are fair in the investigation of any concerns raised about staff behaviour. There have been occasions, for example, when teachers' actions have been misinterpreted.

Child protection legislation and departmental policies provide a framework for professional relationships of teachers with students (refer to Student Welfare and Child Protection policies). Appropriate teacher behaviour needs to be responsive to the age of the student and the particular teaching context.

The School Principal will advise teachers of any local school policies and teachers are expected to raise any concerns with their Head Teacher or the Principal. Further support is available through SECET resources.

SECET Mission, Vision, Object and Statement of Faith

MISSION

SECET's Mission is to impact the lives of young people in our high schools with the Gospel, helping many to become disciples of Christ and to mature in Him through employing experienced, committed Scripture teachers. This mission is carried out by local churches praying, sharing and promoting the vision, giving money, time and energy to this end.

This is one way local churches are working together in their shared mission of the extension of the Kingdom of God in the general community

VISION

SECET's Vision is to maintain Scripture teachers in all four high schools in the Northern and Central Shoalhaven covering normally years 7 to 10 weekly and supporting or running senior seminars.

SECET's vision is for every church in the Northern and Central Shoalhaven that can ascribe to the doctrinal basis to be giving significant support to the ministry. SECET also desires to work closely with young people's ministries in local churches, especially encouraging Christian students in their witness to their friends and classmates and their own growth in maturity in Christ, as well as trying to ensure effective follow-up and incorporation into churches for those who make Christian commitments.

OBJECT

The object of the Association is to employ and support qualified persons to teach Christian Education on a full or part time basis in the schools of the Northern and Central Shoalhaven. These teachers would work in close cooperation with the School in which they teach and would have to subscribe to the following statement of faith:

SECET Statement of Faith

We believe in the Divine inspiration, the infallibility and supreme authority of the Old and New Testaments in their entirety and that the Holy Spirit so moved the writers that what they wrote are authoritative statements of truth.

We believe there is one God in whom there are three equal Divine persons, revealed as the Father, Son and Holy Spirit; and who of His own sovereign Will created the heavens, the earth and all that is contained within the Universe.

We believe the Lord Jesus Christ is the eternally existing, only begotten Son of the Father, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. As God He became flesh and dwelt among us: as man He was God.

We believe all people are in a fallen, sinful and lost condition through the rebellion of Adam and Eve who were created without sin and in this state of depravity are helpless to save themselves and are under the condemnation of God to eternal punishment in Hell.

We believe that, by God’s love and mercy, salvation from the penalty and consequences of sin is found only through the substitutionary atoning death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.

We believe it is the Holy Spirit alone who convicts people of sin, leads them to repentance, creates faith within them and regenerates and fills those who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as Lord. It is the indwelling Spirit who bestows the Gifts of the Spirit and manifests the Fruit of the Spirit in the believer.

We believe Christ died for our sins, was buried and the third day rose from the dead; that He appeared to certain people who touched Him and knew His bodily presence and that He ascended to His Father.

We believe the Lord Jesus Christ will return in person with His saints and that the full consummation of the Kingdom of God awaits His return.

We believe those who have been regenerated by the Holy Spirit will receive a resurrection body at the return of Jesus Christ and be forever with the Lord, while those who have not believed will be resurrected to stand at the Judgement Seat of God to receive His judgement and eternal condemnation to Hell.

We believe in the actual existence of Satan who is the father of all evil and opposed to God, although ultimately subject to the purposes of God and destined to be confined forever to Hell.

We believe the Church is the Body of Christ composed of all believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, which finds its visible manifestation in the local community of believers and ministers through the cooperative exercise of God given gifts by the entire membership. Each local community of believers is competent under Christ as Head of the Church to order its life.

SECET Code of Conduct