Student Wellbeing OfficerPage 1 of 4

POSITION:Student Wellbeing Officer

DEPARTMENT:Student Support Services

REPORTS TO:Manager Learning Support Services

CLASSIFICATION:PACCT LEVEL 3

PRIMARY OBJECTIVES

  • Provide comprehensive well-being support for students, with a focus on the wellbeing of student Residents, and provide case management support to students in need utilising a range of solution focussed, strength based approaches and support techniques.
  • Liaise and work with teaching staff and Institute support personnel to ensure understanding of issues and challenges relating to youth and equity groups encouraging student participation, engagement and learning outcomes.
  • Act as a mediator or advocate on behalf of students.
  • Liaise with external community and government agencies and organisations to identify resources and services available to students.

ORGANISATIONAL ENVIRONMENT

Sunraysia Institute of TAFE is the leading provider of vocational education and training in the north-west of Victoria. As part of its Strategic Plan, the Institute has identified the following economic, social, educational and community drivers:

  • increasing participation in vocational education and training to meet the needs of industry – particularly in skills shortage areas;
  • developing strategic partnerships to broaden education and training options for the region – industry and their associations, schools, private registered trainings organisations (RTOs) and universities;
  • improving pathways for students from secondary education to vocational education and training to higher education and
  • maximising the Institute’s productivity in a contestable market.

The tertiary landscape is changing rapidly and the Institute is committed to ensuring that we continue to provide education and training that are relevant to the communities we serve.

Manager:Manager Learning Support Services

Key Relationships:Student Support Services staff

Residence Unit Leaders

Various Dept Managers

Teaching staff

Subordinates:Nil

POSITION SUMMARY

The role of Student Wellbeing Officer is to provide individual care and support to students identified as ‘in need’, particularly those living on SuniTAFE Residences. The student profile may include a youth profile, students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those experiencing personal or financial difficulty, those returning to learning as a mature age student and those transitioning early from school to the TAFE sector.

Student Wellbeing Officers will also act as a source or knowledge and expertise for key internal stakeholders including Educational Business Managers, teaching staff and those employees engaged in providing services to students. They will provide advocacy and conflict resolution services as required, assist students with pathways into education and training and encourage engagement and participation through a series of planned social and recreational activities.

KEY RESPONSIBIILITIES

Under the direction of the Manager Learning Support Servicesand in accordance with the Institute’s policies and procedures the Student Wellbeing Officer is required to:

  • Initiate referrals to Student Counsellors, Disability Liaison Officer, other Institute student services, external agencies and support groups where required.
  • Encourage active student participation through a range of recreational and social activities and events, ensuring Resident Students have access to external services – eg. operating a shuttle service to the CBD for those without transport options.
  • Actively assist Residence Unit leaders in addressing any referred incidents.
  • Work with Residence Unit leaders through facilitated workshops and one on one coaching to understand student and equity group needs and encourage participation and learning outcomes.
  • Work with Residence Unit leaders, teaching and support staff to develop individual case plans for students requiring specific support.
  • Identify through early intervention at risk students who may require student support services, including; wellbeing, financial, engagement and learning support.
  • Provide wellbeing and case management support utilising a range of solution focussed, strength based approaches and support techniques to students, with a focus on Residents.
  • Complete intake, assessment and follow up of Early School Leavers as delegated by the Manager Learning Support Services and in adherence to Institute policies and procedures.
  • Ensure accurate client case records are kept and all case records are stored according to privacy laws and Institute records management guidelines.
  • Provide input into regular department reporting including; the number of student utilising the department’s services, incident reports, and progress reporting on at risk students.
  • On request provide reports (verbal and written) to the Manager Learning Support Services on individual cases or diversity groups.
  • Deliver orientation sessions to students on an individual and/or group basis regarding relevant policies and Institute information.
  • Work with students and Institute staff to identify student needs and implement policies, practices and programs that encourage student engagement and student learning.
  • Act as a mediator or advocate, facilitating conflict resolution between students.
  • Develop a strong network of contacts and work with external stakeholders to identify community and government resources available to students and processes for referral.
  • Offer career and educational pathways advice in response to requests.
  • Provide peer and student support if required in the event of a critical incident and when advised by the Manager Learning Support Services with other members of the CISM team.
  • To provide exceptional customer service to all internal and external stakeholders of the Institute.
  • Participate in team meetings as required, encouraging open and regular communication.
  • Comply with OH&S and EEO legislation; and Environmental Sustainability Management by supporting the Institutes relevant Policy, Procedures and safe work instructions applicable to your role.
  • Prepardness and capacity to undertake further courses of study, annual OH&S, EEO, Cultural Diversity and/or identified mandatory professional development programs or training relevant to the position as necessary.
  • Report to work as scheduled with a willingness to work flexible hours according to business needs.
  • Willingness to adopt change and new initiatives.
  • Represent the Institute professionally at all times.
  • Other allocated duties, not specifically mentioned in this document, but within the capacity, qualifications and experience normally expected from persons occupying positions at this classification.

CHILD SAFETY OFFICER DUTIES

  • Provide a single point of contact for students, staff and/or community members requiring advice and/or support regarding any child safety concerns.
  • Responsible for providing information on Child Safe standards and reporting mechanisms to all students via the SSS induction sessions.
  • Responsible for providing regular information sessions for all staff regarding the Child Safe standards.
  • Work with students, staff and/or community members to accurately record any disclosures and/or reported concerns, and advise senior management of any such disclosures for further action.
  • Develop and maintain a comprehensive understanding of the legislative requirements surrounding Child Safe standards, including reporting requirements, definitions of abuse and internal processes for dealing with disclosures.
  • Work collaboratively with Institute management and other staff to ensure that child safety is prioritised within the Institute, that any allegations of abuse and/or safety concerns are recorded and responded to consistently in line with legal requirements and Institute policies and procedures.

EDUCATION TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

  • Relevant Degree or Diploma with little or no relevant work experience; or a suitable combination of lesser qualifications and relevant experience.
  • At this level employees have theoretical knowledge which may be applied to a range of procedures and tasks.

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

  1. Relevant Degree or Diploma in Social Work, Community Services or a related discipline with 1-2 years relevant work experience, or a suitable combination of lesser qualifications with 2-3 years demonstrated experience within discipline are essential.
  2. Demonstrated experience in case management and/or working and engaging with equity groups such as disadvantaged youth, mature age, long term unemployed, students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds is essential.
  3. Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills and demonstrated ability to liaise effectively with education and training institutions, industry, government and community agencies.
  4. Excellent organisational skills including the ability to prioritise tasks, establish and monitor schedules and complete a range of duties utilising information technology.
  5. Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel and Outlook.
  6. Current drivers licence and Working with Children’s Check essential.

Recommended ApprovedAcknowledged

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Director OrganisationalDirector INCUMBENT

Capability

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