Principals Australia INSTITUTE- job and person specification

Title of Position:KidsMatter Primary Project Officer- Queensland

Term of Appointment:18 months (possibility of extension)

Commencement Date:January 2013

Fraction of Time: 1.0

Employment Location:Sunshine Coast

Salary:$82K

Job specification

1.Background Information

The mission of the Principals Australia Institute is to ensure that all current and aspiring principals in Australia receive the support they require to achieve the best outcomes for their school communities, through professional learning, systems and resources that reflect the best evidence available.

The Principals Australia Institute (PAI) is a not-for-profit organisation, owned by the four peak associations, representing primary and secondary principals leading and managing Government, Catholic and Independent schools across the country.

PAI has its main corporate and program management functions based in Adelaide.

The aim of PAI is to ensure that all current and aspiring principals have access to quality professional learning, leadership development and the support required to achieve the best possible outcomes for their students.

PAI receives no financial support from its four member associations, and is funded for managing a number of national projects, including:

  • MindMatters(MM)
  • KidsMatterPrimary (KMP)
  • Dare to Lead (DTL)
  • Leading Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Learning

The Principals Australia Institute self-funds the remainder of its work, including that built around the L5 Leadership Frame.

KidsMatter Primary is a mental health and wellbeing initiative for primary schools. It was developed in collaboration with Principals Australia (now the Principals Australia Institute), beyondblue: the national depression initiative, and the Australian Psychological Society, and with funding from the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing and beyondblue.

KidsMatter Primary aims to support schools to strengthen their capacity to improve mental health and wellbeing for all students, and achieve greater support for students experiencing mental health difficulties. KidsMatter works closely with education sectors and systems to take a planned approach to its rollout, and also with health and community agencies so that they can provide school communities with the additional, specialist support they need.

2.Summary of the broad purpose of the position.

The KidsMatter Primary Project Officer supports schools to strengthen their capacity to improve the mental health and wellbeing of students. Theproject officer provides support to schools primarily through the facilitation and delivery of centralised KidsMatter Primary professional development for school staff and related education and health professionals throughout the State.The promotion, planning, coordinating and delivery of professional development and other tasks conducted are in line with the implementation of the state strategic planled by the State Coordinator.

3.Reporting / Working relationships

  • Line and performance management is through the State Coordinator, with overarching reporting responsibilities residing with the National Coordinator KidsMatter Primary: Principals Australia Institute
  • Support the national expansion by networking strategically with KMP Project Officers and Coordinators across Australia and with the broader national team
  • As required, liaise with KidsMatter Early Childhood and MindMatters staff to support K-12 schools in implementing a seamless approach to mental health and wellbeing

4.Special conditions

Significantintrastate travel will be required, with occasional interstate travel as per project requirements.

5.Key responsibilities / duties

In close consultation withthe State Coordinator:

  • Promote, plan, coordinate, facilitate and deliverKidsMatter Primary professional development in accordance with the state strategic plan
  • Develop and implement a strategy for ongoingsupport of school action teams to effectively implement the KMP framework
  • Contribute to the consolidation and strengthening of networks with key state education and health stakeholders

Other responsibilities:

  • Actively contribute to the growth and strengthening of the state or territory team
  • Collect data and provide progress reports as required
  • Participate in performance review meetings with line manager
  • As an employee of the Principals Australia Institute, comply with all policies, procedures and guidelines, and contribute to it achieving its mission as appropriate.

PErson specification

1.Experience

  1. Successful experience in training, presenting and facilitation in a variety of forums
  1. Experience working in or with the school education sector, including in the area of student mental health and wellbeing
  1. Experience indeveloping and implementing organizational change, preferably within a school setting

2.Knowledge

  1. Knowledge of schools and schooling sectors, structures and processes
  1. Knowledge of promotion, prevention and early interventionfor children’s mental health
  1. Knowledge of adult learning principles

3.Skills and Abilities

  1. Promotes, establishes and maintains productive relationships with colleagues and stakeholders to deliver organisational outcomes
  1. Communicates effectively (including through writing, presentations and training) to internal and external stakeholders
  1. Is flexible, adaptable- able to cope with managing competing demands
  1. Demonstrates political nous
  1. Proficient in the use and integration of Information Technology
  1. Self-manages, both personally and professionally
  1. Can work autonomouslyand as part of a team
  1. Seeks advice and support when necessary in a timely manner

4.Qualifications

  1. Relevant education, mental health and/or community development qualifications

Please note:

  1. Write a maximum three (3) page letter of application using the Person Specification as a guide
  1. Include a CV and the names and contact details of three (3) referees
  1. There is no appeal process for this position or written feedback provided
  1. Your application is to be received at Principals Australia Institute by 9.00am (CST time) on Monday 26November 2012

5.Send applications via email to:

6.For further information contact:

Michael Hardie; KidsMatter Primary State Coordinator- Qld

email:

Phone: 0731385724

Mobile:0413 806 025