Learning Support Officer - Mental Health

Role Description/Criteria

About Parade College

Parade College is a member of the national body of Catholic schools known as Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA). The College aims to help young people grow into well-rounded individuals who will make a meaningful contribution to society. In a vibrant learning community, students are encouraged to explore and develop their talents to the fullest and aim for excellence in all their endeavours.

As a long-standing Catholic school in the Edmund Rice tradition, Parade College strives to be a learning community that offers best practice education and pastoral care to its students to foster fullness of life and holistic growth for all. 

Parade College is the oldest Edmund Rice School in Australia, dating back to 1871, and has a proud history of excellence in the education and pastoral care. Parade offers a multitude of curriculum options for students, whatever their interest may be; from academic, sporting, music, visual arts and trade options.

The College is pleased to announce, our VCE Vocational Major (VCE VM) program at Parade College has become co-educational in 2025. The College welcomes full-time female student enrolments for the first time in our long history, into Year 11 in 2025.  Starting in Term 1 2025, our VCE Vocational Major program, based at our Preston campus, has expanded our student offerings by introducing a new Tertiary Pathways Program. The Tertiary Pathways Program will include a second stream of our highly successful Sport Academy, along with a new Business Academy. Both academies will provide a bespoke educational opportunity that will allow students to gain direct entry into a number of undergraduate tertiary courses at La Trobe University upon completion of the two-year course.  

The professional environment for staff at Parade College emphasises innovation, the importance of lifelong learning and quality relationships between staff, students and the College community.

The Position

The Learning Diversity Team provides support to students with diverse learning needs including students with additional needs, highly able students, students with disabilities, students with Refugee Status, culturally, linguistically and culturally diverse students and First Nations students.

We are seeking to appoint a highly-motivated individual with highly developed interpersonal and communication skills, with relevant experience and qualifications as a Learning Support Officer - Mental Health.

The Learning Support Officer (LSO) – Mental Health plays a crucial role in fostering a supportive classroom environment conducive to the mental health and wellbeing of students. The LSO will work collaboratively with teachers, educational staff, and mental health professionals to implement strategies that promote positive mental health in students and support their educational and emotional development.

Attributes / Skills and Experience

It is expected that the successful applicant will:

• have successfully completed a Certificate III in Education Support or higher qualification, or working towards a teaching qualification. Completion of a Graduate Certificate in Mental Health for Education or Certificate IV in Mental Health is highly desirable.
• have some experience working with students with mental health difficulties in a Secondary School setting, with the ability to demonstrate an understanding mental health first aid and trauma-informed practice in the classroom.
• display effective communication and organisational skills and the ability to be use initiative within the class environment to ensure optimal student support.
• be self-motivated and able to work independently if necessary.
• have an understanding of physical, social and emotional challenges in providing care and support to students with mental health difficulties, with an ability to display respect and empathy for students.
• be able to build positive relationships with children and assist in creating learning environments where all are valued and challenged. be highly motivated, committed, positive, friendly and enthusiastic.
• demonstrate an understanding of child safety and the appropriate obligations and behaviours when engaging with students.

A commitment to child safety is essential, to be considered for this position with candidates currently possessing, or willingness to obtain, a Working with Children Check.

All Staff are expected to support and participate in the faith life of the College including commitment to the College Mission, ethos, and participate in ongoing professional development and learning.

This position is available for immediate commencement (or by negotiation). Part-time and full- time applications will be considered. The position attracts school holiday entitlements.

Working at Parade College:

• Working within and around outstanding, grounds and facilities;
• Working with a collegial staff group;
• Onsite allocated car park space;
• Onsite gym;
• Pay and conditions set by a state-wide enterprise agreement, and
• The satisfaction of contributing to the educational development of our young people.

Please view the Position Description for further details about the role and the selection criteria and information on the required Application Process available through the College website: www.parade.vic.edu.au/school/employment.

Application Requirements

In preparing an application, please read the advertisement and position description carefully to ensure that you can demonstrate your ability to meet the position requirements and have a good understanding of the role.

Applications must include:

• a covering letter addressing the Key Selection Criteria including your skills, qualifications and experience relevant to the role; together with
• a current Curriculum Vitae.

For enquiries please contact the Director of Human Resources via email: **@parade.vic.edu.au, or phone: 94683300. 

To apply for this position, please visit the Employment Page on the College website via:  https://www.parade.vic.edu.au/school/employment and select 'Apply'.

APPLICATIONS CLOSE: 4:00pm on Tuesday 22 April 2025.  (Applications may be considered as received and interviews may be held during the application period.)

This community is committed to the safety, wellbeing and protection of all children in our care.

Parade College acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the traditional custodians of the lands where we live, learn and work.

 Parade College is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Application Procedures

https://www.parade.vic.edu.au/school/employment