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Apply on Kit Job: kitjobau.com/job/32tkxp Overview Work Type: Ongoing - Full-time Salary: Salary not specified Grade: Education Support - Level 1, Range 3 Occupation: Education and training Location: Gippsland - Baw Baw Reference: 1516193 Location Profile Lowanna College is a vibrant, well-resourced Victorian Government secondary school catering for students from Years 7 to 12. With an enrolment of approximately 1,100 students, the College is set in an attractive bushland environment in Newborough. As the only secondary school in the MoeNewborough community, Lowanna draws students from both the local area and surrounding rural townships. Located around 130 kilometres east of Melbourne, Newborough lies in the heart of picturesque Gippsland. The region is surrounded by rolling hills and offers easy access to the snowfields of Mt Baw Baw and the South Gippsland coastline. A wide range of recreational and sporting opportunities are available locally, including football, netball, golf, basketball, soccer, mountain biking and water sports. Staffing Profile Lowanna College employs a dedicated and highly skilled team, including: - Principal - 3 Assistant Principals - 5 Leading Teachers - 9 Learning Specialists - Business Manager - Finance & Operations Manager - 70.03 EFT teaching staff - 58.19 EFT Education Support staff School Structure The College is organised into three mini-schools of 300400 students: - Junior School - Years 7 & 8 - Middle School - Years 9 & 10 - Senior School - Years 11 & 12 Each mini-school is led by a team including a Leading Teacher, Student Advocate, Student Support Officer and Administrative Assistant. Working collaboratively with teaching staff, they are committed to supporting both the academic growth and wellbeing of every student. Facilities Lowanna College offers modern, purpose-built facilities that provide a stimulating and supportive learning environment. Key facilities include: - 580-seat auditorium - Refurbished canteen and on-site cafeteria - Two-court gymnasium - Language Centre - Year 12 Centre - On-site Wellbeing Centre to support and re-engage students at risk Curriculum and Programs Lowanna provides a broad and diverse curriculum, complemented by extensive extra-curricular opportunities. The academic program includes: - Junior School: core curriculum - Middle School: core and elective program - Senior School: VCE, VCAL and VETiS pathways Year 10 students may accelerate their learning by undertaking VCE subjects. Specialist learning opportunities extend across the Arts, Science, Technology, Physical Education and Food Studies. Students also benefit from: - Lowanna Sports Academy - Lowanna Institute of the Arts (launching in 2026) - Longstanding Outdoor Education Program - Access to the Gippsland Technical College, in partnership with other Latrobe Valley schools The College also offers Italian and Indonesian, and maintains strong partnerships with Monash University, Federation University and Federation Training, providing students with clear pathways from Year 7 through to Year 12 and beyond. Community and Partnerships Lowanna College enjoys strong connections with other Latrobe Valley schools, particularly Kurnai College and Traralgon College. In 2014, these schools collaboratively established the Latrobe Valley Flexible Learning Option (LVFLO) to re-engage students and support their return to mainstream education. The College also works closely with local feeder primary schools, hosting a range of transition events for staff, students and families. Commitment and Values The entire Lowanna College team is committed to continually improving student outcomes while fostering a strong sense of community. At Lowanna, we proudly live by our values: - Respect - Integrity - Determination - Growth - Excellence We believe every student can achieve excellence. The Lowanna team work diligently to continue to improve outcomes for students and to maintain a strong sense of community within the College. Selection Criteria KSC 1 Evidence of experience delivering counselling services to children and adolescents, including assessment, early intervention, crisis support, and therapeutic strategies aligned with school wellbeing needs. KSC 2 Strong understanding of social and emotional development, common psychological issues in school aged students, and the application of trauma informed, culturally responsive and evidence-based counselling approaches. KSC 3 Proven capacity to work effectively with teachers, leadership teams, wellbeing staff, families and external agencies to support individual students and contribute to whole school wellbeing initiatives. KSC 4 Ability to conduct wellbeing assessments, prepare support or safety plans, manage referrals, maintain accurate and confidential records, and meet legislative and departmental compliance requirements. KSC 5 Sound understanding of Mandatory Reporting, Child Safe Standards, duty of care, and relevant Department of Education policies, ensuring safe, ethical and legally compliant practice within the school setting. Role The school Counsellor, operating at Education Support Range 3, provides specialised wellbeing support to students through counselling, assessment, early intervention, and coordinated case management. As a member of the schools wellbeing team, the counsellor applies knowledge of child and adolescent development, mental health, and trauma informed practice to address a wide range of social, emotional, and behavioural needs. The role requires the ability to work both independently and collaboratively, using sound professional judgement within established Department of Education policies, Child Safe Standards, and legal requirements. Key responsibilities include conducting wellbeing and risk assessments, developing tailored support and safety plans, delivering individual and group interventions, and engaging families, teachers, leadership, and external agencies to ensure a holistic approach to student wellbeing. The counsellor contributes to whole school wellbeing planning, preventative initiatives, and the development of processes that enhance student engagement and connectedness. The position involves maintaining accurate and confidential records, preparing reports where appropriate, and supporting staff through consultation and professional guidance. The counsellor is expected to model high level interpersonal and communication skills, demonstrate initiative in complex situations, and actively participate in ongoing professional development. This role strengthens the schools capacity to create a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment for all students. Responsibilities - Deliver short term and ongoing counselling to students experiencing social, emotional, behavioural, or mental health challenges. - Facilitate small group programs focused on wellbeing, resilience, social skills, or conflict resolution. - Undertake wellbeing assessments, risk assessments, and safety planning where required. - Develop and monitor individual support plans in collaboration with students, families, and staff. - Provide immediate support during crises, such as disclosures of harm, emotional distress, or significant behavioural incidents. - Follow school and departmental procedures for mandatory reporting and child safety. - Consult with teaching staff to support classroom strategies and behaviour plans. - Engage parents/carers to provide guidance and ensure wrap around support for students. - Liaise with external agencies, psychologists, mental health services, and youth support networks. - Document counselling sessions, wellbeing plans,#J-18808-Ljbffr