Key duties and responsibilities

The Rockhampton Grammar School was founded in 1881 and is an independent co-educational day and boarding school, educating and caring for students from Prep to Year 12, as well as the Early Learning Years and is Queensland’s largest boarding school. The Rockhampton Grammar School has achieved great success in the academic, cultural, sporting and vocational fields over the past 143 years. The School has a total enrolment of over 1,400 (Prep to Year 12) students who are exposed to our broad curriculum, giving effect to our commitment of Grow in Character and Scholarship. 

As part of our teaching team, we provide a supportive, flexible working environment where care for all our staff is an important part of our ethos. We employ motivated people who want to work together to produce excellent outcomes for our staff and students. Our staff are recognised as being central to achieving our mission.

At The Rockhampton Grammar School, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and dynamic environment where students thrive both in the classroom and in extracurricular activities. Join us at The Rockhampton Grammar School and be a part of a vibrant community dedicated to excellence in education! The School values co-curricular involvement and provide a wide variety of opportunities for staff in this regard.

POSITION TITLE:   School Psychologist

REPORTS TO:  Deputy to the Headmaster

PURPOSE OF POSITION

The purpose of this position is to provide psychological services to students in the Senior, Primary Schools, Early Learning Centre and staff where appropriate and advice to the School on student welfare. Psychological services may involve psychological assessment, counselling and/or consultation to students, parents and school staff. Following identification of wellbeing, psychological and/or educational concerns a recommendation for referral out, or management within, the School may be made in consultation within the School´s referral system.

KEY DUTIES ANDRESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide assessment services which may include formal psychological, cognitive and psycho-educational assessment for students;
• Provide early intervention support (e.g. observation and screening assessments) to students;
• Counsel students, parents and staff as required using appropriate evidence based approaches;
• Provide consultation to parents regarding student issues;
• Provide consultation to teaching and educational support staff regarding student needs (e.g. behavioural management and student support plans);
• Provide assessment services and reports for available funding;
• Maintain records and notes of all counselling sessions;
• Attend student referral meetings and case meetings;
• Work with the Coordinator of the Learning Enrichment Centre, Directors of Boarding and Heads of School to ensure clear individual case management support for individual students is established and maintained;
• Monitor progress of students with significant learning or behavioural needs and use of behaviour management/support plans;
• Respond to, and act upon, internal/external enquiries with regard to ongoing counselling;
• Maintain necessary contact with external professionals who work with students from the School;
• Maintain professional reading to ensure awareness of best practice;
• Ensure professional standards, learning and supervision is maintained to ensure registration and quality programme delivery;
• Participate in, or support, Professional Development or student/parent programmes to enhance staff, student and parent awareness of contemporary counselling issues and strategies for managing students;
  • Provide Emergency and Critical Incident support, after hours, if necessary, to staff, students and parents when needed;
  • Design and develop courses for parents, teachers and others involved with the education of children and young people on topics such as bullying;
  • Provide advice to the Headmaster and Deputy to the Headmaster regarding student welfare issues on an as needed basis.

N.B This position description contains the most important duties and tasks regarding the job to be done. It is not an exclusive/exhaustive list.

REQUIRED SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE

• Practical knowledge of the Queensland Child Protection System and Safeguarding of Children Framework
• Experience is school-based psychological services.

REQUIRED LICENCES/CERTIFICATES 

• Registered Psychologist;
• Working with Children Check (prior to commencement of duty);
• Safeguarding Children Online Training Certificate;
• Police Check.

SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

The School takes child protection seriously, and as a staff member or volunteer of The Rockhampton Grammar School, you are required to meet the behaviour standards outlined in our Practice and Behaviour Guidelines. You will receive a copy of these guidelines as part of the induction process.

Therefore, as a part of your duties and responsibilities, you are also required to:

• Provide a welcoming and safe environment for children and young people;
• Promote the safety and wellbeing of children and young people to whom we provide services;
• Ensure that your interactions with children and young people are positive and safe;
• Provide adequate care and supervision of children and young people in your charge;
• Act as a positive role model for children and young people;
• Report any suspicions, concerns, allegations or disclosures of alleged abuse to management;
• Maintain valid “working with children” documentation;
• Undergo periodic “national criminal history record” checks;
• Report to management any criminal charges or convictions you receive during the course of your employment that may indicate a possible risk to children and young people.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

The successful applicant will be subject to a “Working with Children Check and Criminal Records Check” where applicable. The School undertakes several screening processes to ensure the appropriate protection of children and young people in its care. This includes reference checks, identity checks, qualification check and professional registration checks.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply for this position - please 'apply now' through the RGS Website: Current Career Opportunities | The Rockhampton Grammar School (rgs.qld.edu.au)

Please submit the following compulsory items:

• Cover Letter, indicating why you are applying for this position and detailing your experience;
• Comprehensive Curriculum Vitae with the contact details of two work related referees;
• RGS Application for Employment Form.

Applications are encouraged to be submitted as soon as possible and should be submitted no later than 4:00pm Monday 2nd December 2024.

Enquiries should be directed to Mrs Donna Grant (Deputy to the Headmaster) on 07 4936 0851.

*Note: only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

*Applications will be reviewed as they are received.

*The Rockhampton Grammar School reserves the right to amend this Position Description at its discretion in accordance with any Safeguarding of Children, legislative and/or operational requirements