A unique opportunity is available to become a Defence School Mentor (DSM) at Ripley Valley State Secondary College on a temporary part-time basis, at 0.41 FTE and 30 hours per fortnight, starting Semester 2, 2025, for a period of 12 months unless otherwise determined.

The successful applicant will be an integral part of our College's Student Services Support (SSS) Team, working alongside our Guidance Officers, Youth Support Coordinators, CEC, and Chaplains. The successful candidate will have a distinct focus of supporting students from Defence families to integrate into the school community; and building the capability of the school to facilitate these supports.

Job details

About Ripley Valley State Secondary College

Ripley Valley State Secondary College opened in 2020 and currently caters to over 1,300 students across Years 7 to 12, with enrolments projected to exceed 2,000 students by 2028. The College has built a strong reputation for high expectations, innovation, inclusion, and a deep connection to the community. Located near the Amberley RAAF Base, the College proudly supports approximately 100 students from Defence families.

About the Role

We are seeking applicants who demonstrate: exceptional relational skills; a commitment to fostering a positive, welcoming, and supportive environment; and a willingness to contribute actively to the College's ongoing development and growth.

The ideal applicant should have a sound understanding of the Defence School Mentor role and be prepared to work as part of a multidisciplinary team to build effective relationships with students, parents, staff, and external agencies. Experience delivering support programs within a school context, and an awareness of Defence family challenges are also highly desired.

As the School Defence Mentor, your responsibilities include:

• Providing information and support on a range of activities for dependants of Defence members and families to ease the impact of mobility and service-related parental absence.
• Assisting in building the capability of the school to support Defence students and their families while adhering to school policies and priorities.
• Support and assist young people from Defence families to integrate into the school community to facilitate a supportive educational environment for them.
• Create a greater and ongoing awareness within the school community of the needs of young people from Defence families.
• Assist Defence parents and students to become familiar with the school and its facilities and raise awareness of their unique needs within the school community.
• Work with individuals, groups, families and stakeholders to develop and implement programs to enable Defence students to feel welcome and included within the school community.
• Assist with the organisation and management of Defence related events, including: ANZAC Day, Remembrance Day and Defence Week.

About You

This opportunity requires the successful candidate to have: relational skills, flexibility, communication skills, an ability to work independently and in teams, and strategic management skills. The candidate would also need to be able to commence duties by 16 June, 2025.

Please refer to the attached role description for any mandatory requirements for this position.

How to Apply

• Please attach a brief resume including contact details for 2 referees (referees should have an understanding of your relevant previous work history); and
• A 1-pg written statement in response to the attached role description.

We welcome all applicants to share any support needed to ensure our recruitment process is inclusive. 

Applications remain current for 12 months from the closing date and may be considered for appointment to identical or similar vacancies within the Department. 

Applications from recruitment agencies will not be accepted. 

When working in regulated employment an employee must have a current Working with Children Clearance (blue card) issued by Blue Card Services.

Salary rate shown is reflective of full-time (1.0 FTE). 

The Department of Education is a family inclusive workplace. Click here to find out more about our Inclusion and Diversity strategies. 

Further information

We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity.

For a full list of the position responsibilities and mandatory requirements, please ensure you download the attached role description and candidate information fact sheet and follow the instructions.

Documents

Before applying for this vacancy please ensure you read the documents below.

• MSR635365_25T - Role Description (PDF, 142KB)
  Role Description
  
  Applicant Information Package (PDF, 245KB)
  Information Package for Applicants