Director: Student Wellbeing and Diversity; Catholic Education – Diocese of Cairns

The Catholic Education Community – Diocese of Cairns, is a partnership between Catholic Education Services and twenty-nine schools. There are nineteen primary schools, two Prep to Year 12 Colleges, and six secondary Colleges. One of the colleges is a Special Assistance School with campuses in Cairns and Cooktown, catering for disengaged young people in Years 7-12. Two new schools opened in 2016 in Weipa (P-6) and Mt Peter (P-12).  A new college co-located with the Cairns Campus of James Cook University is planned for opening in 2022.

The Vision of the Catholic Education Community is ‘to offer quality Catholic education so that each person may know and come to identify more fully with the living Spirit of Christ’.

In seeking fulfillment of our Vision, we are inspired to:

• Be people of Mission and Witness inspired by what is best for all students in our schools
• Embrace the gifts and talents of all through commitment to Subsidiarity and Co-responsibility
• Be courageous – encountering possibilities and engaging in Dialogue to achieve excellence in all we do
• Move forward together – strengthening relationships between Families, Staff, School & System leaders, Clergy and the Diocese
• Be accountable for student learning through continuous improvement.

Leadership and strategic management of the system of schools is the responsibility of the Executive Director of Catholic Education. Through a team of professionals, the Executive Director leads and facilitates a number of significant and particular delegations which enable the achievement of the Strategic Directions:

• Lived and celebrated Catholic identity
• Optimal learning and wellbeing for all students
• Access and stewardship of quality Catholic education
• Prophetic and creative leadership.

Further Information

Additional information can be viewed by visiting the Catholic Education Services website at  https://www.cns.catholic.edu.au/    To access information on the Leadership Team, the current Strategic Directions document and the CES Frameworks click here.

Position Overview

Position Title: Director: Student Wellbeing and Diversity

Reports to:       Deputy Executive Director

Position Purpose

The Vision of the Catholic Education Community is ‘to offer quality Catholic education so that each person may know and come to identify more fully with the living Spirit of Christ’ inspires and guides the professional roles of service and ministry to students, families and schools within a spirit of subsidiarity and co-responsibility.

In this context, the Director: Student Wellbeing and Diversity:

• Leads the implementation of Diocesan wide best practice and efficient approaches to student wellbeing, inclusive education programs, allied health services and schoolwide positive behaviour practices.
• Ensures a consistent model of service delivery, communication, and collaboration of resources to schools which are research and data driven.
• Provides a targeted collection of data that will inform current school systems and practices that is succinct, aligned and informed through the filters of the different teams in the directorate.
• Uses evidence-based practice to incorporate Social Emotional Learning programs through the shared experiences of student services, and student wellbeing. For example, aligning national and international best practice in formulating inclusive education practices therefore ensuring a focused celebration and promotion of inclusivity practices across the Diocese and a focus on prevention and early intervention facilitated through more targeted research and professional development.
• Model and promote a strong commitment to the Catholic ethos, mission and objectives of Catholic education.
• Actively strengthens the facilitating partnerships with government agencies and community organisations.
• Supports the parent to school partnership particularly when working with students with diverse needs.
• Enables a co‐ordinated approach to universal design in schools that covers the continuum of diversity.

The role holder has co-responsibility and co-accountability to improve learning and wellbeing outcomes for all students in our Catholic schools and colleges in the Diocese.

One of the key purposes of the role is to build the capacity of staff in CES, schools and colleges.

A more detailed position description will be provided as we step through this process.

Initial Priorities

• Ensure a smooth transition with the current Director
• Embed systems and processes that will ensure best practice for the recording of processes such as NCCD, that will assist school to differentiated learning and minimise additional workload
• Enhancing the annual student wellbeing survey initiative across all schools and the continued emphasis on student wellbeing in all schools

Key Relationships

There are three managers who report to the Director.  This position indirectly leads a team of nearly 50 people.   The position reports to the Deputy Executive Director. The position also has a collegial relationship with the Executive Director, The Chief Financial and Operating Officer, and The Vicar for Education.

The position is a member of the Strategic Leadership Team of Catholic Education Services. The position will also from time to time be a member of various Diocesan committees, QLD Directors Forum committees, National committees and represent the Diocese at Queensland Catholic Education level.

An organisation chart will be provided at a later stage in the process.

Commencement

Start date to be negotiated, but ideally to during June/July 2020.

Location and Travel

The Main Office is located at 130 Lake St., Cairns. The Student Wellbeing and Diversity team is based in a second office located 2 kilometres from the Lake Street Office.  The requirements of the role will mean that travel and working directly with schools will be required.

Conditions of Employment

• The remuneration package will be discussed as we progress through the process.
• A five-year contract with annual review.
• The position is a fulltime leadership position, which involves extended hours, evening meetings, overnight absence and interstate travel ranging over seven days.
• The Working with Children (Risk Management & Screening) Act 2000 requires the preferred applicant to be subject to the Queensland Working with Children Check (also referred to as the Blue Card system) as part of the employment screening process. Blue Card Services administers the blue card system within the Department of Justice and Attorney General and further information can be obtained at the following internet address:  bluecard.qld.gov.au
• Confirmation of employment is conditional upon the preferred applicant being issued with a suitability card from the Public Safety Business Agency.
• A non-smoking policy is effective in Catholic Education Services buildings, offices, and motor vehicles.
• Reasonable relocation assistance (if required) will be negotiated with the successful applicant within limits determined by the Executive Director.
• Applicants will require a current “C” Class Drivers Licence to fulfil the requirements of the role.

Selection Criteria

We invite expressions of interest from people who align with the following:

• A strong commitment to the objectives, vision and ethos of Catholic Education.
• Significant leadership experience, including leading multi-disciplinary teams. This could be within the Education, Allied Health or related sectors, ideally with exposure to innovation and research in the wellbeing of young people.
• Relevant Degree level and/or Post Graduate qualification in a discipline related to wellbeing or diversity; and highly desirable that this is at a Master or Doctoral Level.
• Meeting the faith criteria for senior leadership positions within Catholic Education which requires participation in the sacramental life of the Catholic Church.

Are You Interested in this Opportunity?

If you are interested in this role, then simply complete the ‘Express Your Interest’ panel on this page; or email us at jobs@traksearch.com stating your interest and nominating ref number TS1430. Whichever you choose, please provide a brief resume and contact telephone number (mobile preferred).

If you are NOT interested in this role but would like to be advised of future leadership positions, click here to register for our weekly job alert.

Any questions can be directed to either (a) our Director John Chesher by telephone (0417 068 220) or (b) email our office via jobs@traksearch.com. The timeline and details for this project are outlined below. All emails and applications are acknowledged within 48 hours.

The Selection Process

Key dates are as follows:

Trak Search has been instructed to provide a process that is welcoming for people interested in this role. Significant aspects include:

• Throughout the process, Trak Search is available for your confidential enquiries. They will also provide a range of additional information to allow you to explore how this opportunity aligns with your expectations and interests.
• Closing is 5.00pm (AEST) on the date shown above. However, a late application could be accepted, providing it does not adversely impact other applications or the employers schedule.
• We expect to contact one work-related referee and a Catholic Priest referee prior to shortlisting, with additional references completed later in the process.
• All information provided to Trak Search will be made available prior to shortlisting, in confidence, to the Executive Director or his nominee unless you instruct Trak Search otherwise.
• If you would like a more comprehensive understanding of the Trak Search process, click here to access the ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.

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