Defence Mentor - Medowie

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Introduction:
Catherine McAuley Catholic College, Medowie is seeking a Permanent Part Time (15 hours per week) Defence Mentor to join the team in term 3.

In 2025 Catherine McAuley Catholic College has moved into its final phase as a Years 7 to 12 Catholic learning community. The College is committed to empowering confident, agile and reflective learners and educators co-create learning environments where faith, purpose, fulfilment and joy are experienced by all. The College is in the beautiful Port Stephens region and can provide the ideal coastal or semi-rural lifestyle for those considering a sea change. Medowie is only 34km from the Newcastle CBD and within an hour to the stunning Hunter Valley area.

Description:
POSITION DESCRIPTION

The School Defence Mentor (DSM) role provides specialised, on-site support to meet the wellbeing needs of students of Australian Defence Force (ADF) members and their families within the school community. The DSM’s role is embedded in the school’s wellbeing and support team. The role is funded by the Defence Member and Family Support (DMFS) Branch, of the Commonwealth Department of Defence and the mentor program is delivered in partnerships with schools.

The School Defence Mentor activities include:

• Provide families with information about the school environment and the support available relevant to their child’s development needs.
• Support children to access school based social and emotional support, aligned to school policies.
• Facilitate opportunities for children to build relationships and connections through events and other initiatives.
• Assisting children and families to integrate into the new school and local community.
• Raise awareness and appreciation amongst the school community about the impacts and uniqueness of the Defence lifestyle on children and families.
• Coordinating welcome and farewell community activities for relocating families.
• Smoothing the transition between schools and different education systems (including minimising the impact of relocation on children’s learning outcomes).
• Monitoring the social, emotional and academic wellbeing of defence students.
• Helping students develop self-confidence, self-reliance and resilience.
• Directing students to programs, services or opportunities that suit their needs.
• Providing support to children during times of parental absence. Mentors can provide extensive support to defence children but are not teachers and do not work with one child on a long-term basis.

Skills and Experiences:
CRITERIA/EXPERIENCE

• Ability to articulate a clear understanding of and a personal commitment to Catholic education and the mission of the Church through Catholic schools.
• Knowledge about wellbeing principles for young children and young adults.
• High level of oral and written communication skills, and the ability to communicate effectively with defence students, families, DSM supervisors, principals, and school staff.
• Ability to effectively plan, organise, and deliver innovative and creative programs, resources and activities relating to defence students, families and the school community.
• Strong initiative and the ability to organise their own work, set priorities, meet deadlines, and be able to work independently and within team environments.
• Ability to quickly acquire an understanding of the school context and student population.

QUALIFICATIONS/ACCREDITATIONS

• Current paid NSW Working with Children Check (WWCC) number
• Current NSW Driver’s License
• Completion of anaphylaxis training

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Salary is in accordance with New South Wales & Australian Capital Territory Catholic Systemic Schools Enterprise Agreement 2023.​​​​​​​

BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH US

Work in quality schools where students are nurtured, challenged and encouraged to excel and grow
A corporate fitness program through Fitness Passport (T&C's apply)
Employee assistance program (EAP)
Training and staff development programs
Paid parental leave for eligible employees
Access to long service leave after just five years for eligible employees

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

Contact Bernard Burgess, Principal on Tel: (02) 4068 1000 or via email: bernard.burgess@mn.catholic.edu.au

TO APPLY CLICK ON THE APPLY BUTTON BELOW AND

• Provide a cover letter along with your resume
• Within your cover letter address each of the selection criteria as listed under EXPERIENCE/CRITERIA above and ensure your response to each criteria is no longer than 300 words.

Please note, not adequately addressing the selection criteria may result in your application not being shortlisted.

Applications for this position will only be considered if submitted through the following platforms: our careers page on our website, mnpeople, Indeed, Seek, or LinkedIn.

Applications close: Friday 11th July 2025 at 11.59pm

Additional information

The Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable persons and preventing those in our care from suffering abuse or neglect. It is committed to implementing and maintaining compliance with the NSW Child Safe Standards and the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards and takes a zero-tolerance approach to abuse of children or vulnerable persons. All who work in the name of the Diocese must comply with the Diocesan Safeguarding Framework Policy and act in accordance with the Diocese’s Code of Conduct which includes the Diocese’s Safeguarding Commitment Statement. Employees are required to undergo a National Police Check and retain a valid NSW Working with Children Check where necessary, in accordance with legislation.