About the role
St Margaret Mary's College, Hyde Park is seeking to appoint a School Officer - Defence School Mentor (DSM) for a Term Time position completing 10 hours per week, 5 hours per day. This contract will conclude on 19 January 2026 at this stage.
As part of the Defence School Mentor Program (DSMP), the DSM provides practical assistance to Defence families and supports the social and emotional wellbeing of Defence students within the College.
Key Accountabilities
The Defence School Mentor will represent the school in a professional, warm, friendly and efficient manner. Duties include:
1. Supporting Defence students in the school environment by developing welcoming activities and activities to provide support during transition into a new school or times of parental absence.
2. Development of farewelling activities to prepare Defence families and students for relocation to a new school.
3. Provide support to Defence students experiencing any social, emotional or academic challenges.
4. Directing students to school, Defence or external programs, services or opportunities that meet their support needs.
5. Increasing awareness and appreciation of the unique Defence lifestyle and associated challenges by building capacity among school staff to respond to the social and emotional needs of students from Defence families.
Mandatory Criteria
6. Current Working with Children Suitability Card - The successful candidate will require a paid Blue Card before commencement as per the No Card, No Start policy developed by Queensland Government
7. Strong understanding of the Defence lifestyle
8. Ability to travel from time to time within the Catholic Diocese of Townsville
Desirable Criteria
9. Certificate IV in Youth Work, Chaplaincy or Pastoral Care or equivalent or higher qualification – this qualification must include competencies in ‘making appropriate referrals’ and mental heath
For detailed information about the role, please refer to the Position Description.
What we offer
10. Competitive Salary Range:
11. Annual Leave with 17.5% leave loading
12. Access to salary packaging options to maximise employee benefits and salary
13. Modern facilities, equipment and resources
14. Access to additional Employer Superannuation Contributions
15. Access to long service leave after 7 years of continuous service
16. 14 Weeks’ paid parental leave
17. Deferred Salary Scheme
18. Access to corporate health schemes
19. Induction processes and professional learning programs
20. Access to Employee Assistance Program
21. Wellbeing programs and initiatives
Our Organisation
Townsville Catholic Education provides a supportive, flexible working environment where care for the individual is an important part of our ethos. We employ motivated people who want to work together to produce excellent outcomes for our students. Our staff are recognised as being central to achieving our mission.