Highfields State School is seeking to appoint a Defence School Mentor (DSM) who is passionate about the wellbeing of children and young adults as part of the Defence School Mentor Program (DSMP). This program, delivered in schools, is designed to provide practical assistance to Defence families and support the social and emotional wellbeing of Defence students within their schools. The role is funded by the Defence Member and Family Support (DMFS) Branch, of the Commonwealth Department of Defence.

This position is being offered in a Temporary Part-Time capacity (0.22FTE), 16 hours per fortnight.

About our School:

Highfields State School - Flying High with Learning

Located 15 minutes north of Toowoomba in the growing suburb of Highfields, on the edge of the Great Dividing Range, Highfields State School has proudly educated local students for over 150 years.

Our dedicated teachers and support staff ensure all students are learning, achieving and thriving in a diverse and inclusive environment. Through Positive Behaviour for Learning, students are recognised for demonstrating our expectations: Be Safe, Be Respectful and Be a Learner.

Our large, leafy campus features multiple ovals, adventure playgrounds, multi-purpose courts, an assembly and sports hall, specialist music, Japanese and technology rooms, a spacious library, and air-conditioned classrooms.

Your opportunity:

As the Defence School Mentor, your responsibilities but not limited to:

- Supporting the integration of new Defence students into the school environment.
- Supporting Defence students experiencing any social, emotional or academic challenges.
- Supporting Defence students experiencing the impacts of Defence-related parental absence and relocation.
- Directing students to school, Defence or external programs, services or opportunities that meet their support needs.




- Increasing the awareness and appreciation of the unique Defence lifestyle and associated challenges for students in schools and local communities.
- Supporting the transition of Defence families and students into and out of the school during posting (e.g. developing welcoming activities, integration activities to provide support during transition into a current school, absence support activities to provide support during periods of parental absence, and farewelling activities to prepare Defence families and students for relocating to a new school).
- Providing Defence students with age-appropriate, social and emotional support that enhances existing school supports.
- Providing Defence families with information about the school environment and available Defence Member and Family Support (DMFS) programs relevant to their student's development.
- Raising awareness and building capacity among school staff to respond to the social and emotional needs of students from Defence families (e.g., sharing information with school staff about the Defence lifestyle, impacts on Defence students, and supports available through the DSMP and DMFS).
- Possessing a strong understanding of the Defence lifestyle and developing strong relationships with Defence students at the school.

Interested? To Apply:

- Attach a brief resume including contact details for 2 referees (referees should have an understanding of your relevant work history)
- Attach a 2-page written statement in response to the attached role description.
- Attach evidence of the mandatory requirements outlined in 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.

📌 Defence School Mentor - Highfields State School (Darling Downs)
🏢 Queensland Department of Education
📍 Darling Downs