School allied health specialists milestone
The State Government’s $50 million investment into mental health and learning support specialists has reached a significant milestone.
More than 58 of the 100 mental health practitioner roles are already filled – over halfway towards fully delivering on the government’s election commitment. Of the allocation, 25 are already working in our schools across the state.
Following a successful pilot in nine schools last year, it was announced that embedded mental health practitioners would be placed in up to 65 South Australian public secondary schools – with sites chosen by most need.
As of term three, schools in Adelaide’s south receiving the service include Aldinga Payinthi College, Seaview High School, Wirreanda Secondary School, Christies Beach High School, Seaford Secondary College, Hamilton secondary College, Willunga High School, Springbank Secondary College and the Australian Science and Mathematics School.
Along with the mental health practitioners, the learning support specialist roles include:
Recruitment is currently underway for a further 12 member Flexible Service Response Team – including psychologists, speech pathologists and a cultural community liaison coordinator to deploy to schools.
“Springbank Secondary College is pleased to host the Premier and the Minister today, along with the new recruits in the support and welfare space who will be providing a range of services across the public education system,” said Springbank Secondary College Principal Wendy House.
“We are also really excited to have the School Mental Health service working at our school with our wellbeing team.
“Their support will not just be important for individuals and their families but help provide support and guidance for the wider staff ensuring we are best placed to support students with issues such as anxiety.”
The mental health workforce includes psychologists, social workers and occupational therapists and will be available to work one-on-one to support students and teachers, student support officers and principals to help develop programs that improve mental health and resilience of the whole school community.
