Job Description

We support aspiring Maternal and Child Health Nurses with clinical placements to support full time and part time university enrolments.

We have 21 Maternal and Child Health centres across the Geelong region and The Bellarine, with preceptors available to support students.

PLACEMENT OBJECTIVES:
This placement is provided to students undertaking studies towards a qualification in Maternal and Child Health Nursing. The objective of placement is to consolidate knowledge gained from theoretical studies, observe, and then practice skills required to practice as a Maternal and Child Health Nurse upon graduation.

PLACEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Students must be well prepared for placements to ensure that all objectives are met, taking advantage of the opportunity to learn with the support of a preceptor.
• Objectives will need to be developed prior to placement and discussed upon commencement with the allocated preceptor.
• At commencement of placement, request to book a time with your allocated preceptor to complete documentation and the appropriate times during and at the end of placement.
• Advise preceptor if unable to attend on any booked placement day and ensure preceptor has student’s details to enable contact, if there are last minute changes to availability of preceptor, or work location.
• Student must ensure that they are contactable.
• Advise preceptor of any concerning information re Child Safe or Child Protection, if the preceptor did not observe the same.
• Maintenance of client privacy is vital. Any discussion of clients outside a consultation must be de-identified.
• Students must respect parent’s rights not to have a student if that is their preference and find another activity to do while the consultation takes place.
• Clarify with the preceptor what their preferred time is to be asked questions and when they may need time to write notes, make calls and write referrals.

WORKING TOGETHER FOR A THRIVING COMMUNITY
KEY TASKS:

1. Prepare for placement by ensuring that any software applications for recording placement and competencies are set up student’s phone or device and well understood.
2. Check all course requirements of placement and write objectives to discuss with their preceptor on their first day.
3. Students are expected to check the location and time of placement and make travel arrangements to ensure punctuality.
4. Observe maternal and child health consultations initially and undertake clinical assessments under supervision as soon as possible.
5. Listen and respond to feedback from preceptor and ask questions if unsure.
6. Identify if objectives are not being achieved and seek early assistance from preceptor, member of Community Child Health leadership team or University.
7. Adhere to all Council’s policies and procedures relevant to this position.
8. Carry out other duties as deemed reasonable and appropriate to the role as directed from time to time

PLACEMENT BENEFITS:
Key Benefits:

1. Access to infants, children, and their families to practice assessments.
2. Increased confidence and understanding of theoretical understandings.
3. Gain feedback to continue to improve skills and practice.
4. Experience nursing practice in a community setting.

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA:
Qualifications:

• Registration with AHPRA as a Registered Nurse and Registered Midwife
• Current working with children check.

Essential:

• Minimum 5 years combined experience in Nursing and Midwifery.
• Understanding of responsibilities for own learning and completion of objectives of clinical placement
• Ability to travel to various locations within municipality and arrive punctually.
• Preferred candidates will be required to undergo a National Police Check as part of the recruitment process.

Desirable:

• Interest in working in municipal area of City of Greater Geelong post-graduation.

VALUES:
Our values represent who we are and who we aspire to be. They are the tools to create the workplace culture we want.

We are all accountable for this:

• Champion Each Other
• Be Brave
• Share The Why
• Find a Beter Way

Risk Management and Occupational Health & Safety Responsibilities:

• Understand and comply with Council OHS policies, procedures, and legislative requirements relevant to the position.
• Perform work in a safe and appropriate manner.
• Ensure behaviour does not discriminate, bully, or harass others.
• Take responsibility for own safety and that of others.
• Proactively report any incidents, injuries, hazards, or unsafe work practices.

The following general physical and functional requirements may apply to this position:
Specific physical requirements will be attached if applicable:

• Manual handling tasks.
• Prolonged periods of inactivity e.g., sitting at the computer.
• Regular keyboarding associated activities.
• Long / short distance travel between sites.
• Dealing with difficult clients and situations.
• Demanding deadlines.

Child Safety Responsibilities  
We are committed to being a child-safe organisation and have zero-tolerance for child abuse. We have specific policies, procedures, and mandatory training in place to support employees, volunteers, and contractors to achieve and adhere to these commitments. Please read our  Child Safe Standards Management Policy 

Diversity and Inclusion 
At the City we want a workforce that reflects the community we live in. We welcome and embrace everyone, all people with their own unique experiences, and support and encourage all our employees to do their best work, have equal access to opportunities and a just working environment. For this reason, we particularly welcome and encourage applications from First Nations people, people with diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, from the LGBTQIA+ community, people with disability and people of all genders, ages and diverse experience. 

Applications and Enquiries

Student recruitment process

Applications, including a resume, cover letter and responses to questions contained in application form will be reviewed by the Leadership Team.

Prior to a placement being offered, a phone interview will be conducted, followed by pre-placement compliance checks, which include confirmation of your Working With Children Check (WWCC) and National Police Check.

Students are to provide proof of enrolment prior to their placement commencing.

Students must be willing to attend 60min online induction prior to placement commencing to explore expectations, goal setting, placement requirements, preceptor support, learning plans and documentation requirements.

This ensures our students have a greater understanding of placement requirements and facilitates a positive placement experience.

Applications close: 11:55pm Friday 24 April 2026

Enquiries: Miranda Stewart | cchteamleader@geelongcity.vic.gov.au

MCHN Student Position Description.pdf

Click the Apply button to submit your application or find out more about this opportunity. If we can assist you with any reasonable adjustments in order to submit your application for this role, please contact the Talent Acquisition team via email at careers@geelongcity.vic.gov.au noting your preferred method of communication and contact details and a member of the team will be in touch.

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