• Mt Helen location, Wadawurrung Country
• Part time (0.4 EFT - 15.2 hours per week), permanent position
• Base salary of $82K p.a pro rata ($42.94 per hour), plus super and salary packaging

Berry Street’s vision for reconciliation is “An Australia where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families have the same life opportunities as all Australians.”

This is an Indigenous Identified role only open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The filling of this position is intended to constitute a special measure under section 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth), and s12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic).

For over 140 years, Berry Street has adapted to a changing world, and we will continue to adapt to achieve our purpose. We believe children, young people and families should be safe, thriving and hopeful. Our Vision for 2022: Together we will courageously change lives and reimagine service systems. We look forward to working with children, young people, families, carers, staff and partners to achieve this vision. Together.

The Opportunity

Navigator is a program funded by the Department of Education & Training which seeks out disengaged learners aged 12 to 17 years old. The program actively works with these learners and their support networks to provide intervention strategies to re-engage young people with education and training pathways to improve future outcomes. This will be facilitated by enhancing linkages to support services and professionals.

Navigator works closely in partnership with the Department and the area team including the Navigator Co-ordinator, KESO’s, local area schools and other service providers including LOOKOUT Education Support Centres, Local Learning, Employment Networks, and BADAC.

Key Responsibilities

The Aboriginal Cultural Advisor - Student Engagement Wadawurrung Country Case Manager will work within a multidisciplinary team supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students who are finding it difficult to engage with education.

• Work closely with key stakeholders including KESO’s and regional Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations to effectively support students to engage and refer students who have disengaged.
• Develop individual learning and re-engagement plans informed by the cultural needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people.
• Provide relevant data and reports regarding student disengagement and intervention outcomes, particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in the local area.
• Creating and strengthening partnerships with local agencies to support optimal outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

About You

You will be a quick learner with high energy and commitment to your clients, yet able to work within the parameters of the role. Ideally you will have prior experience in case management and engaging with high risk adolescents. You will have a tertiary qualification in Education, Youth Work, Social Work, Community Development or similar.

The Benefits

• Additional salary packaging available for meals/accommodation.
• Flexible work arrangements and generous leave conditions.
• Access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), including access for staff members’ immediate family.

How to Apply

Applications including resume and cover letter addressing your suitability for the position to be submitted.

Queries to Andrew McCausland, Senior Manager Education Early Intervention Services on 03 5330 5000.

Please Note; the successful applicant will be subject to comprehensive reference and background checking prior to employment, including a Working with Children Check and National Police Check.

Berry Street is committed to being a child safe, child friendly and child empowering organisation. In everything we do we seek to protect children. We are committed to the cultural safety of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children; children from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds; children with a disability; children who identify with a sexual and or gender minority identity. We aim to ensure every individual is treated with dignity and respect regardless of their cultural background, ability, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, spirituality or religion.

Aboriginal people; people from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds and people with a disability are encouraged to apply.

“Berry Street is categorised as an Authorised Provider and this position is considered authorised work and subject to mandatory Covid-19 vaccination requirements. You will be asked about your vaccination or exemption status and any accompanying evidence should your application proceed.”