Job Description

At MacKillop Education, we believe every young person deserves the chance to thrive—especially those who are vulnerable, at risk, or disengaged from school. Our mission is clear: to ensure equity and access to education for all young people, no matter their circumstances. We're looking for someone experienced in supporting young people living in out-of-home care to engage in learning, pathways or community programs.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

As an Education Specialist, you will support young people living in residential care to re-engage with learning through one-on-one support, targeted interventions, and advocacy. Using a trauma-informed approach, you’ll help create safe, supportive learning environments that build confidence, wellbeing and educational pathways.

Working within a passionate Education and Engagement team, you’ll deliver flexible, individualised support to help young people achieve their goals - whether returning to school, accessing vocational pathways, or engaging with community programs.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Reporting to the Access Ed and Thrive Team leader, you’ll champion education as a powerful tool for equity, opportunity and hope:

• Empower young people living in residential care to succeed through tailored education support, teaching and advocacy
• Improve learning outcomes for students in care through hands-on teaching, advocacy, and supporting care teams.
• Develop and implement Individual Education Plans (IEPs) with clear goals and meaningful strategies for every student.
• Conduct academic and wellbeing assessments to understand the unique needs of each learner.
• Collaborate with care teams, schools and stakeholders to drive positive outcomes
• Track progress, maintain accurate records and complete regular reviews
• Champion student needs while upholding Child Safe Standards and contributing to a high-performing team

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We are recruiting for a full-time, fixed-term position through to 23rd of August, 2027. The role is based in Footscray within our MacKillop Education and Engagement programs and reports to the Access Ed and Thrive Program Team Leader.

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KEY SELECTION CRITERIA:

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Appropriate experience and qualifications in education, youth worker or social work.
• A knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal culture and values and an awareness of the current issues faced by Aboriginal children, young people and their families.
• Experience working with children and young people who are disengaged or at risk of disengaging from education.
• An understanding and commitment to the objectives and values of the organisation and a capacity to represent MacKillop views as required by the role.

You must have a:

• Valid and current Driver’s Licence.
• Satisfactory Criminal History Check (paid for by MacKillop);
• Valid Employee Working with Children Check.
• Valid and current NDIS Workers Screening Check (for risk assessed / client facing roles). MacKillop can assist successful candidates with their application

We value the unique knowledge, perspectives, and cultural contributions of First Nations peoples. Your experience and insights are important to us, and we strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates to apply.

For more information, please contact: Freya Summers at Freya.Summers@MacKillop.org.au

Please address the full Key Selection Criteria outlined in the position description as part of your application. To view the PD, please click APPLY.

WHAT WE OFFER:

• Generous salary and leave entitlements in line with the Catholic Education Multi-Enterprise Agreement 2022.
• More money in your pocket – up to $18,550 per year, which allows you to reduce the amount of tax you pay.
• Wellbeing that matters - Free, confidential support for mental, physical, financial and social wellbeing.
• Sanctuary Organisation - MacKillop’s work is underpinned by the Sanctuary Model, evidence supported, whole of organisation framework that brings our values to life. The model reinforces our ability to create a safe environment that teaches people to cope effectively with stress and trauma, and to heal.
• First Nations career pathways – Warrungarli Strategy supporting recruitment, retention and professional development
• Community & connection – Opportunity to join Ngindaay Guumaldanha, our Aboriginal Staff Network
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – free and confidential counselling, coaching and emotional support for work and personal challenges.

OUR COMMITMENT:

MacKillop celebrates and draws strength from diversity and respects the dignity of all people. Every person at MacKillop has the right to be safe and to be treated justly. We value every person’s ability, cultural or linguistic backgrounds, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, intersex status, relationship status, religious or spiritual beliefs, socio-economic status, and age.

It is our goal that MacKillop Family Services continues to evolve as a culturally safe, culturally competent, and welcoming organisation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people, families, and communities.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

CHILD SAFE STANDARDS

MacKillop Education and Engagement Programs are committed to providing child-safe environments. Our programs actively promote the safety and wellbeing of all participants, and all staff are dedicated to protecting individuals from abuse or harm, in line with legal obligations, including adherence to child safe standards.

Shortlisting for this position may commence immediately so please submit your application as soon as possible