Role: Koorie Student Support Officer (KSSO)
Portfolio: People Brand and Strategy
Classification: PACCT 6
Location: Broadmeadows or Bendigo
Reporting to: Head of Indigenous Engagement
Position SummaryThis role is dedicated to triaging First Nations students enrolled at the institute to ensure they receive relevant support for their educational aspirations. As the first point of contact, the incumbent will collaborate with the Indigenous Engagement team, Koorie Liaison Officers, and other support services to guide students through their inquiries and issues.
Key accountabilities• Manage Inquiries: Assess and prioritize student inquiries to connect them with appropriate resources using an inclusive approach and manage those which do not require referral. The span of services required may include but is not limited to personal development and capacity building, foundation skills and employment programs, counselling, housing, health and careers information, planning and advice.
• Cultural Awareness Training: Deliver staff training on cultural awareness to enhance understanding and support for First Nations students.
• Implementation of Action Plans: Develop, monitor and review action plans aligned with the Victorian Aboriginal Education Association Inc. (VAEAI) - Wurreker strategy.
• Identify any existing or potential barriers to the participant fully participating in training, personal development or employment and the strategies and supports needs to be initiated and implemented to address them.
• 1:1 Referrals: Provide personalized referrals for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students where services outside of the org. are required.
• Maintain Case Notes: Keep accurate records to assist with support classes and student needs.
• Child Safety Compliance: Ensure adherence to Child Safety and mandatory reporting processes.
• Risk Assessment: Conduct assessments of at-risk students and refer to counselors as needed.
• Develop a Work and Learning plan with each participant and provide advocacy
• Support: Provide assistance to students in high-stress situations and connect them with ongoing support.
• Data Collection: Report on student retention and attendance and manage intervention strategy to increase participation
• Cultural Projects: Plan and implement cultural projects and events as part of the Indigenous Education Centre’s priorities.
• Assist with the recruitment, enrolment, and ongoing support of students throughout their educational journey.
• Build effective communication channels with the local Aboriginal community and educational organizations to address needs and barriers.
• Coordinate, lead and participate in multidisciplinary care team meetings to support the enhancement of student outcomes, extend professional learning, and develop working relationships within and outside the Institute.
• Detailed knowledge of policies and procedures that support students and Institute staff in applying these as per Institute operational requirements.
• Resilience Maintenance: Manage the cultural load with resilience and engage in regular clinical supervision.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience Requirements• A minimum of a Cert IV qualification or equivalent, preferably in community services, career counselling, employment services or youth work.
• Extensive demonstrated industry experience in providing case management to a complex, high needs client group, with a focus on assisting with vocational choices
• Knowledge of local agencies and ability to develop strong stakeholder relationships with local service providers.
• Clear evidence of practical referral skills required for wrap around support.
• Familiarity with the VET sector and welfare funding levers is desirable.
• Experience working with participants who are early school leavers, long term unemployed, Asylum Seekers, on Youth Justice orders, have experience of a Child Protection order, are from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with disabilities, Indigenous backgrounds and individuals who identify in the LGBTIQA+.
• To be held in high respect within the local Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander community
Other Position Related Information• This role is an identified role for persons of Aboriginal or Torres Straight Islander community
• This position description is an overview of the role; changes to the role should be expected reflecting changes in organisational goals and priorities, activities or job focus.
• Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa.
• Appointments will be subject to a satisfactory criminal record check.
• The org is committed to managing its environment impact.
• The org is committed to the safe handling of information. It is a requirement that all employees follow security procedures and policies.
• The org upholds human rights in its decisions making and actions.
• The org is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer committed to fairness, diversity, and respect. As such, they will respond to requests for reasonable adjustments from applicants with disabilities.
• The org strongly encourages applications from Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people.
• The org strives for diversity and inclusivity and strongly encourages applications from people of any gender or identity.
Child SafetyThe organisation is a child safe organisation, as such all employees, volunteers, contractors, and service providers are required to promote a culture of child safety, comply with Child Safety laws and reporting obligations of suspected child abuse per institute Child Safety policy and procedures.
All employees are required to hold and maintain a current Working with Children clearance for the duration of their employment.
Health, Safety and WellbeingThe health, safety and wellbeing requirements of this position include:
• Demonstrate leadership and commitment with respect to the OH&S management system by ensuring that the:
- Health, Safety & Wellbeing policy, and objectives are established and compatible with org's strategic direction. - Occupational Health, Safety & Wellbeing Management System (OHWS MS) requirements are integrated into the org's business processes.
• Monitor the Health, Safety & Wellbeing performance of Portfolio or Department and direct reports including internal Health, Safety & Wellbeing reports, and performance indicators.
Fulfil other responsibilities as outlined in the OHSW MS documentation. Other specific responsibilities are incorporated into Policy and Procedures where they vary from this.