A Community Education Counsellor (Identified) strengthens connections between school, community and culture to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and families. In a special school context, the role works closely with staff and families to support student wellbeing, communication, regulation and culturally responsive learning that improves engagement with education.

Job details

About Our School and Community

Our school is located in North West Queensland on Kalkadoon Land, where strong community relationships and cultural connection are central to our work. Working in the North West provides the opportunity to be part of a close-knit community and to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students and families.

We support students with diverse learning needs and provide highly individualised programs that recognise each student's communication needs, strengths and learning pathway. Our work is guided by a focus on Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL), supporting student communication, and developing self-regulation and wellbeing.

As a school with a high proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, we are committed to ensuring learning is culturally responsive and connected to students' identities and community. Staff work to tailor teaching and learning through a First Nations lens, helping students see themselves reflected in their learning and strengthening engagement with the curriculum.

The Community Education Counsellor is a valued member of our team and plays an important role in strengthening cultural understanding, building partnerships with families and community, and supporting positive outcomes for our students.

About the Role:

We are seeking a passionate and community-minded Community Education Counsellor (Identified) to join our school team. This is an identified role that supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and their families to engage positively with education and achieve strong wellbeing and learning outcomes.

The Community Education Counsellor (Identified) plays a key role in strengthening the connection between school, home and community while supporting culturally safe and inclusive practices across the school.

Key Responsibilities

• Build strong relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, families, Elders and community members.
• Provide educational counselling, mentoring and wellbeing support to students.
• Support improved attendance, engagement and participation in school.
• Act as a cultural advisor to staff and leadership to strengthen culturally responsive practice.
• Advocate for students and assist families to access appropriate education and support services.
• Work collaboratively with teachers and support staff to support students with disability.
• Support community engagement and cultural activities that promote pride in culture and identity.

What We're Looking For -Must Have

• Identifies as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person (this is an identified position under the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991).
• Strong understanding of First Nations cultures, communities and protocols.
• Demonstrated ability to build positive relationships with families and community.
• Experience working with young people, families or community organisations.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a school team.
• Commitment to improving engagement, wellbeing and outcomes for First Nations students.

Nice to Have

• Experience working in schools or with students with disability.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed or culturally responsive practices.
• Connections within the local First Nations community.
• Experience supporting attendance, wellbeing or engagement programs.

Interested? To Apply: 

• Attach a brief resume including contact details for 2 referees (referees should have an understanding of your relevant work history)
• Attach a 1-page written statement in response to the attached role description

We welcome all applicants to share any support needed to ensure our recruitment process is inclusive.

Applications remain current for 12 months from the closing date and may be considered for appointment to identical or similar vacancies within the Department.

Applications from recruitment agencies will not be accepted.

Further information

We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity.

For a full list of the position responsibilities and mandatory requirements, please ensure you download the attached Role Description and Applicant Information Package and follow the instructions.

Documents

Before applying for this vacancy please ensure you read the documents below.

• NQR681544_26T Role Description (PDF, 279KB)
  Role Description
  
  Applicant Information Package (PDF, 232KB)
  Information Package for Applicants