1. Demonstrated behaviours and attitudes consistent with the Victorian Public Service Values.
2. Demonstrated proficiency to work cooperatively and build sustained localised partnerships with a range of stakeholders including students, parents, school-based practitioners, Registered Training Organisations, LLENs, apprenticeship support networks and employers.
3. Capacity to support young people in apprenticeships and traineeships through comprehensive screening of students, brokering and managing work trials, understanding of VCAL/VCE/VET and through regular site visits and mentoring.
4. Ability to work both independently and in a team to achieve outcomes. Excellent time management and organisational skills with the ability to self-manage apprentice and trainee caseloads.
5. Demonstrated understanding of employment job markets in western metropolitan Melbourne.
6. High-level verbal and written communication skills, which includes preparation of reports, development of resources, and presentations as required.

Attendance is required for 114 hours (3 weeks) during the school vacation periods. At least one member of the team will be required to work each week of school holidays to support relationships with employers and support students in their workplaces. This will be rostered across the Head Start Coordinators and Cluster Director, with days to be negotiated. 

Role Purpose

The role requires the Head Start Coordinator to work across Keilor Downs College and other cluster schools. 

The Head Start Coordinator is responsible for developing and supporting Head Start arrangements between students, employers, and school staff as part of the Head Start cluster team. This will include working closely with individual school and regional careers and pathways staff to promote and recruit students into the Head Start program. Building employer and industry connections to source and support the delivery of Head Start apprenticeships and traineeships in their local area. 

Localised industry knowledge and labour market trends relevant to the western metropolitan Melbourne region is highly desirable.

The Coordinator will be required to build relationships with multiple stakeholders including TAFE, the LLEN, apprenticeship support networks, pathways and career practitioners and other student-centred teams within participating schools.

The Coordinator will report to the Head Start Cluster Director and will be required to contribute to the development of the Head Start team and program and to provide regular reports on activity and outcomes. 

1. Work closely with individual school and regional careers and pathways staff to inform students about and recruit students into Head Start.
2. Build localised employer networks and recruit employers for the BM Head Start Program.
3. Determine the suitability of students, employers and training providers for Head Start, in consultation with schools and with support from the Cluster Director.
4. Develop Head Start Pathways plans in consultation with students and their parents, schools, employers and Head Start approved training providers.
5. Monitor each student’s Pathway and Training Plans, undertake reviews of the Pathway Plan, and liaise with the student, school, training provider and employer to support the implementation of the Pathways and Training Plans.
6. Assist schools to actively monitor, coach and support students to ensure they are meeting all requirements of their senior secondary certificate as well as their apprenticeship or traineeship
7. Contribute to the development of policy and operational practices that will influence the strategic approach to student support and learning.

Other Information - IMPORTANT

The successful applicant will be required to work some school holiday periods.

Due to potential amendments to both local school and DET policy in response to the COVID-19 situation, some flexibility will need to occur in relation to interview, appointment and commencement processes for this position. This may involve changes to interview dates, times and location at short notice, as well as the need for flexibility regarding appointment deadlines and possibly commencement of position. As the situation develops, there may also present a need to maintain flexibility regarding working location(s) and communication between program members once an appointment has been made.

All queries regarding this should be made directly to the Cluster Director, Marg O’Shea, via email or phone: Email – [email protected] using the subject line: Headstart Coordinator enquiry via EthicalJobs or call mobile – 0438 030 166