Located on a beautiful 136 acre property in the Yarra Valley (60 kilometres from the Melbourne CBD), Worawa Aboriginal College is a boarding school for Aboriginal girls in their secondary years of schooling. An Aboriginal initiative, Worawa is an Independent school, owned and governed by Aboriginal people, and operates on a philosophy of ‘Walking Together to Make a Difference’.

A full boarding school, Worawa was established as a response to the needs of Aboriginal adolescents and the difficulties these young people experience in the mainstream educational system. The diversity of Aboriginal Australia is reflected in the student population drawn from communities across the country. Worawa provides a holistic education based on an integrated Education, Culture, and Wellbeing model.

Reporting to the Deputy Principal, the Boarding Manager has responsibility for the leadership, management and operations of the Boarding Houses which house up to 76 students at any one time. The boarding team provides a warm, caring and safe home environment that actively supports the academic, physical, social, emotional and cultural wellbeing of all students. This position works closely with the Wellbeing team and assists in coordinating wellbeing support and programs.

The Boarding Manager is a full time position that works across a 7 day roster, including rotating weekends, afternoon and split overnight shifts.

Whilst on shift, the boarding team are provided with private ensuited accommodation rooms and all meals are included.

The successful candidate will be responsible for;

• manage and oversee the daily operations of the Boarding Houses including rosters, daily routines, sports & after-school, weekend activities program and assist with travel arrangements for students
• create and maintain a culturally safe boarding environment in which the language, community and culture of each student is celebrated
• report on issues relating to student wellbeing and Child Safety
• maintain a current understanding of Emergency Policies and Procedures, ensuring staff have the training and knowledge to implement if necessary
• maintain a safe and healthy environment for staff, students and visitors that complies with the provisions of the relevant workplace health and safety legislation
• oversee daily cleaning of the Boarding House, arrange repairs and maintenance when required
• promote high standards of student behaviour and manage behaviour issues within the Boarding House
• lead the team to maintain a constant and active supervision of students, monitoring behaviour, language, appearance and appropriate use of technology
• clearly understand and confidently coordinate restorative practices as required
• administration of medication, instruct and supervise Boarding House Staff to appropriately administer medications and maintain records
• travel to students' home communities during school holidays to meet with families and to facilitate return travel of students to Melbourne

The successful candidate must have:

• Prior experience as a team leader / coordinator in the education, youth and/or mental health sector
• Mental Health or Wellbeing experience in public, private, primary health and/or educational setting
• Experience and knowledge of student wellbeing and behaviour management programs and approaches, particularly relating to students who may have experienced trauma
• Experience in dealing effectively with young people, parents and management
• A clear understanding of the responsibility involved in the duty of care of students
• Demonstrated personal resilience, including the ability to work in a demanding role, often outside of normal hours, and to manage stress effectively
• Ability to show consistency and fairness to students, empathy towards the particular needs of Indigenous students living away from home.
• Working knowledge of Victorian Department of Human Services and other legislative Child Safety, Mandatory Reporting and Duty of Care requirements
• Current Working with Children Check and Police Check

• Current drivers licence and ability to drive 12 Seater bus

The following would be highly regarded;

• Experience working in a residential or boarding school environment
• Experience working with Indigenous students and communities with demonstrated respect for diverse cultures and languages and the process of reconciliation

Worawa Aboriginal College is an equal opportunity employer, has a commitment to child safety and has zero-tolerance for child abuse.

To discuss this role in more detail please contact Taryn Hocking on (03) 8845 8344 or [email protected] using the subject line: Head of Boarding - Yarra Valley enquiry via EthicalJobs.