Welfare Officer

Indie School provides students the opportunity to learn in a supportive environment using individualised learning and education plans, tailored to each student's own education and life circumstances. Smaller class sizes allow students greater opportunity to identify their strengths and work to improve areas in which they lack confidence.

The greatest difference between Indie School and many other alternative education settings is that our foundations lie in Adult Education philosophies. Choice, independence, mutual respect and accountability all have a significant role to play. In return for higher levels of self-responsibility, the students can enjoy some greater freedoms.

Due to the continued growth of Indie School Newcastle, Indie is seeking to appoint an additional full-time Welfare Officer to further strengthen our student support team.

This position is designed for a motivated individual who is looking to develop their skillset in the youth and community services space.

You will be working closely with the Assistant Welfare Officer and Head of School to support the wellbeing and welfare needs of the students. The welfare team provides opportunities for professional development and learning, allowing this role to be a stepping stone for growth within Indie and the broader community.

• Monitor and support the holistic wellbeing and welfare needs of the students.
• Ensure students receive the social and emotional support required to develop knowledge, understanding and skills that support learning, positive behaviour and constructive social relationships.

• Act as a main support person for Indie School senior school students aged 15 - 18 years.
• Facilitate student enrolment into Indie School, conduct interviews, and assist students and families to complete enrolment paperwork.
• Assess student needs, facilitate access and negotiate appropriate support and referral to services as required.
• Develop and implement structured welfare programs to support student wellbeing.
• Educate students about safe practices, how to seek further assistance and guidance across a range of welfare related matters.
• Identify, monitor, and develop intervention strategies for at risk students.
• Liaise with students, carers/parents/guardians and other stakeholders to resolve student issues.
• Work closely with the administration support team to ensure compliance with the enrolment and withdrawal processes for students and record keeping requirements of the relevant department of education.
• Follow up enrolment enquiries and liaise with the Head of School to ensure that students are enrolled into the education program that best suits student educational needs and engagement levels.
• Liaise with the Head of School to provide training for teachers and support staff across welfare related areas including how to respond to and manage a range of challenging situations.
• Pro-actively liaise with referring welfare agencies and schools to raise awareness of Indie School as an alternative registered school for students who find mainstream schooling too challenging. Establish and maintain a database of referral agencies and attend regular welfare sector networking events.
• Provide monthly reports to Welfare Manager.

For this position with our company, applicants must:

• Demonstrate experience and passion in the provision of individual support and working with young people.
• Have skills and experience in working with Microsoft Office (including Excel spreadsheets, Word, PowerPoint, Publisher and Outlook).
• Have a high level of interpersonal skills including the ability to negotiate and resolve conflict.

For this position with our company, applicants must be willing and able to provide:

• A minimum qualification of Diploma in Community Services, Counselling, Youth Work, Social Science, Social Work or related discipline.
• Working with Children's Check
• Annual National Police Checks.

Benefits of Indie:

• Attractive PBI Salary packaging is on offer through Maxxia
• Uniform provided
• 15 days paid personal leave
• Paid parental leave provisions
• Company laptop and mobile phone provided
• Access to our personal safety, medical and mental health support platform, Sonder
• Locations all around Australia

Remuneration:

If you have any questions regarding the role please contact Erin Reemst, Welfare Manager via email (erin.reemst@indie.edu.au).

Applications close on 14 October 2025. All applications will be reviewed upon submission and applicants may be interviewed and appointed prior to this date.