First Nations Program Coordinator

Location: North West Region | Bendigo

Job type: Full time / From 28/01/2025 - 26/01/2027

Organisation: Schools (Government)

**Salary**: Salary not specified

Occupation: Education and Training

Reference: 1442973

**Selection Criteria**:
**SC1 Cultural Competency**:

- Strong understanding of First Nations cultures, histories, and contemporary issues, particularly within the context of education in Victoria.
- Demonstrated ability to work respectfully and effectively with First Nations students, families, and communities.

**SC2 Program Coordination Experience**:

- Proven experience in developing and coordinating educational and/or cultural engagement programs, preferably within a school setting.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and initiatives simultaneously, with a focus on achieving positive outcomes for students.

**SC3 Student Support and Advocacy**:

- Experience in providing tailored support to First Nations students.
- Strong advocacy skills, with the ability to navigate and address challenges that may affect First Nations students¿ educational experiences.

**SC4 Communication and Relationship-Building**:

- ** E**xcellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage with a wide range of stakeholders, including students, families, staff, and community organisations.
- Demonstrated ability to build strong, trusting relationships with First Nations communities and external partners.

**SC5 Commitment to Education and Equity**:

- A genuine commitment to improving educational outcomes for First Nations students and promoting equity within the school environment.
- Understanding of the Victorian education system, including policies and frameworks relevant to First Nations education such as Marrung, Dhelk Wukang, Self Determination, and the Aboriginal Employment Plan.

**SC6 Administrative Skills**:

- Strong organisational and administrative skills, with experience in reporting, record-keeping, and resource management.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with a proactive approach to problem-solving and program development.

**Role**:
The First Nations Program Coordinator is responsible for developing, coordinating, and implementing programs and initiatives that support First Nations students within Bendigo Senior Secondary School (BSSC). This role focuses on enhancing educational outcomes, cultural inclusion, and community engagement while providing tailored support to First Nations students to ensure their academic and personal success.

**Responsibilities**:
**1. Program Development and Implementation**:

- Support strategies to enhance the educational engagement and achievement of First Nations students.
- Develop and coordinate programs and initiatives that support the cultural, and social and emotional wellbeing of First Nations students.
- Work collaboratively with school staff, community members, and external organisations to create culturally safe, inclusive and responsive education program and setting.

**2. Student Support**:

- Facilitate targeted support to First Nations students, including coordinating tutoring and mentoring.
- Support the transition of First Nations students into BSSC.
- With the support of the Student Engagement team, Advisors and teachers, monitor, and track the academic progress, attendance, and wellbeing of First Nations students to identify and address any barriers to success.
- Organise Student Support Group meetings and, with the Student Engagement team, the development of Individual Education Plans that support student engagement and achievement.
- Advocate for the needs and rights of First Nations students within the school community.

**3. Cultural Understanding and Education**:

- Contribute to a college culture that is building understanding and respect for First Nations cultures through cultural education, events, and activities.
- Support the provision of cultural understanding training, and cultural competency and inclusive practices to college staff.
- Organise cultural events, workshops, and activities that celebrate and educate about First Nations heritage including the biennial Central Victorian Indigenous Careers Expo.

**4. Community and Family Engagement**:

- Build strong relationships with First Nations families, acting as a liaison between the school and the community.
- Facilitate communication between families and the school, ensuring that First Nations students' needs and aspirations are understood and supported.
- Engage with local First Nations organisations and Elders to enrich the school¿s programs and support networks.

**5. Collaboration**:

- Work closely with Student Engagement Coordinators to provide the best learning, engagement and wellbeing outcomes for students.
- Support initiatives to improve school-wide understanding and implementation of reconciliation actions and principles.
- Collaborate with other staff members to support the school¿s broader diversity and inclusion goals.