Education Liaison Officer

Organisational Purpose

Boorndawan Willam Aboriginal Healing Service (BWAHS) is the lead specialist Aboriginal Specific family violence agency, servicing the Eastern Metropolitan Region of Melbourne.

BWAHS was established in 2006 following the recommendations of the Victorian Eastern Family Violence Strategy Taskforce Report and transitioned to being an independent Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation in 2019.

BWAHS provides a range of services and programs to Aboriginal individuals and families who have either current or historical experiences of family violence.

Part Time - 0.8 FTE - This is an Aboriginal Designated Position, classified under 'special measures' of section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010. Only Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are eligible to apply.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Education Liaison Officer is a newly developed role that will provide support for First Nations learners (children and young people) in government learning and education spaces to have improved wellbeing and learning outcomes.

This role will work with First Nations Learners to develop learning and wellbeing plans to assist them to engage or reengage with school and have improved learning outcomes. The ELO will work with existing support structures such as Koori Education Support Officers and develop key relationships with local ACCO's, schools, families and other support services in order to get the best outcomes for the learners that they are working with. A key feature of this role will be the child and youth centered nature of the plans as well as targeted group delivery that is designed and facilitated to meet these needs.

This role would suit an organised person with strong cultural connections and a passion for education. This role requires high level communication and relationship development skills and the ability to work with people across a range of different roles, especially children and young people. The successful candidate will need to be organized and able to work independently as well as create relationships to be a key member of the team.

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Provide individual support and planning to First Nations learners.

• Work with families, school staff, students to facilitate the best outcomes for First Nations learners in government schools.
• Undertake project planning for and implement activities relating to the delivery of this project and project outcomes.
• Build effective relationships with First Nations learners in order to get the best educational outcomes for them possible.
• Provide case management to First Nations learners that includes the development and delivery of a wellbeing / learning plan that outlines key activities that need to be delivered to improve the learners' experiences of education.
• Provide support and make referrals to build access to services for First Nations learners.

Provide opportunities for First Nations learners to engage and connect in group settings.

• Develop, design and deliver group spaces that aim to connect First Nations learners socially.
• Develop design and deliver group spaces that aim to engage First Nations learners in activities that allow them to practice and experience creative and critical thinking techniques.
• Map trends and needs of First Nations learners engaged with the project and develop, design and deliver groups that meet these needs.

Engagement of key stakeholders

• Engage with First Nations learners (young people and children) ensure that communication is open and
• Engage with schools, ACCO's and other services to ensure the best outcomes for First Nations Learners including the provision of information regarding the project.
• Attend all meetings with Koorie Outcomes Division, Department of Education.
• Participate in meetings and collaborations in order to understand other service needs, gaps in service delivery and ensure best outcomes for learners engaged in the program.

Culturally informed practice

• Contribute to culturally informed practice.
• Contribute to a positive and culturally safe workspace.
• Maintain a strong cultural focus that extends to advice and action on broad issues, including the enrichment of cultural awareness

Manage Risk

• Understand and elevate risk for learners through internal BWAHS risk response systems.
• Undertake risk assessment as part of intake process and ensure that risks are escalated either though internal or external risk management systems.
• Ensure that ongoing risk management and assessment is undertaken and escalate accordingly when needed.

Training and professional development / capability development

• Undertake training and professional development relevant to service delivery as per needed and negotiated with direct line manager.

Administration

• Writing and submitting progress reports relating to ELO activities and delivery of this project to the Department of Education as needed.
• Ensure that all data collection and input is maintained and completed in a timely manner.
• Ensure that case notes for individual meetings and groups are input into the data systems in a timely manner.
• Ensure case notes meet all legislative and policy requirements.

Policies, Procedures and Systems

• Comply with all organisation policies and procedures
• Proactively communicate, identify, report, assess WHS related risks and hazards
• Have a strong understanding of relevant policies and legislation related to programs and activities.

Inclusive practice

• Provide informed and safe support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their families who identify as LGBTQIA+.
• Contribute to a positive and safe workplace for people who identify as LGBTQIA+.
• Provide informed and safe support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their families who are living with a disability.
• Contribute to a positive and safe workplace for people who are living with a disability.

The employee will be expected to perform other duties outside those set in the position description as directed from time to time which are within the employee's skill, qualification, experience and competence level to meet the organisation's operational needs.

The Position Description may be amended from time to time at the organisation's discretion. Where there is inconsistency between KPI's in this Position Description and those within the Organisation Objectives, the Organisation Objectives will stand.

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

1. Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of First Nation's culture, history and communities, including established relationships with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and an ability to build and maintain strong networks.
2. A relevant tertiary qualification in Education or Training and/or relevant work experience.
3. Experience working in the Education, Child & Family Services or related areas including engaging young people and children in decision making, parenting support, analysis of child safety and wellbeing.
4. Ability to undertake an assessment and intake process with First Nations learners and develop wellbeing and learning plans from these.
5. Ability to map and understand trends in learners engaged in the program and develop, design and deliver group opportunities to assist First Nations learners to have the best outcomes possible.
6. Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate and engage with relevant stakeholders, including First Nations learners, parents, and schools.
7. Ability to work independently and develop strong team relationships.
8. Well-developed organisational and communication (interpersonal, written and verbal) skills
9. Willingness to embrace opportunities for professional development where appropriate.
10. Hold a current Working with Children Check, driver's license and be willing to complete a National Police Record Check

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT

It is a condition of employment that BWAHS be provided with the following:

• Current Victorian Driver's License
• Current Working with Children's Check
• Undertake National Police Check

Application Process

• All applicants must include a resume and with a cover letter addressing the key selection criteria to be considered eligible for the position.
• Applicants will be short listed and may interviewed upon receipt of application, and the position may be filled before the Closing Date, 24 September 2025.

Please contact Kylie Quirk via for further information or a copy of the position description.