Job summary

Permanent full-time position that will see you contribute to positive outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students attending boarding schools across the country by proactively supporting student’s mental health and wellbeing.

As a member of the Student Support Team you will contribute to Yalari’s vision to be one of Australia’s great enduring educational and leadership foundations, empowering Indigenous people from regional and remote Australia. 

• Position based in Helensvale on the Gold Coast.

• National non-for-profit organisation. 

• Supportive, friendly, and diverse office culture and team.

• Salary packaging benefits. 

About Us  

For almost 20 years, Yalari has been changing the lives of Indigenous children from remote and regional communities, by providing scholarships to Australia’s leading boarding schools. 

In 2023, Yalari is supporting 248 students in their high school journey throughout Australia and over 480 alumni. 

To learn more about us, please visit our website www.yalari.org. 

The Role 

As Yalari continues to grow and impact the next generation of Indigenous leaders, the Social Worker will work together with the Wellbeing Coordinator to develop and facilitate a wellbeing program. The primary objective of the wellbeing program is to support the development of positive wellbeing and respond to mental health needs across the Yalari student cohort who are studying at boarding schools across the country. The program will address the social, emotional, physical, spiritual, and cultural wellbeing of our students by working directly with students, Yalari Student Support Officers, partner school staff, families and community, and external organisations.

The program must be approached with consideration of cultural, social, community, family and individual factors that contribute to the wellbeing of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who are attending boarding school for up to 10 weeks at a time and returning to their home communities for school holidays.

As a qualified Social Worker, you will need understanding of the regulatory frameworks for operation within the wellbeing space and be familiar with State and Federal legalisation relating the child safety.

This role is primarily based in the Yalari Head office on the Gold Coast. However, some travel is a requirement of this position. As a member of the Student Support Team, you will need availability to work outside of business hours during camps and other activities. This includes occasional weekend work and availability during the Yalari Orientation Camp for one week every January. Hours worked outside of business hours is credited as time in lieu to be taken as leave after camps/events.

The Ideal Candidate 

The ideal candidate will have demonstrated experience in organising and delivering support activities and programs that enhance all aspects of student wellbeing. You will have expertise in providing culturally safe, child-centred, appropriate and effective wellbeing strategies and plans for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people. We are looking for someone who thrives in a team environment with a collaborative approach and can be systematic in carrying out their responsibilities. Additionally, you will need to be flexible enough to readily share in team responsibilities as they arise. A good sense of humour and positive ‘can do’ attitude is essential.

Candidates will need a Bachelor or Master of Social Work recognised by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), hold, or have the ability to hold a current Working with Children Card and National Police check. Experience working with young people, particularly Indigenous young people, and their families and working in education systems are all highly desirable.

How to apply 

Please submit your resume and a one-page cover letter, addressing the above criteria, telling us a little about yourself and why you are interested in this position.  Applications will need to follow this process to be considered. 

You will have full rights to work in Australia. Appointment to this position is subject to passing a mandatory Working with Children Check and a National Police Check.

This is not an identified position, but Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.    Applications will be closed as soon as suitable candidates are identified.