Support the educational engagement and needs of children and young people residing in Lighthouse’s Therapeutic Residential Care home.
WHO ARE WE?
Lighthouse Foundation provides homes and therapeutic care programs to children and young people impacted by long-term neglect, abuse, and homelessness. Our focus is to create caring communities where kids can feel safe, form meaningful relationships, and begin to heal from traumatic experiences. For the past 30 years, our proven Model of Care has successfully transformed the lives of over 1,000 young people using a range of evidence-based strategies. We now educate and support Foster Carers in the same way, so that they too can take care of some of Australia’s most vulnerable children.
HOW WILL I HELP?
The Education Specialist supports the educational engagement of children and young people residing in Lighthouse’s Therapeutic Residential Care home. This ongoing part-time role is central to supporting young people in our care who are disengaged from education or have unique educational needs, including children and young people who may be impacted by complex trauma, and have had experiences within the out-of-home care system.
The Education Specialist works directly with the young people in the home and the broader Care Team to support young people’s learning and the development of supportive educational pathways. The role also involves collaborating with external professionals to support educational engagement and attendance, and developing Education Assessments and Individual Learning Plans to establish educational goals for young people, among other key responsibilities, as below.
WHAT’S IN IT FOR ME?
- Permanent ongoing role at 0.4 FTE
- SCHADS – SAC Level 5
- Salary Packaging benefits
- Work with a dedicated and supportive team
- Be part of a caring community, who really value you
WHAT DO I NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL?
First and foremost, interpersonal skills are a must, with a level of maturity and understanding needed when working with those who use and support our services.
From a professional standpoint you will require;
- Strong knowledge of the Victorian education system
- Strong skills in developing individualized learning approaches
- A thorough understanding of the impact of trauma, disrupted attachment and abuse/neglect on a child or young person’s development and wellbeing
- Demonstrated capacity to achieve positive outcomes when working with children and young people who have experienced trauma and have complex needs and presentations
- Demonstrated understanding of the needs of Aboriginal and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse children and young people to provide culturally sensitive and effective care
- Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative, multi-disciplinary team
- Ability to plan, prioritise workloads, and meet deadlines as required
- Demonstrated commitment to personal and professional development
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Other key skills which would be desirable;
- Experience working with children and young people in educational or residential care settings, in particular with those who have experienced trauma, homelessness or have an out-of-home care experience
- A well-developed understanding of child, youth and family services and the Child Protection system in Victoria and a commitment and track-record of working in close partnership with internal teams and a broad range of external services.
For this role you will please note you will also need:
- Tertiary Qualification in relevant/associated field
- Current driver’s license
- Valid first aid certificate (or willingness to obtain one)
- Criminal Records check
- Current Working with Children check
CONTACT PERSON
Stephanie Chicoine, stephaniec@lighthousefoundation.org.au using subject line: Education Specialist enquiry via Ethical Jobs
APPLICATION PROCESS
We welcome your application and ask that you please review the attached position description, provide your Resume and Cover letter, broadly addressing the key selection criteria highlighted.
To submit your application, click Apply Now.
Lighthouse celebrates diversity and affirm the right of access, equity, and equality for every young person, staff member and volunteer in the Lighthouse Community. Our organisation is inclusive of all sexual orientations and gender identities. We also practice from a position of cultural safety and awareness, across diverse languages, religions, and cultures. we respect, respond and continue to learn about the unique needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people.
Lighthouse Foundation is a Child Safe Organisation, we are committed to a thoughtful and protective environment that supports our babies, children and young people to feel safe and respected, and to build their capacity to feel deeply cared for and important to other human beings.
