APS5 Student Wellbeing Officer

Are you passionate about providing a welcoming environment for First Nations students away from home?

Aboriginal Hostels Limited’s (AHL) vision is to improve the quality of life and opportunities for First Nations People through their national network of hostels.

AHL hostels are like a home away from home for people needing to travel for access to services or for work and education opportunities. They provide comfortable, culturally safe and affordable accommodation, three meals a day and a welcoming environment for those who stay.

As part of its national network, AHL has secondary education hostels to support First Nations students in achieving their educational goals by offering tutoring, organising out-of-school activities, and celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.

AHL is expanding its support and has created three new Student Wellbeing Officer positions in Sydney, Katherine, and Thursday Island.

This is an opportunity for you to make an impact in the lives of First Nations students by providing an environment where cultural safety and wellbeing is prioritised, and they can remain connected to their families and community. 

As an APS5 Student Wellbeing Officer, you will work closely with the Head of Boarding to support First Nations students during their stay.

Your responsibilities will include, but not be limited to: 

• Provide advice on location services, and support for students
• Advise and guide hostel teams on providing students with the best care
• Support new students transitioning into the hostel
• Engage with local Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander organisations, services, schools, families and guardians
• Promote student participation in regular wellbeing and cultural activities 

People with a strong understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and issues affecting First Nations peoples are well suited to this opportunity.

You may come from a range of different backgrounds, including education, pastoral care, youth work or case management.

While experience in a similar industry is an advantage, a really successful Student Wellbeing Officer must have empathy and resilience with an ability to communicate sensitively and effectively.

This is an Affirmative Measures – First Nations applicants only position. The filling of this vacancy is intended to constitute an Affirmative Measure under section 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975.

Please refer to the Vacancy Information for further information and eligibility requirements.

This role is a fulltime opportunity initially offered until 31st December 2024. There is a strong chance of these roles will continue into 2025.

Work patterns may vary and will involve shift work, and weekends to support engagement with students. 

• $75,040 – $79,671 + 15.4% Super
• Pending the outcome of the AHL’s Enterprise Agreement, employees will receive salary increases
• Generous shift penalties for work after hours, weekends and public holidays
• Salary packaging options available which can reduce your taxable income and increase your take-home pay
• Free parking available
• Travel allowance when required to travel (NSW and NT based roles will require regular travel)