Senior Welfare Officer

We have an exciting opportunity for a motivated individual to step into the role of Senior Welfare Officer to cover a period of maternity leave. 

• 12 month opportunity with the possibility to extend
• On site role, 8:30am - 4:30pm Monday to Friday 
• Cairns location
• $101,419k + Super + 5 weeks leave
• Immediate start (negotiable for the right candidate) 
• Rewarding role! 

This position suits an experienced individual who combines excellent interpersonal skills with a sound working knowledge of youth and community services.

At Indie, we recognise that wellbeing and education go hand in hand. Through meaningful wellbeing support, we help students overcome barriers, build confidence and resilience, and achieve their personal and educational aspirations. In this role, you will work closely with the Welfare Officer and Head of School to support students’ holistic welfare needs while investing in your own growth and broadening your skillset. 

As a Senior Welfare Officer, you will play a pivotal role in creating a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment where students can thrive. You will provide holistic wellbeing support, advocate for student needs, and help foster positive outcomes for young people facing complex challenges.

More specifically your role will involve the Core Workplace Objectives:

• Monitor and support the holistic wellbeing and welfare needs of the students.
• Ensure students receive the social and emotional support required to develop knowledge, understanding and skills that support learning, positive behaviour and constructive social relationships.

As a Senior Welfare Officer, your Key Responsibilities will be to:

• Act as a main support person for Indie School senior school students aged 15 - 18 years.
• Facilitate student enrolment into Indie School, conduct interviews, and assist students and families to complete enrolment paperwork. 
• Assess student needs, facilitate access and negotiate appropriate support and referral to services as required.
• Develop and implement structured welfare programs to support student wellbeing. 
• Educate students about safe practices, how to seek further assistance and guidance across a range of welfare related matters.
• Identify, monitor, and develop intervention strategies for at risk students.
• Liaise with students, carers/parents/guardians and other stakeholders to resolve student issues.
• Work closely with the administration support team to ensure compliance with the enrolment and withdrawal processes for students and record keeping requirements of the relevant department of education.
• Follow up enrolment enquiries and liaise with the Head of School to ensure that students are enrolled into the education program that best suits student educational needs and engagement levels.
• Liaise with the Head of School to provide training for teachers and support staff across welfare related areas including how to respond to and manage a range of challenging situations.
• Pro-actively liaise with referring welfare agencies and schools to raise awareness of Indie School as an alternative registered school for students who find mainstream schooling too challenging.
• Establish and maintain a database of referral agencies and attend regular welfare sector networking events.
• Provide monthly reports to Welfare Manager. 
• Complete annual professional development that is provided by Indie.

About you

• Have demonstrated experience and passion in the provision of individual support and working with young people.
• Minimum qualification of Diploma in Community Services, Counselling, Youth Work, Social Science, Social Work or related discipline.
• Strong relationship building skills with the ability to navigate a range of wellbeing challenges with professionalism and care.
• Have skills and experience in working with Microsoft Office (including Excel spreadsheets, Word, PowerPoint, Publisher and Outlook).
• Have a high level of interpersonal skills including the ability to negotiate and resolve conflict.
• Current Driver’s licence.
• National Police Check (issued within 3 months prior to appointment) and renewed annually. (or willing to obtain) 
• Relevant State Working with Children’s Check. (or willing to obtain) 

About Indie School:

Indie School provides students the opportunity to learn in a supportive environment using individualised learning and education plans, tailored to each student's own education and life circumstances. Smaller class sizes allow students greater opportunity to identify their strengths and work to improve areas in which they lack confidence.

The greatest difference between Indie School and many other alternative education settings is that our foundations lie in Adult Education philosophies. Choice, independence, mutual respect and accountability all have a significant role to play. In return for higher levels of self-responsibility, the students can enjoy some greater freedoms. 

Our shared mission is to respond to the learning needs of Australian communities in a positive manner, underpinned by strong corporate governance and financial management. Our core values of respect, innovation, self development, and teamwork underpin every aspect of our work.

Benefits and Perks:

• As a registered Public Benevolent Institution (PBI), we offer access to salary packaging via Maxxia: up to $15,900 per (FBT) year (plus up to $2,650 for meals & entertainment) to significantly boost your take-home pay!
• 15 days of paid personal leave, plus comprehensive paid parental leave provisions.
• 5 days Company Benefit Leave on top of your annual leave entitlements to be used over the 3 week Company Shut Down Period in December/January.
• Unlimited access to Sonder for both you and your immediate family, featuring confidential, professional counselling, diverse mental health resources, and broader wellbeing initiatives designed to support personal and family resilience.
• Uniform, laptop and mobile phone provided.
• Large national organisation with internal mobility opportunities.

Apply Now! 

• Clicking “Apply” will redirect you to Indie School's recruitment portal. From there, click the “Apply” again to start your application.
• For any enquiries please contact Kally Power, Welfare Manager via email: ***********@indie.edu.au.
• Applications will be reviewed upon submission. Interviews and appointment will occur prior to the close date of 1 September 2026. 

Commitment to Safety & Inclusion:
Indie Education is proud to be a child-safe organisation committed to the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of all students. Applicants should familiarise themselves with our child safety policy, code of conduct, and commitment to child safety, available on our website.

Indie embraces diversity and encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, and people with disabilities.