Program Lead – Cooonamble

Who we are

• NASCA is a 100% Indigenous governed and led organisation with 95% of program staff identifying as Indigenous.
• Established in 1995 we have supported over 17,000 young people.
• In 2023, we supported over 1,500 young people.
• We work across New South Wales with 16 Young Women’s Academies, five Co-Ed Academies and in nine remote communities across the Northern Territory.

What we do

• We connect our young people to CULTURE, to build a sense of belonging, and increase self-esteem which leads to improved social and emotional well-being.
• We support young people in their EDUCATION, mentoring and helping them to build pathways for future educational and employment opportunities.
• We are by COMMUNITY, for Community. Our staff have the lived experience and shared cultural knowledge

About the role

Program Leads in our Academies in NSW work with NASCA students to improve school attendance and ultimately school performance, develop career pathways and work-ready skills, and strengthen cultural pride and identity through life skills, personal development and long-term resilience.

Role and Responsibilities

• Deliver NASCA programs in schools including program planning, coordination and implementation.
• Maintain meaningful relationships with students, community members and and the school.
• Undertake, as required, daily bus pickups and drops off.
• Mentor and support First Nation students aged between 12-18yrs, including facilitating and presenting workshops, and providing in-class tutoring and outside class assistance.
• Provide NASCA Life Skills and School Engagement activities, eg. cooking, creative arts, leadership, CV creation, goal setting, job-ready skills.
• Provide, as required, a healthy breakfast program to NASCA students.
• Organise physical education activities that include Traditional Indigenous Games.
• Organise after school and weekend activities and excursions.
• Facilitate community activities, eg. fostering opportunities for cultural exchange between community, NASCA and school.
• Create Personalised Learning Pathway Plans for NASCA students.
• Works in a team within schools, and from time to time works weekends and overnight to run residential programs and camps.
• Other duties as requested.

Desired skills and experience:

• Qualifications in one of these areas: teaching, social sciences, Indigenous studies, coaching, youth and community services, or Health.
• Facilitation skills, presenting or working with children and young people.
• Stakeholder engagement and relationship management.
• Experience with engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Excellent organisation and effective time management, able to manage competing priorities.
• Proactivity with a high degree of autonomy and initiative.

Must haves:

• Formal qualifications in a relevant area and/or relevant management experience.
• Experience in a not-for-profit Aboriginal organisation.
• A drivers licence.
• Working with children and AFP clearances.
• Cross-cultural intelligence.
• Passion for social justice and equality for First Nation peoples.

Typical Day

• Working hours are typically 8am–4pm; overtime may be required on rare occasions.
• Providing in-class support to students to support their learning.
• Facilitating a hands on and engaging 1hr workshop for students based on the NASCA values.
• Liaising with School staff on a student-specific need.
• Chatting with a community members to coordinate an upcoming cultural event.
• Brainstorming with program co-workers to come up with new ideas for making program activities better.
• Taking appropriate photos for social media.
• Collecting attendance data about student outcomes for reporting and to improve the program delivery.