Connection Coach (Case Worker)

Connection Coach (Case Worker) – Ohana College

Ohana for Youth – Reconnecting Young People with Education, Training and Community

Are you an experienced case worker, social worker or human services professional who is passionate about helping young people overcome complex barriers to education and engagement?

Ohana College is seeking a skilled and compassionate Connection Coach (Case Worker) to provide individualised case management, assessment and intervention for students requiring more intensive support.

Working closely with students, families, school staff, Child Safety and external service providers, you will help create coordinated support around young people who may be experiencing significant barriers to learning, attendance, wellbeing and participation.

This is a highly relationship-focused role where your ability to build trust, navigate complex circumstances and connect young people with the right support will directly contribute to improved educational and wellbeing outcomes.

Ohana College is a sanctuary. We are 100% committed to child safety, inclusion, and cultural responsiveness. Every member of our team carries this responsibility with pride.

Ohana College is committed to promoting a safe, inclusive and culturally responsive environment for all students, ensuring their safety and wellbeing is prioritised in every aspect of the Ohana College's operations. We recognise our fundamental duty of care and are fully committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people in our community. This responsibility is shared by every member of our organisation - leaders, staff, volunteers, and contractors - and extends across all aspects of College life and operations.

Applications will be assessed as they are received and Ohana College reserves the right to fill this position prior to the closing date.

As the Connection Coach, you will provide intensive case management and wellbeing support to students requiring additional intervention and coordinated support.

You will work closely with the Principal, Head of Wellbeing and broader school team to understand individual student needs, develop effective support strategies and ensure students and their families can access appropriate services.

You will also play an important role in strengthening the school's connections with external agencies and supporting staff to better understand and respond to complex barriers to student engagement.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Provide individualised case management, assessment and intervention for students experiencing complex barriers to engagement
• Develop positive, trusting relationships with young people and provide therapeutic and evidence-based support as appropriate
• Case manage students involved with Child Safety, providing advice and guidance to school leadership and staff
• Work with parents and carers to develop strategies that support student wellbeing, engagement and participation
• Develop, implement and review individual education, engagement and support plans
• Contribute to NCCD processes and ensure required documentation is accurate and maintained
• Deliver individual and group social-emotional learning, wellbeing and psychoeducation programs
• Develop and deliver preventative programs focused on areas such as resilience, healthy relationships and emotional regulation
• Provide postvention support following critical incidents affecting the school community
• Lead and participate in case conferences with school staff and external stakeholders
• Develop and maintain effective referral pathways with government agencies, NGOs, clinicians and community services
• Work collaboratively with psychologists, pastoral care, youth work and student support staff
• Support staff to better understand and respond to complex barriers to student engagement
• Maintain accurate and timely case notes, records and confidential student information
• Advocate for students and families and help coordinate joined-up support across services
• Promote safeguarding, mandatory reporting and high standards of professional practice

The role reports to the Principal, with day-to-day professional collaboration with the Head of Wellbeing, and works across the College to ensure students receive coordinated and consistent support.

You are a reflective, emotionally intelligent and highly capable practitioner who can build genuine relationships with young people while confidently navigating complex case management and stakeholder environments.

You will bring:

• A Bachelor's degree or higher in Social Work, Human Services or an equivalent discipline
• Previous experience in a similar case management, intervention or assessment role
• Demonstrated experience supporting young people experiencing complex barriers to learning and engagement
• Experience developing, implementing and reviewing individual support, engagement or education plans
• Experience working with young people involved with Child Safety or other complex support systems
• Strong case management and assessment skills
• Knowledge of NCCD requirements and experience maintaining appropriate documentation
• Experience developing and maintaining referral pathways with external agencies and service providers
• Experience delivering social-emotional learning, wellbeing or psychoeducation programs
• Strong understanding of safeguarding, mandatory reporting and professional responsibilities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• The ability to manage competing priorities and respond effectively in a fast-paced environment
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to maintain accurate and timely case notes
• The ability to work autonomously while contributing positively to a multidisciplinary team
• A genuine commitment to unconditional positive regard and strengths-based practice

Eligibility for AASW or another relevant professional body would be highly regarded.

This is an opportunity to work in an environment where relationships come first and where case management is closely connected to education, wellbeing and student engagement.

You will have the opportunity to work alongside educators, youth workers and wellbeing professionals while building strong partnerships with external services to create better outcomes for young people.

Purpose-driven work where you can see the impact you make every day.

Supportive and collaborative team environment.

Small class sizes and a relationship-focused approach to learning.

Ongoing professional development opportunities.

Opportunity to be part of a growing organisation committed to innovation in education.

Attractive salary packaging options through our Public Benevolent Institution (PBI) status.