Residential Mentor

Residential Mentor

About Studio Schools of Australia Ltd

Studio Schools of Australia (SSA) was established in 2019 to deliver a ground‑breaking new model of Indigenous secondary education for students in remote communities across northern Australia. SSA’s model is built on proven evidence of what works for Indigenous students, their families and communities, combining personal and social development, academic learning, and a jobs‑ready approach with a central focus on Indigenous identity and culture. SSA is now in a consolidation stage, focusing on the effective and sustainable operation of its two schools – Yiramalay Studio School and Manjali Studio School.

SSA’s mission is to enable Indigenous students to lead their own advancement and to take a valuable and meaningful place in their own communities and within Australia.

SSA is committed to being a child safe environment, and we actively promote the safety and wellbeing of all students. All staff are committed to protecting students from abuse or harm in the school environment.

Overview

The Residential Mentor manages the day-to-day operations of the school’s residential program. This role involves providing pastoral care and supervision within student residences, as well as mentoring and assistance across the site during the day. While primarily supporting Aboriginal students, Residential Mentors also work with students from diverse backgrounds on daily living and wellbeing activities.

This position requires strong interpersonal skills, initiative, and well-developed organisational abilities. Empathy for students in residence, along with the capacity to relate effectively to Aboriginal adolescents, is essential.

This is a full-time role with a rotating roster covering seven days a week, including overnight stays and weekend work.

Key Responsibilities

·       Student Supervision

o   Provide high-quality supervision and support to Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students, including during overnight periods.

o   Monitor student movements within and around the school and residences.

o   Champion Work Health and Safety (WHS) procedures, anticipate potential risks, and implement emergency protocols when required.

oUphold rigorous Child Protection Standards, demonstrating comprehensive knowledge of relevant regulations and policies.

·       Pastoral Care

o   Deliver empathetic pastoral care to help students flourish emotionally and socially.

o   Foster a warm, inclusive living environment that respects diverse cultures and embodies the spirit of many cultures, one community.

o   Maintain a genuine interest in students’ languages and cultural backgrounds.

oContribute to important community gatherings, particularly Mob Meetings and significant events.

·       Daily Routines

o   Establish and maintain consistent daily routines, including wakeups, bedtimes, room care, class transitions, uniform/linen washing, and technology use.

o   Conduct regular residence checks to ensure cleanliness and tidiness.

o   Encourage students to value their educational opportunities and support their participation in community-service tasks by working alongside them.

o   Play an active role in the afternoon, evening, and weekend activity program.

o   Depending on skills and experience, assist with overnight outdoor trips, field trips, and sporting events.

oSupport students with personal organisation and daily hygiene routines and provide assistance when students are unwell or require medical attention.

·       Administration

o   Manage and update student records with relevant residential information.

o   Report maintenance issues to the relevant staff members.

oParticipate in professional development activities as directed.

·       General

oUndertake additional duties as reasonably delegated by the Senior Residential Mentor or the Principal (or their delegate).

Skills and Capabilities

·Proven excellence in forming positive, respectful relationships; collaborating effectively within a team; communicating clearly and efficiently; and demonstrating resilience with staff, students, and community members.

·Ability to model self-motivation, positivity, and enthusiasm, combined with a genuine willingness to care for and support others appropriately.

·Demonstrated reliability and punctuality for all shifts.

·Capacity to develop skills in coordinating program activities, including sports, special-interest groups, and micro-enterprise initiatives.

·Strong organisational and administrative abilities, along with a strong aptitude for using technology to enhance communication, supervision, and student care.

·       Experience working with Aboriginal students and communities, as well as experience working with young people in community-based activities or organisations.

Employment

Due to Australian immigration regulations, applicants must have Australian work rights. We especially welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Applicants will be required to provide a current WA Working with Children Check (WWCC) and National Police Check (NPC).

All appointments at Studio Schools of Australia are subject to child protection legislation and pre-employment screening.