• Job no: RN9N3
• Category: Education, Education
• Versatile work environments
• Apply evidence-based practice in small settings
• Manage your own working day!

Berry Street Yooralla is seeking an Education Specialist to support children and young people in residential care to reconnect with education, learning and school communities.

• Based at Noble Park Office on Boonwurrung Country
• Part Time (0.8 FTE / 4 days per week), Fixed Term until 30 June 2027 (due to funding)
•  $92,654.64 + Super and Salary Packaging (pro rata)

The Opportunity

Berry Street Education Services supports children and young people who have experienced trauma, disrupted education and complex life circumstances to reconnect with meaningful learning pathways.

As an Education Specialist, you will work alongside young people living in residential care, advocating for their educational needs and helping them successfully re-engage with school. Working across the Southeast Melbourne Region, you'll collaborate with schools, Child Protection, DFFH, Youth Justice, residential care providers and community organisations to achieve positive education outcomes.

This is a highly varied, relationship-focused role where no two days are the same. You'll work across schools, residential care homes, community settings, the Noble Park office and remotely, using a trauma-informed and flexible approach to meet the individual needs of each young person.

About the Role

Reporting to the Manager, Education Support Services, you will manage a caseload of young people and provide education advocacy and specialist support to assist them in returning to learning.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Building positive relationships with young people in residential care and supporting their engagement with education.
• Advocating for students during Care Team Meetings and school-based planning meetings.
• Working collaboratively with schools, Child Protection, DFFH, residential care teams, Youth Justice and other community organisations.
• Coordinating school enrolments, including tours, meetings and enrolment documentation.
• Developing, implementing and reviewing Individual Education Plans (IEPs).
• Providing trauma-informed education advice and strategies to schools, residential homes and care teams.
• Supporting safe and flexible learning environments for students with complex educational and behavioural needs.
• Maintaining accurate case notes, reports, student records and statistical data.
• Travelling throughout the Southeast Melbourne Region to support students, schools and care teams.

About You

You are passionate about improving education outcomes for vulnerable young people and have the confidence to build strong relationships across multiple service systems.

You will bring:

• Experience working with young people who have experienced trauma, are disengaged from education or have complex support needs.
• A strong understanding of trauma-informed practice and its application within education settings.
• Demonstrated ability to build rapport with young people and advocate effectively on their behalf.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Knowledge of education systems, school processes and student support planning.
• Strong organisational, time management and record-keeping skills.
• The ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary teams.
• Flexibility to work across schools, residential care homes, community settings and remotely.

Qualifications

You will have:

• A current qualification to teach in Victoria with VIT Registration (Bachelor of Education or higher).
• A current Victorian Driver Licence.

Why Join Us?

When you join us, you'll enjoy:

• Regular reflective supervision.
• A culture that values learning and professional development.
• Salary packaging of up to $15,900 per annum (pro rata).
• Additional salary packaging benefits for meals and accommodation.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program for you and your immediate family.
• 17.5% annual leave loading.
• Flexible and supportive working arrangements.
• The opportunity to make a genuine difference in the lives of young people every day.

How to Apply

Applications, including a resume and cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.

For a confidential discussion about the position, please contact:

Andrew McCausland, Senior Manager, Education & Early Intervention Services 0428 343 111.

We believe in diversity, inclusion and equality and are committed to ensuring that our workplaces are a reflection of the Victorian community. We recognise the benefits that diversity and inclusion brings, and in turn encourage talented people from all backgrounds, abilities and identities to apply to our vacancies.

We encourage applications from people with lived experience of disability. You'll receive adjustments and support throughout the whole process — from the application stage to starting in the workplace. If you require the position description in a different format or any accommodation or assistance during the application and interview stages please contact the person listed on the ad or alternatively email recruitment@berrystreet.org.au using the subject line: Education Specialist enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Berry Street Yooralla is committed to being a child safe, child friendly and child empowering organisation. In everything we do we seek to protect children. We are committed to the cultural safety of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children; children from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds; children with a disability; children who identify as LGBTIQA+. We aim to ensure every individual is treated with dignity and respect regardless of their cultural background, ability, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, spirituality or religion.

Please Note; the successful applicant will be subject to comprehensive reference and background checking prior to employment, including a NDIS Screening Check, Working with Children Check and National and International Police check (if required) and NDIS training.