Cultural and Community Lead

Help Build a New Youth Justice School in Logan

Cultural and Community Lead – Ohana Academy Logan

Ohana for Youth & 54 reasons – Empowering Young People, Changing Futures

This is an opportunity to help shape a new Youth Justice School from the ground up.

Ohana for Youth, in partnership with 54 reasons (part of Save the Children Australia), is establishing Ohana Academy Logan to provide a holistic education, wellbeing and transition program for young people who have disengaged, or are at significant risk of disengaging, from traditional education and who have been involved with the youth justice system.

We are seeking an experienced and culturally connected Cultural and Community Lead to play a pivotal role in establishing a safe, inclusive and culturally responsive school environment, with a particular focus on supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people.

Working closely with the Principal, school staff, young people, families, Elders, Traditional Owners, community organisations and government agencies, you will lead cultural capability, community engagement and transition support across the Academy.

This is a unique opportunity to help establish a new program and ensure that culture, identity, community and connection are embedded at the heart of the school's approach.

About Ohana for Youth & 54 reasons

Ohana for Youth is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to reconnecting young people with education, training and community.

54 reasons, part of Save the Children Australia, delivers evidence-based programs supporting children and young people to thrive.

Together, we are creating a school where education, wellbeing, culture and community come together to reduce reoffending and build brighter futures for young people in Logan.

Our Commitment to Child Safety

Ohana Academy Logan is committed to providing a safe, inclusive and culturally responsive environment where the safety and wellbeing of young people is prioritised across all aspects of Academy life.

All appointments are subject to appropriate screening, including Working with Children checks and National Police Checks. 

The Opportunity – Cultural and Community Lead

The Cultural and Community Lead will provide cultural leadership and transition support within the Logan Youth Justice School, helping to ensure that education, wellbeing and engagement approaches are culturally safe, strengths-based and relevant to the young people the Academy supports.

You will lead the development of cultural frameworks, programs and community partnerships while working across government and community services to strengthen support and pathways for young people.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Support the establishment and rollout of the Logan Youth Justice School
• Develop and implement culturally responsive programs, frameworks and practices across the Academy
• Lead the development of a school-wide cultural capability framework
• Build strong relationships with local Traditional Owners, Elders, First Nations organisations and community leaders
• Support the inclusion of local Indigenous knowledge, language, culture and perspectives within school programs and culture
• Act as a cultural mentor and advisor to staff and leadership
• Provide professional learning and guidance to staff to strengthen cultural capability
• Support culturally responsive behaviour, wellbeing and engagement approaches
• Contribute to trauma-informed and differentiated learning programs that are relevant to students' lives and futures
• Advocate for the voices of young people and families in school policy, programs and decision-making
• Build and maintain authentic partnerships with families, community organisations, youth services and other stakeholders
• Facilitate wraparound support including cultural mentoring, mental health support, career pathways and family engagement
• Facilitate collaboration between Education Queensland, Youth Justice, Health, Community Services and other agencies
• Support complex case management and transition planning for young people
• Develop referral pathways and strategies that improve engagement and access to appropriate services
• Support the development of a vibrant and contemporary cultural approach across Ohana for Youth through the RAP process and beyond
• Contribute to the successful establishment and ongoing development of the new Academy

The role will also involve managing program timelines, budgets and risk management processes and ensuring activities are delivered in accordance with relevant departmental, legislative and funding requirements.

This is an opportunity to help shape the culture and community connections of a new school, rather than stepping into an established program. You will have genuine scope to build partnerships, develop programs and influence how culturally responsive practice is embedded across the Academy.

You are a culturally knowledgeable, highly connected and relationship-focused professional who understands the complexities facing young people involved in the youth justice system.

You will bring:

• Deep knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, communities, histories and protocols
• Strong knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people and families
• Understanding of Pasifika young people, families and culture
• Extensive understanding of the issues facing young people involved in the youth justice system
• Demonstrated experience supporting young people who are disengaged or disadvantaged
• Demonstrated ability to facilitate complex case management
• Experience building strong relationships with families, community leaders, Elders, government agencies and community organisations
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective cross-sector partnerships
• Strong understanding of trauma-informed practice, cultural safety and inclusive education
• Excellent communication, negotiation and relationship-building skills
• Strong project management and organisational skills, including the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines
• The ability to translate broad goals into practical and achievable programs and initiatives
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• The ability to work collaboratively while also working autonomously
• A strong understanding of students with disabilities and the barriers they may experience
• A genuine commitment to safeguarding children and young people

Essential requirements

• Relevant qualification in Education, Social Work, Human Services or Community Services
• Current Blue Card or Queensland College of Teachers registration
• Current driver's licence
• Willingness to undergo a National Police Check
• Previous experience working within a flexible learning or alternative education environment
• Experience working within, or closely with, the Youth Justice system

Highly regarded

• Experience establishing a new school, program or service
• Strong existing community connections within the Logan area
• Experience developing cultural frameworks, community programs or culturally responsive education initiatives

The role's success will be reflected in strong and sustainable community partnerships, increased student connection and positive identity, culturally responsive support and engagement planning, and improved cultural capability across the Academy.