Head of Boarding

About the College

Located on a beautiful 136 acre property in the Yarra Valley (60 kilometres from the Melbourne CBD), Worawa Aboriginal College is a secondary boarding school for Aboriginal girls. An Aboriginal initiative, Worawa is an Independent school, owned and governed by Aboriginal people, and operates on a philosophy of ‘Walking Together to Make a Difference’. 

A full boarding school, Worawa was established as a response to the needs of Aboriginal adolescents and the difficulties these young people experience in the mainstream educational system. The diversity of Aboriginal Australia is reflected in the student population drawn from communities across the country. Worawa provides a holistic education based on an integrated Education, Culture, and Wellbeing model. 

This position requires the incumbent to embrace the Worawa ethos of Aboriginal values, Aboriginal-led decision-making and the right to Aboriginal self-determination.

About the Role 

Reporting to the Head of College Operations, the Head of Boarding provides operational leadership of the College’s boarding program, ensuring students are provided with a safe, supportive and culturally responsive home-away-from-home environment. 

Leading the Boarding team, you will oversee student wellbeing, staff leadership, family engagement and the day-to-day operation of the Boarding Houses while fostering a positive and inclusive boarding culture. 

Flexible full-time or part-time arrangements will be considered for the right candidate. Given the nature of a residential boarding environment, the successful candidate will maintain a visible and active presence within the boarding community, including working at least one weekend day during term time.

This is a residential position requiring overnight stays. Whilst on shift, boarding staff are provided with private ensuited accommodation and all meals are included.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all aspects of the boarding program and Boarding House operations
• Lead, mentor and support boarding staff
• Foster a safe, culturally inclusive and boarder-centred boarding environment
• Support boarder wellbeing through positive relationships and restorative practices
• Build strong partnerships with families, communities and key stakeholders
• Coordinate after-school, weekend, sporting and cultural activities
• Manage boarding rosters and operational requirements, including the laundry
• Ensure compliance with child safety, VRQA, boarding and workplace health and safety requirements
• Act as a point of contact for families regarding boarder wellbeing and support needs
• Support student recruitment and community engagement activities

About You

• Demonstrated leadership experience in boarding, residential care, youth services, education or community services
• Strong people leadership skills and the ability to develop and support high-performing teams
• Experience supporting the wellbeing and development of young people
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Understanding of child safety, duty of care and safeguarding requirements
• Experience applying trauma-informed and restorative approaches
• Strong organisational, planning and problem-solving skills
• Capacity and willingness to work flexibly, including at least one weekend during term time
• Current Working with Children Check, National Police Check and Victorian Driver’s Licence
• Current First Aid qualifications or willingness to obtain

Desirable

• Qualifications in Youth Work, Social Work, Community Services, Indigenous Studies, Education or a related discipline
• Experience working in a boarding school or residential care setting
• Youth Mental Health First Aid certification
• Indigenous Cultural Awareness Training
• Experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply. 

Worawa Aboriginal College is an equal opportunity employer, has a commitment to child safety and has zero tolerance for child abuse. 

Worawa is a Not-for-Profit organisation and registered PBI Charity and therefore can offer excellent salary packaging benefits. 

Previous applicants need not apply. 

To discuss this role in more detail please contact hr@worawa.vic.edu.au.