Team Leader – Ohana Academy

Job Posting Organization:
54 reasons is Australia’s leading child rights organization, established as a not-for-profit entity that is part of the Save the Children Australia Group and the global movement for child rights. The organization is dedicated to ensuring that children and young people have their rights met and thrive in all their diversity. With a workforce of approximately 600 employees, 54 reasons operates across every state and territory in Australia, providing quality services to children and their caregivers in various settings, including urban, regional, and remote areas. The organization emphasizes the importance of the child's voice and aims to create a supportive environment for children and young people.

Job Overview:
The Team Leader for the Ohana Academy will play a pivotal role in establishing a new holistic educational and wellbeing program aimed at supporting young people aged 10-16 who are in contact with the youth justice system in Cairns. This full-time, maximum term position is set to last until 31 December 2026, with a strong possibility of extension. The successful candidate will lead a passionate team and work closely with Ohana for Youth to ensure the delivery of a cohesive and holistic service. The role involves advocating for young people and their families, overseeing daily operations, and ensuring compliance with service agreements and child safeguarding standards. The Team Leader will be responsible for building connections with local service providers and engaging with government agencies to support the needs of the youth involved in the program.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Team Leader will be responsible for a variety of duties, including: leading and developing a passionate team, providing professional supervision, and ensuring a cohesive service in partnership with Ohana for Youth. The role requires proactive engagement with local service providers, including schools and youth justice services, to build strong networks and partnerships. The Team Leader will advocate for young people and their families through local networks and engagement with government agencies. Daily operations within the Ohana Academy program will be overseen, ensuring that practice, compliance, and child safeguarding standards are met. Additionally, the Team Leader will compile relevant data to meet reporting requirements and ensure compliance with service agreements and policies.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess proven leadership skills and the ability to build a cohesive and high-performing team. A Bachelor’s degree in a Human Services field or Education is required, or significant leadership experience in a relevant area. Experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and knowledge of the stresses faced by vulnerable families are essential. Candidates should also have experience in building strong networks and partnerships within the community, as well as the ability to manage competing priorities and de-escalate complex scenarios.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in a Human Services field or Education is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of working with young people and families in the youth justice system, as well as for leading a team effectively.

Experience:
The position requires significant experience in leadership roles, particularly in settings that involve working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth and families. Candidates should have a strong background in community engagement and partnership building, as well as experience in managing teams and overseeing program operations.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is essential for communication within the organization and with stakeholders. Additional language skills, particularly those relevant to the local community, may be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This is a full-time position with a maximum term until 31 December 2026, with a strong possibility of extension. The role is classified at Level 6.1, with an award rate salary of $55.72 per hour, plus superannuation and full salary packaging benefits. The organization offers individual learning plans for career development, extra leave options, supportive management, and access to a confidential Employee Wellbeing Program. 54 reasons encourages diversity and inclusion within its workforce and has established internal networks to support various employee groups. All employees are required to undergo a National Police Check and a Working with Children Check, and must adhere to the organization's Child Safeguarding Policy.