School Inclusion Advocate

Job Posting Organization:
54 reasons is Australia’s leading child rights organization, established to ensure that children and young people have their rights met and thrive in all their diversity. It is part of the Save the Children Australia Group and operates across every state and territory, providing services to children and their caregivers in various regions, including remote areas and capital cities. The organization is committed to advocating for children's rights and ensuring access to meaningful education for all children, particularly those at risk of exclusion. With a workforce of approximately 600 employees, 54 reasons embraces diversity in race, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, sexuality, cultures, and beliefs, reflecting the communities it serves.

Job Overview:
The School Inclusion Advocate role is a part-time position requiring 30.4 hours per week, working closely with the Team Leader and Specialist Advocate in the Winnellie office. The position focuses on providing advocacy services for students attending or enrolling in Northern Territory Government (NTG) schools and their families. The advocate will work collaboratively with children, families, and schools to ensure that students can access and participate in education. The role emphasizes a child-centered, strengths-based, and solution-focused approach, aiming to identify strengths and establish goals for increased inclusion in education. The advocate will assist families in navigating the education system and connect them with relevant support networks and organizations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the School Inclusion Advocate include:

• Working with children and families to identify their strengths and establish goals for increased inclusion in education.
• Assisting students and their families in understanding and navigating the education system, including practices and processes.
• Referring students and their families to appropriate support networks, organizations, and information sources.
• Collaborating closely with stakeholders such as the Department of Education, NTG Schools, Service Providers, and Peak Organizations.
• Collecting and recording program data and information for planning, evaluation, and reporting purposes.
• Maintaining accurate records of work undertaken, including entering and maintaining information in an electronic database.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires demonstrated experience in working alongside children and young people, families, and carers, particularly those from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds, low socioeconomic status, and socially or geographically isolated families. Candidates should possess a strong understanding of child rights and the importance of access to education, as well as knowledge of the stresses faced by vulnerable families and the risk and protective factors impacting child outcomes. The ability to maintain accurate records and manage information in an electronic database is also essential.

Educational Background:
While specific educational qualifications are not explicitly stated, candidates are expected to have relevant experience and knowledge in child advocacy, education, or social work. A background in fields related to child rights, education, or social services would be advantageous.

Experience:
Candidates should have substantial experience working with children and families, particularly in educational settings. Experience within NTG school environments is highly desirable, as is familiarity with the challenges faced by vulnerable families. The role requires a practitioner who can demonstrate resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity, as well as a commitment to advocating for children's rights.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is essential for communication with families and stakeholders. Knowledge of Aboriginal languages or other community languages may be considered an asset, enhancing the advocate's ability to connect with diverse families.

Additional Notes:
This is a part-time position with a maximum term until March 202

• The role offers a generous award rate salary of Level 4.1 at $44.58 per hour, plus superannuation and full salary packaging benefits. The organization promotes workplace wellness, providing access to a confidential Employee Wellbeing Program. 54 reasons encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates and emphasizes diversity and inclusion in its hiring practices. All employees are required to undergo a National Police Check and a Working with Children Check, and must adhere to the Child Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct.