School Inclusion Advocate

Job Posting Organization:
54 reasons is Australia’s leading child rights organization, established as part of the Save the Children Australia Group. 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 services to children and their caregivers in various regions, including remote areas and capital cities. The organization focuses on a child-centered, strengths-based, and solution-focused approach to advocacy, working collaboratively with students, parents, and schools to facilitate access to education for all children.

Job Overview:
The School Inclusion Advocate role is a part-time, maximum term position requiring 22.8 hours of work per week, spread over three days until March 202

• The position is based in the Winnellie office and involves working closely with the Team Leader and Specialist Advocate. The primary focus of this role is to provide advocacy services for students attending or enrolling in Northern Territory Government (NTG) schools and their families. The advocate will work to ensure that these students can access and participate in education, addressing barriers and facilitating inclusion. The role requires a strong commitment to child rights and the ability to navigate the education system effectively, assisting families in understanding their rights and available resources.

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

• Collaborating 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 families to appropriate support networks, organizations, and information sources.
• Working closely with relevant stakeholders, including 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 data entry and management in an electronic database.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the School Inclusion Advocate position must possess demonstrated experience in working with children, young people, families, and carers, particularly those from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds, as well as low socioeconomic and socially or geographically isolated families. A strong understanding of child rights and the importance of access to education is essential. Additionally, candidates should have knowledge and experience working within NTG school environments and an understanding of the stresses faced by vulnerable families, including the range of risk and protective factors impacting child outcomes. The ability to maintain accurate records and manage information in an electronic database is also required.

Educational Background:
While specific educational qualifications are not explicitly stated, candidates are expected to have relevant experience and knowledge in child advocacy, education, or related fields. A background in social work, education, or community services may be advantageous, particularly in understanding the complexities of the education system and the needs of vulnerable families.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have substantial experience working alongside children and young people, as well as their families and carers. Experience in advocacy, particularly within educational settings, is highly valued. Familiarity with the challenges faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and the ability to engage effectively with diverse populations are also important aspects of the required experience.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is essential for effective communication with students, families, and stakeholders. Knowledge of Aboriginal languages or other community languages may be considered advantageous, particularly in fostering relationships with diverse families.

Additional Notes:
This position is part-time, with a maximum term of employment until March 2027, requiring 22.8 hours of work per week. The role is designed to support the inclusion of students in education and is open to candidates from diverse backgrounds, with a strong encouragement for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates to apply. The organization offers a competitive salary of $43.08 per hour, along with access to full PBI salary packaging benefits, additional leave options, individual learning plans for career development, and supportive management structures. Employees also benefit from a range of wellness programs and professional development opportunities.