Education Consultant - Newcastle, Australia - St Nicholas Early Education

Description

If you currently work at the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle. Please apply through our internal Careers Portal

Job Category: Community Services & Development

CatholicCare are seeking a permanent part-time Education Consultant to join the team. With a focus on supporting vulnerable children and young people, this role involves close collaboration with Casework Staff, Team Leaders, and Program Managers. From early intervention to school enrollment guidance, the Education Consultant serves as an advocate for the educational, emotional, and social well-being of all children.

Benefits of Working With Us

• Directly contribute to improving the lives of many in the community.
• Salary Packaging
• Fleet car usage
• 1 week shutdown over Christmas and New Year annually (includes 3 days of additional paid leave + public holidays)
• Paid parental leave.
• Discounted gym membership through Fitness Passport.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Ongoing training and development opportunities.
• A great friendly environment of dedicated and passionate co-workers.
• Corporate benefits, including EAP, flu shots and more.

CatholicCare Social Services Hunter-Manning is the official social services agency of the Catholic Church in the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle, extending from Lake Macquarie to Taree and as far inland as Merriwa and Murrurundi. We work together with local communities to build a stronger, fairer, and kinder society that values children, young people, families, and individuals.

We offer whole-of-community support and empowerment options to those in need regardless of religion, age, gender, physical and intellectual capacity, or ethnicity. Our services traverse the service continuum and include Community Kitchens and Food Programs; Counselling and Clinical Services; Domestic and Family Violence Services; Early Intervention and Targeted Support for Young People; Parenting and Family Support Services; Specialist Culturally and Linguistically Diverse support through our Refugee HUB, Statutory Out of Home Care services for children and young people who unable to live at home safely with their parents and Young Adult Services for young people who have exited from Care.

The Education Consultant will be the key point of contact for CatholicCare Social Services and will work in partnership with Casework Staff, Team Leaders and Program Managers, to ensure vulnerable children and young people are supported and have access to the most appropriate educational program and other activities that promote change and improve their educational, emotional, social and health and wellbeing outcomes.

The Education Consultant will assist CatholicCare staff to identify children and young people who require early intervention support and provide guidance on school enrolment applications, advocate for students requiring access to Special Education Schools, Special Education Classes, or Support Programs through the development of Access Request Applications and Funding Support, work with Schools to develop Personalised Learning and Support Plans (PLASP) and any other school intervention plans, attend school meetings for students with complex needs who require transition, intervention, or return from suspension plans, and monitor school documentation including reports.

The Education Consultant will have a high commitment to child inclusive and best practice principals and will advocate for all children and young people at Local, Regional, and State Educational levels to ensure their education needs are met. This will include when necessary, working in partnership with the NSW Department of Education staff at all levels, and other agencies in the universal service system to improve evidence-based practice, share decision-making risk and promote dignity in service delivery. The Education Consultant will stay abreast of current legislation, standards, and policy directions to ensure CatholicCare meets their legislative and accountability requirements to ensure the best outcomes for children and young people.

Desired Skills and Experience

EXPERIENCE/CRITERIA

• A commitment to work within the Mission, Vision and Values of CatholicCare
• A working knowledge of the legislation, policies and standards relevant to NSW Department of Education, child protection, statutory Out of Home Care, and child safe organisations
• Ability to deliver accountable, collaborative and evidence-based practice that respects the culture and context of children, young people, their family and community
• Sound understanding and ability to apply educational assessments, child development, special needs, trauma and attachment theory to case planning
• Ability to maintain timely, accurate and relevant client records for reporting and information sharing
• A demonstrated commitment to work to meet the needs of children, young people, their family and Foster carers
• Ability to demonstrate and work within the key accountabilities and inherent requirement of this position. (PD Section 12)
• Significant experience with the NSW Education Standards (Preschool – Year 12), NSW Curriculum and Syllabus including Special Education and Life Skills Programs (Kinder – Year 12) and Early Learning Framework, is desirable however applicants must be willing to complete formal training and obtain role specific training
• Excellent communication, teamwork skills and ability to work independently and proactively
• Experience working with people from a CALD and ATSI background (Desirable)

QUALIFICATIONS

• Tertiary qualifications, in Education, Special and Inclusive Education or related discipline with demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development
• Appointments are subject to reference checks and the following pre-employment checks: National Criminal History Record Check in accordance with the Disability Inclusion Act 2014 and Working with Children Check clearance in accordance with the Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012

To Apply

Please provide a current copy of your Resume and a Cover Letter which addresses the two criterion points below:

• What motivates your desire for this role and how does it correspond with your career objectives?
• Your professional qualifications and previous experience in a related position.

For any further information about the role, please contact Lauren Fisher - Executive Manager - PSP on

Applications close Monday 29th April 2024 at 11.59pm

Additional Information

The Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable persons and preventing those in our care from suffering abuse or neglect. It is committed to implementing and maintaining compliance with the NSW Child Safe Standards and the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards and takes a zero-tolerance approach to abuse of children or vulnerable persons. All who work in the name of the Diocese must comply with the Diocesan Safeguarding Framework Policy and act in accordance with the Diocese's Code of Conduct which includes the Diocese's Safeguarding Commitment Statement. Employees are required to undergo a National Police Check and retain a valid NSW Working with Children Check where necessary, in accordance with legislation.