Head Start Coordinator - Melbourne, Australia - Education and Training

Education and Training

Verified Company

Melbourne, Australia

1 week ago

Posted by:

Olivia Brown

beBee Recruiter

Description

Location:
Melbourne | Eastern Metropolitan

Job type:
Full time / From 24/04/ /06/2026

Organisation:
Education and Training

Salary:
Salary not specified

Occupation:
Education and Training

Reference:

Selection Criteria:

SC1 Demonstrated knowledge and experience in middle and senior year student career pathways and the interconnect with meaningful student outcomes;

SC2 Demonstrated capacity to engage students or industry with program models and manage program data in accordance with government and education policy;

SC3 Experienced in advanced interventions in dealing with particularly complex cases that may require cross-profession or industry collaboration;

SC4 Effective communication skills when engaging with various stakeholders and levels of management including a commitment to the DET values;

SC5 Effective management of personal workload and motivation to deliver a program that rests across a large number of stakeholders, including student and support networks, schools and education systems, industry and workplace compliance and overarching state and Commonwealth regulations;

SC6 Demonstrated proficiency in data systems and analysis.

Role:

Head Start is a wraparound service provision that powers school-based apprenticeships and traineeships.

Head Start aims to improve the outcomes, quality assurance and equitable distribution of opportunities for senior secondary and special education students who undertake school-based apprenticeships and traineeships (SBATs).

Head Start also considers middle school students' preparedness for success in the SBATs program. The Head Start SBAT program was piloted in over 150 schools from 2019 with strong outcomes.

The expansion of the program will ensure access to all Victorian government secondary schools, including special schools, and Flexible Learning Options.

The program will introduce more rigorous SBAT compliance and monitoring across the system supporting the state's response to the 2020 Review into Vocational and Applied Learning Pathways in Senior Secondary Schooling (the Firth Review) reform agenda in senior secondary and vocational education.

These reforms will collectively support all Victorian secondary students to pursue high-quality and valued vocational pathways aligned to their strengths and interests and to finish schooling with the skills and capabilities they need for success in further education, training, work, and life.

The expansion of SBATs will also assist in addressing prioritised skill shortages by providing employers with support and access to school-based apprentices and trainees.

The Head Start SBAT program includes flexible delivery of the senior secondary certificate with a strong focus on literacy and numeracy attainment; quality training delivered concurrently with secondary school education; and time on the job to support achievement of competencies.

The option to maximise time in employment has proven to support students' genuine progression through the apprenticeship or traineeship whilst meeting employer requirements.

The program provides students with a clear pathway from school into employment with a qualification.

The Head Start Coordinator is a professional role, delivering a critical management and support function using a student-centred approach.

The coordinator may engage or support students from up to 50 government secondary and specialist schools, as well as Flexible Learning Options settings that align with one of the twelve program hubs across Victoria.

Reporting directly to the Head Start Hub Director; the Head Start Coordinator will:

develop and support Head Start arrangements that align with individual student's stated career aspirations and interests supported by a collaborative sign-up process;

- support the student's progress through school and training; regularly undertaking site visits and reviewing the appropriateness of the work or training site;
- provide students with relevant and practical skills development for the workplace and training settings; and provide a safe, supportive and positive environment that values professional development;
- ensure appropriate support levels are maintained across the school/s providing key support and timely advice to the Hub Director, teachers and career practitioners
- develop and implement professional support tools for the success of the Head Start program, including guidance to teaching, career, employer and other professional staff;
- liaise with the general school community, the department and other government agencies; training, employer and other related service providers when needed;

support the Head Start service provided to students or industry alongside program colleagues from across the state by identifying improvement opportunities and risk for strong student outcomes.

An education support class position supports the educational services being provided to students, but must not includ