Role
This position will require the candidate to allocate a minimum of three weeks leave allowance to work during the school vacation period, additional leave allowance may be considered..
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.
Specialised professional roles will carry a high level of independence and accountability where suitable scope is provided to achieve objectives.
An education support class position supports the educational services being provided to students but must not include duties of teaching as defined in clause of the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 (Vic) or its successor. Supervision of students cannot be required except where it is an integral part of the employees position or involves supervision of students individually or in small groups, in controlled circumstances, where the responsibility for students remains clearly with a teacher.
Responsibilities
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 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.
Who May Apply
A tertiary qualification that will add value to the context of education, training and skills opportunities for students.
An understanding of the school setting, particularly the relationships between middle and senior secondary education with career pathways is desired.
Experience (Desired but not essential) in case management in dealing with student wellbeing or similar issues
A current employee Working with Children Check card is mandatory.
EEO AND OHS Commitment
Applicants seeking part-time employment are encouraged to apply for any teaching service position and, if they are the successful candidate, request a reduced time fraction. Such requests will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis and will be subject to the operational requirements of the school.
The Department of Education is committed to the principles of equal opportunity, and diversity and inclusion for all. We value diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for roles within the Department. The Department recognises that the provision of family friendly, supportive, safe and harassment free workplaces is essential to high performance and promotes flexible work, diversity and safety across all schools and Department workplaces. It is our policy to provide reasonable adjustments for persons with a disability (see ).
Additional support and advice on the recruitment process is available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islanders from the Koorie Outcomes Division (KOD) via
Child Safe Standards
Victorian government schools are child safe environments. Our schools actively promote the safety and wellbeing of all students, and all school staff are committed to protecting students from abuse or harm in the school environment, in accordance with their legal obligations including child safe standards. All schools have a Child Safety Code of Conduct consistent with the department's exemplar available at:
DE Values
The department's employees commit to upholding the department's Values: Responsiveness, Integrity, Impartiality, Accountability, Respect, Leadership and Human Rights. The department's Values complement each school's own values and underpin the behaviours the community expects of Victorian public sector employees, including those who work in Victorian Government Schools. Information on the department values is available at:
Other Information
A current driver¿s licence and working car.
Staff will be required to work across a number of school sites in the Central Highlands region and visit industry workplaces.
Attendance Requirement - This position will require the candidate to allocate a minimum of three weeks leave allowance to work during the school vacation period, additional leave allowance may be considered.
Conditions of Employment
1. All staff employed by the Department and schools have access to a broad range of employment conditions and working arrangements.
2. Appointment of successful applicants will be made subject to a satisfactory pre-employment conditions check.
3. A probationary period may apply during the first year of employment and induction and support programs provided.
4. Detailed information on all terms and conditions of employment is available on the Department's Human Resources website at