Boarding House Mentors

Djarragun College; Cairns Regional; On-site; AUD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Djarragun College in Gordonvale, Queensland, invites applications for a Boarding House Mentor to support the wellbeing, safety and development of students living in residential boarding. Working within the CARE Framework, the Mentor builds respectful relationships, provides daily structure and supervision, and contributes to a culturally safe and supportive residential environment.

The role requires trauma-informed practice, consistency, teamwork, strong professional boundaries and high

Qualifications

• Experience working with children or young people.
• Ability to build positive relationships with adolescents.
• Understanding of trauma-informed practice (or willingness to learn).
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Formal training in Youth Work, Community Services or similar (desirable) OR demonstrated, equivalent experience (essential).
• Maintains and promotes a deep respect for the identity, culture, community and Country of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.
• An unwavering commitment to the wellbeing, safety and dignity of children and young people.
• Demonstrates integrity and accountability.
• Appropriate level of physical fitness and mobility to meet the demands of the role, including active supervision, responding to student needs, and participating in boarding activities as required
• Emotional resilience to handle potentially challenging situations with professional calmness and composure

Responsibilities

• Build trusting relationships with students and provide consistent emotional and practical support.
• Actively supervise daily routines and boarding activities as directed.
• Support the development of independence and life skills as directed.
• Maintain safe and orderly boarding environments.
• Respond to behaviour using CARE principles and apply consistent boundaries and expectations.
• Document and report concerns in accordance with established policy and procedures.
• Work collaboratively with staff and families.
• Participate in meetings and professional learning.
• Maintain accurate records consistent with College policy and procedures.
• Uphold safeguarding policies and standards and maintain professional boundaries.

Skills

Experience with children

Positive relationships

Trauma-informed

Communication

Teamwork

Cultural respect

Wellbeing focus

Integrity and accountability

Physical fitness

Emotional resilience

Education

Formal training in Youth Work or Community Services

Job description

The Boarding House Mentor supports the wellbeing, safety and development of students living in residential boarding. Working within the CARE Framework, the Mentor builds respectful relationships, provides daily structure and supervision, and contributes to a culturally safe and supportive residential environment. The role requires trauma-informed practice, consistency, teamwork, strong professional boundaries and high expectations with empathy.

Key responsibilities

• Build trusting relationships with students and provide consistent emotional and practical support
• Actively supervise daily routines and boarding activities as directed
• Support the development of independence and life skills as directed
• Maintain safe and orderly boarding environments
• Respond to behaviour using CARE principles and apply consistent boundaries and expectations
• Document and report concerns in accordance with established policy and procedures
• Work collaboratively with staff and families
• Participate in meetings and professional learning
• Maintain accurate records consistent with College policy and procedures
• Uphold safeguarding policies and standards and maintain professional boundaries

About you

• Experience working with children or young people
• Ability to build positive relationships with adolescents
• Understanding of trauma-informed practice (or willingness to learn)
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Formal training in Youth Work, Community Services or similar (desirable) OR demonstrated, equivalent experience (essential)
• Maintains and promotes a deep respect for the identity, culture, community and Country of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders
• An unwavering commitment to the wellbeing, safety and dignity of children and young people
• Demonstrates integrity and accountability
• Appropriate level of physical fitness and mobility to meet the demands of the role, including active supervision, responding to student needs, and participating in boarding activities as required
• Emotional resilience to handle potentially challenging situations with professional calmness and composure

About us

Djarragun College is an established Prep to Year 12, co-educational College with a strong commitment to fostering the educational growth and holistic development of Indigenous students. Located in Gordonvale, Queensland, the College's curriculum integrates conventional explicit direct instruction with culturally relevant pedagogy, ensuring students remain connected with their culture while acquiring critical skills for future success. Embedded within the College is Cape York Girl Academy, a pioneering, girls only program that stands as a testament to the transformative power of education, especially for young Indigenous women. The Academy focuses on delivering a holistic educational experience that goes beyond the classroom, addressing the specific needs of young Indigenous mothers and their children.