Cultural and Community Lead

Arcadia College; Brisbane; On-site; AUD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Ohana for Youth seeks a Cultural and Community Lead to guide cultural leadership and transition at the Logan Youth Justice School. You will build partnerships with government and community services to strengthen culturally safe education and wellbeing for young people.

You will develop frameworks, collaborate with Elders and First Nations organisations, and mentor staff to embed trauma-informed, inclusive practice across the Academy.

Qualifications

• Relevant qualification in Education, Social Work, Human Services or Community Services.
• Current Blue Card or Queensland College of Teachers (QCT) registration.
• Current driver’s licence.
• Willingness to undergo a National Police Check.
• Experience in flexible learning or an alternative education environment.
• Experience working within, or closely with, the Youth Justice system.

Responsibilities

• Support the establishment and rollout of the Logan Youth Justice School.
• Develop and implement culturally responsive programs, frameworks and practices across the Academy.
• Lead the development of a school-wide cultural capability framework.
• Build strong relationships with local Traditional Owners, Elders, First Nations organisations and community leaders.
• Support inclusion of Indigenous knowledge, language and culture within school programs and culture.
• Act as a cultural mentor and advisor to staff and leadership.
• Provide professional learning and guidance to staff to strengthen cultural capability.
• Support culturally responsive behaviour, wellbeing and engagement approaches.
• Contribute to trauma-informed and differentiated learning programs for students.

Skills

Cultural leadership

Relationship building

Project management

Communication

Trauma-informed practice

Cross-sector partnerships

Education

Relevant qualification in Education, Social Work, Human Services or Community Services

Tools

Blue Card

QCT registration

National Police Check

Job description

Ohana for Youth is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting young people through education, wellbeing and individualised support. Through our network of schools and educational programs, we work to create inclusive, supportive environments where young people can reconnect with learning, build confidence and develop the skills they need to achieve their potential.

Our organisation encompasses Arcadia College, Arcadia Distance Education, Ohana College, Ohana Academy Logan and Ohana Academy Cairns. Each school and program provides tailored educational opportunities to meet the diverse needs of young people, with a shared commitment to student engagement, wellbeing, inclusion and positive outcomes.

Whether working in teaching, student support, wellbeing, administration, technology or leadership, our staff play an important role in creating environments where young people feel safe, valued and supported to succeed.

Why Join Ohana for Youth?

About Ohana for Youth

Ohana for Youth is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting young people through education, wellbeing and individualised support. Through our network of schools and educational programs, we work to create inclusive, supportive environments where young people can reconnect with learning, build confidence and develop the skills they need to achieve their potential.

Our organisation encompasses Arcadia College, Arcadia Distance Education, Ohana College, Ohana Academy Logan and Ohana Academy Cairns. Each school and program provides tailored educational opportunities to meet the diverse needs of young people, with a shared commitment to student engagement, wellbeing, inclusion and positive outcomes.

Whether working in teaching, student support, wellbeing, administration, technology or leadership, our staff play an important role in creating environments where young people feel safe, valued and supported to succeed.

Why Join Ohana for Youth?

Joining Ohana for Youth means becoming part of a purpose-driven organisation where your work can make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people. We value collaboration, compassion, professional growth and the contribution every team member makes to our schools and communities.

Depending on the position and employment arrangements, benefits may include:

• Salary packaging through our not-for-profit status, including access to eligible benefits through SPA.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support employee wellbeing.

• Fitness Passport to support health and fitness.

• Opportunities to contribute to a collaborative team focused on improving educational and wellbeing outcomes for young people.

• The opportunity to make a meaningful contribution within a supportive, student-centred organisation.

Our Commitment to Child Safety

Ohana for Youth is committed to providing safe, supportive and inclusive environments for every young person in our care. We maintain a strong focus on child safety, wellbeing and safeguarding, and expect all employees to uphold professional boundaries, follow organisational policies and contribute to a culture where young people are protected, respected and heard.

All applicants must be willing to comply with relevant child safety requirements, including holding and maintaining a valid Blue Card where required for the position. Additional screening, registrations or checks may apply depending on the role.

The Opportunity – Cultural and Community Lead

The Cultural and Community Lead will provide cultural leadership and transition support within the Logan Youth Justice School, helping to ensure that education, wellbeing and engagement approaches are culturally safe, strengths-based and relevant to the young people the Academy supports.

You will lead the development of cultural frameworks, programs and community partnerships while working across government and community services to strengthen support and pathways for young people.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Support the establishment and rollout of the Logan Youth Justice School
• Develop and implement culturally responsive programs, frameworks and practices across the Academy
• Lead the development of a school-wide cultural capability framework
• Build strong relationships with local Traditional Owners, Elders, First Nations organisations and community leaders
• Support the inclusion of local Indigenous knowledge, language, culture and perspectives within school programs and culture
• Act as a cultural mentor and advisor to staff and leadership
• Provide professional learning and guidance to staff to strengthen cultural capability
• Support culturally responsive behaviour, wellbeing and engagement approaches
• Contribute to trauma-informed and differentiated learning programs that are relevant to students' lives and futures
• Advocate for the voices of young people and families in school policy, programs and decision-making
• Build and maintain authentic partnerships with families, community organisations, youth services and other stakeholders
• Facilitate wraparound support including cultural mentoring, mental health support, career pathways and family engagement
• Facilitate collaboration between Education Queensland, Youth Justice, Health, Community Services and other agencies
• Support complex case management and transition planning for young people
• Develop referral pathways and strategies that improve engagement and access to appropriate services
• Support the development of a vibrant and contemporary cultural approach across Ohana for Youth through the RAP process and beyond
• Contribute to the successful establishment and ongoing development of the new Academy

The role will also involve managing program timelines, budgets and risk management processes and ensuring activities are delivered in accordance with relevant departmental, legislative and funding requirements.

This is an opportunity to help shape the culture and community connections of a new school, rather than stepping into an established program. You will have genuine scope to build partnerships, develop programs and influence how culturally responsive practice is embedded across the Academy.

You are a culturally knowledgeable, highly connected and relationship-focused professional who understands the complexities facing young people involved in the youth justice system.

You will bring:

• Deep knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, communities, histories and protocols
• Strong knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people and families
• Understanding of Pacifica young people, families and culture
• Extensive understanding of the issues facing young people involved in the youth justice system
• Demonstrated experience supporting young people who are disengaged or disadvantaged
• Demonstrated ability to facilitate complex case management
• Experience building strong relationships with families, community leaders, Elders, government agencies and community organisations
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective cross-sector partnerships
• Strong understanding of trauma-informed practice, cultural safety and inclusive education
• Excellent communication, negotiation and relationship-building skills
• Strong project management and organisational skills, including the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines
• The ability to translate broad goals into practical and achievable programs and initiatives
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• The ability to work collaboratively while also working autonomously
• A strong understanding of students with disabilities and the barriers they may experience
• A genuine commitment to safeguarding children and young people

Essential requirements

• Relevant qualification in Education, Social Work, Human Services or Community Services
• Current Blue Card or Queensland College of Teachers registration
• Current driver's licence
• Willingness to undergo a National Police Check
• Previous experience working within a flexible learning or alternative education environment
• Experience working within, or closely with, the Youth Justice system

Highly regarded

• Experience establishing a new school, program or service
• Relevant teaching qualifications and QCT registration, or eligibility for registration
• Strong existing community connections within the Logan area
• Experience developing cultural frameworks, community programs or culturally responsive education initiatives

The role's success will be reflected in strong and sustainable community partnerships, increased student connection and positive identity, culturally responsive support and engagement planning, and improved cultural capability across the Academy.