First Nations Student Support Assistant (Identified)

usyd; Sydney; On-site; AUD 68,000 - 83,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of Sydney is seeking First Nations Student Support Assistants to provide high‑quality support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students across the faculty. This fixed-term, pro‑rata role covers 12 months and requires culturally appropriate guidance and engagement activities with the Gadigal Centre.

Key duties include handling enquiries, delivering pastoral care referrals, and maintaining engagement records while working with Faculty teams to enhance student experiences.

Qualifications

• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identification is essential.
• Experience in a tertiary education environment is desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to work with culturally diverse communities and provide respectful service.

Responsibilities

• Provide prompt, accurate support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students across the student lifecycle.
• Offer information, advice and pastoral care referrals linked to student needs.
• Develop clear, culturally sensitive communications in response to enquiries.
• Maintain databases, contact lists and engagement records for service delivery.
• Research information using university systems to respond to enquiries.
• Support service improvements and reporting processes.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Customer service

Computer skills (MS Office)

Education

Year 12 qualification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

7x part - time positions (1 day a week), fixed term for 12 months

We are seeking First Nations Student Support Assistants within the University of Sydney

Base Salary starting at $75,885 (pro-rata) + 17% Superannuation

About the opportunity

The Faculty of Medicine and Health is committed to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students throughout their university journey by providing culturally appropriate guidance, support and services. We are seeking a First Nations Student Support Assistant to provide high-quality student support, respond to enquiries, assist with engagement initiatives and contribute to improving the student experience.

This position has been designated for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people only under the provisions of section 126 of the AntiDiscrimination Act 1977 (NSW). Applicants will be required to provide evidence to confirm that they are an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person as per the University’s Confirmation of Identity Policy 2015

To be eligible for this position, you must provide a statement and supporting documentation that addresses how you meet each of the following criteria for Aboriginality:

• i. be of Australian Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent; and
• ii. identify as an Australian Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander; and
• iii. be accepted as such by the community in which they live or have lived. The University may request further information from applicants as required. Supporting documentation may include, but is not limited to, a letter of Aboriginality signed under the common seal from a recognised incorporated Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Community organisation such as Land Council or Elders group, Aboriginal Medical Service or a letter on letterhead from a Local Aboriginal Land Council demonstrating membership of the Council.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• provide prompt and accurate support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students across the Faculty, assisting with enquiries throughout the student lifecycle
• provide information, advice and pastoral care referrals while working with students and relevant Faculty teams to address support needs
• develop clear and sensitive communications in response to student enquiries, maintaining professionalism and cultural awareness
• maintain databases, contact lists and student engagement records to support effective service delivery
• use university systems and Faculty resources to research information and respond to student enquiries
• contribute to service improvements by identifying opportunities, supporting reporting processes and recommending process enhancements
• support First Nations communications and engagement activities in collaboration with Faculty leaders and the Gadigal Centre
• participate in First Nations portfolio activities, including staff network meetings and collaboration with First Nations support teams
• assist with health and safety requirements and undertake other duties appropriate within the classification level as required.

About you

To be successful in this role, you will:

• identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
• Year 12 qualification or an equivalent combination of relevant training and experience
• experience working in a tertiary education environment
• experience working in a culturally diverse environment and customer service roles
• knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander societies and cultures, including contemporary issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
• ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and stakeholders
• strong problem‑solving skills, initiative and judgement with the ability to prioritise workloads during busy periods
• strong computer skills with experience using Microsoft Office applications
• excellent time and workload management skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines
• understanding of relevant Work Health and Safety policies and legislation applicable to the workplace.

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to be eligible to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

Pre‑employment checks and declarations

Your employment is conditional upon the successful completion of all pre‑employment or background checks required for the role in terms satisfactory to the University. Also, to meet the University’s obligations under the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Eliminate Gender‑Based Violence you will be asked to declare if you have been investigated for, or found to engaged in, sexual harm or gender‑based violence in the course of previous employment or in a legal process. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet