School Officer - First Nations Education - St Mary's Catholic College, Woree

Catholic Education Dioceses of Cairns; Cairns Regional; On-site; AUD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Cairns is seeking a School Officer for First Nations Education. The role involves liaising with Indigenous communities to enhance student engagement and outcomes, fostering cultural awareness, and supporting the school’s ethos. Ideal candidates should possess a Working with Children Blue Card and a commitment to Catholic Education values. This position offers competitive salary and benefits, emphasizing community and holistic growth for students.

Benefits

Annual Leave with 17.5% leave loading

Salary packaging options

Employer Superannuation Contributions

Long service leave after 7 years

Paid parental leave

Employee Assistance Program

Fitness Passport Membership

Qualifications

• Hold a Working with Children Blue Card.
• Be fully supportive of the ethos of Catholic Education.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a liaison between Diocesan Schools and Indigenous communities.
• Promote understanding and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
• Facilitate communication networks among students, families, and the school.

Skills

Communication skills

Cultural awareness

Collaboration

Job description

Commencement Date : 19 January 2026

Employment Type : Term Time, Permanent(38 hours per school week)

Salary Range : School Officer - Level 5 $39.44 to $41.36 gross per hour plus 12.75% Superannuation

Closing Date for Applications : 10am, Thursday 8 January 2026

Situated in the southern suburbs of Cairns, St Mary's Catholic College opened in 1986 and boasts a proud reputation for providing quality Catholic co-education. The College is a place where individual strengths are nurtured and developed and where faith and a sense of community are fundamental to who we are. The College offers both a strong academic and stimulating vocational curriculum, along with comprehensive co-curricular opportunities for our students to pursue their interest. Our committed and dedicated staff work in partnership with parents to provide students with the balance of supportive environment and challenging learning. Essential for young people to grow holistically and step forward to make a difference in the world.

About the Role

St Mary’s Catholic College is a thriving Catholic College with approximately 1000 students. First Nations students and their families form a culturally strong and highly valued part of our St Mary’s family. This key role provides opportunities for education and celebrations that promote understanding, respect and harmony.

The role and responsibilities of the School Officer - First Nations Education (SOFNE) is primarily one of communication and liaison between Diocesan Schools, Catholic Education Services and local Indigenous people, communities and agencies to increase student engagement and outcomes for Indigenous students. The position has a strong cultural focus that extends to advice and action on broad issues, including the enrichment of cultural awareness within the schools.

SOFNEs develop, promote and maintain communication networks between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, the parents or guardians, the community and the school. SOFNEs play a key role in providing knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, languages and cultures within schools. This understanding promotes respect and harmony. They conduct their role in collaboration with school staff and the school Principal.

It is envisioned that all students will have equitable access to our Catholic school communities so that they may be supported to reach their full potential in development of not only their physical wellbeing but also their educational and faith journey.

Work Requirements

• Hold a Working with Children Blue Card
• Be fully supportive of the ethos of Catholic Education

What we offer

• Annual Leave with 17.5% leave loading
• Access to salary packaging options to maximise your salary
• 12.75% Employer Superannuation Contributions
• Access to long service leave after 7 years of continuous service (portability of Long Service Leave may also be applicable)
• 14 Weeks’ paid parental leave
• Access to Employee Assistance Program
• Fitness Passport Membership Available

For further information about the role, please download the Position DescriptionASOC Indigenous Liaison Officer Position Description - Level 5 (Without Classification Factors).pdf

To Apply :

Select 'Apply Now' to submit your application.

For current employees, apply via the 'Employee Login' tab on the homepage of the Careers website.

Enquiries :

HR Officer - Trisha Stroud

Intending applicants must be fully committed to creating and maintaining a child safe organisation.

Catholic Education is an equal opportunity employer.