Classroom Youth Worker

The role: 

Our Youth Workers work collaboratively within their classroom team to support student wellbeing and educational outcomes. They maintain a classroom presence and work with students in an individual capacity, including outreach. Youth Workers also maintain and develop relationships with students' families/carers and professional supports. 

Full position description available on request.  

About Hester Hornbrook Academy: 

Hester Hornbrook Academy is a Special Assistance School which provides flexible education and learning options, including Vocational Education and Training in Schools VETiS), Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC), VCE Vocational Major (VM), VCE and an Extend program offering a variety of elective subjects. Recognising that mainstream education is not suitable for all young people, Hester programs are driven by the personal pursuits of students. 

Our Healing Orientated Program of Education (HOPE) informs our practice model which ensures the integration of academic intervention and growth with wellbeing and life skills. Teachers, Youth Workers, and Education Support staff work together in a collaborative manner to support students to reach their individual goals. 

Learn more about us here:  https://www.hhacademy.vic.edu.au  

What a day in the role looks like:  

• Work as part of a multidisciplinary classroom team to develop and maintain a face to face and virtual classroom learning environment which places high expectation on learning for wellbeing and wellbeing for learning. Support and model a learning environment which is safe, respectful and productive for our students. 

• Apply an understanding of our HOPE to support students in a way that allows them to Engage, Equip, Empower and Extend, while demonstrating a thorough understanding of a range of interventions that promote engagement and inclusivity, build rapport, and develop prosocial behaviours and relationships. 

• Provide flexible and holistic evidence-based case work and/or coordination to young people with outreach support that promotes educational, social and emotional development, including making suitable referrals and working closely with students' care team members and parents/carers/guardians. 

• Actively engage and contribute to student support group meetings within Hester and with external agencies. 

• Contribute to the development and delivery of curriculum and class projects/activities, including the Health and Wellbeing curriculum. 

• Assist in the onboarding process of new students including developing Individual Education Plans and Focus Plans. 

• Maintain accurate records on the Sentral SMS. 

• Contribute to the planning and participation in extra-curricular activities, events, excursions and overnight camps. 

• Support students as they transition within the school or onto employment or further education. 

• Ensure all Child Safe, risk management and Hester documentation requirements are adhered to. 

• Have a strong understanding of the NCCD guidelines and competencies in documenting and fulling NCCD requirements. 

What we are looking for: 

• Proven ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team to support young people's wellbeing and educational outcomes. 

• Experience working with young people, including those who identify as LGBTQI+ and those from diverse cultural backgrounds, in a trauma-informed setting, who have existing barriers to education. 

• An understanding of trauma-informed practice, restorative justice principles and the necessary skills to engage young people with multiple and complex needs. 

• Demonstrated capacity to work flexibly, in an outreach capacity and with the ability to manage competing demands in a secondary school setting. 

• Understanding of relevant legislation, including Child Safe Standards as they are relevant to a Senior Secondary School setting. 

Qualifications and registrations: 

• Relevant qualification in Youth Work, Social Work, Community Services or related discipline. 

• Must have or be willing to obtain a Working with Children Check (WWCC). 

• Valid full Victorian driver's licence. 

• Applicants must be full working rights in Australia. 

Application Process: 

Your application should be submitted as one document addressed to Sally Lasslett, Executive Principal and sent to Fiona Zito at: fzito@hhacademy.vic.edu.au 

Please include the following in your application: 

• A cover letter highlighting your experience and relevance of working in a special assistance school, supporting young people to engage in learning leading to positive outcomes (no more than 2 pages). 

• Resume including contact details of two current or recent references. 

• Copy of Qualifications and Working with Children Check. 

Applications close: Friday, 30 May 2026.  

Please note: Hester reserves the right to interview and appoint suitable candidates prior to the closing date.