Introduction:
About Us
Padua College is an independent Catholic Boys' Day School from Years 5-12 conducted by the Order of Franciscan Friars minor with an enrolment of over 1,500 boys.
We are an enriching and nurturing educational community which offers young men the opportunity to discover and develop their individual talents and interests within a vibrant and caring Christian setting.
Description:
About the Role
The First Nations Engagement & Support Officer plays a pivotal role in creating a culturally safe, inclusive and supportive environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students at Padua College. Grounded in the Franciscan values of joy, simplicity, humility, courtesy and peace, the role provides culturally responsive pastoral care, mentoring and advocacy to enhance student wellbeing, engagement and educational success. Working collaboratively with students, families, staff, Elders and community partners, this role strengthens cultural identity, promotes belonging and empowers young people to flourish academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually.
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This is a part-time, term-time position offered on a permanent contract, working 30.4 hours per fortnight (15.2 hours per week). The role can be worked across two or three days per week, although a degree of flexibility is required to meet operational needs.
This is a fantastic opportunity to join the College and make a meaningful contribution to the educational experience of Padua students while positively impacting the wider College community.
Key Responsibilities / Duties:
Foster a culturally safe, welcoming and inclusive environment where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students feel respected, valued and connected to college life.
Establish and strengthen partnerships with local Elders,
community representatives and external agencies to enhance cultural learning, mentoring opportunities and educational pathways for students.
Contribute to the development, implementation, monitoring and review of the College's Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) as an active member of the RAP Committee.
Provide advice and guidance to staff on culturally responsive practices that support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and families.
Collaborate with the Student Wellbeing and Teaching & Learning Teams to support the induction, transition and orientation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and their families.
To review the full Position Description click here, or alternatively, go to our 'Employment' page on our website.
Why work for us?
As a workplace, we are committed to a contemporary Catholic and faith filled environment to create a truly outstanding place to work where our staff feel valued and supported. We do this by providing:
- Inclusive and Flexible Environment: We value staff wellbeing and maintain an 'open door' policy to support it, including a range of wellbeing initiatives.
- Professional Development: We empower our staff with high-quality learning and career development opportunities through a rigorous professional learning program.
- Collaborative Culture: Work with a team of like-minded professionals dedicated to the holistic development of our students.
- Generous staff discount scheme.
- Employee Assistance Program.
- 12.75% superannuation contribution.
- Salary packaging options.
Skills and Experiences:
For this position, it is a genuine occupational requirement that it be filled by an Aboriginal person, or a Torres Strait Islander person as set out in Section 7 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 for the purposes contained in Section 25 of that Act.
To be considered for this role, you should have:
Qualifications in Education, Youth Work, Community Services, Social Work, Indigenous Studies or a related field (desirable).
Experience in mentoring, student support, wellbeing or community engagement programs.
Experience contributing to Reconciliation Action Plans or similar initiatives.
Commitment to the mission, values and ethos of Catholic education and the Franciscan tradition of Padua College.
How to Apply
To apply, please submit your application online or through the Career's Portal. Your application should include:
- A cover letter addressing your suitability for the role
- An up-to-date version of your CV
- Any supporting documents you wish to include (e.g. right to work / qualifications etc.)
For any enquiries and more information about the role, please contact our HR team via
[email protected] or on 07 3857 9999.
Candidates must submit their applications by 8am Friday 20 November 2026.
Interviews may be conducted throughout the advertising period, and interested candidates are encouraged to apply early.
Padua College is committed to the safety of our students. Student protection is everyone’s responsibility. At the College all persons undertaking work for or on behalf of the College have a shared responsibility for contributing to the safety and protection of children. The appointment of a successful applicant will be subject to satisfactory employment screening and must have a sound understanding of, and commitment to, current child safety standards and a positive current Working with Children check.
📌 First Nations Engagement and Support Officer (Kedron)
🏢 Padua College
📍 Kedron