Join a Groundbreaking New Education Program in Cairns
Teacher Aide – Ohana Academy (Cairns)
Ohana for Youth & 54 reasons – Empowering Young People, Changing Futures. Be part of something truly transformative.
Ohana for Youth, in partnership with 54 reasons (part of Save the Children Australia), is establishing the Ohana Academy – Cairns, a government-funded, trauma-informed, alternative education program designed to re-engage young people involved in the Youth Justice system through education, wellbeing, and pathways to training and employment.
This is a unique opportunity to be part of a pioneering school that changes the trajectory for high-risk youth, embedding cultural safety, restorative practice, and inclusive education from the ground up.
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About the Program
The Ohana Academy will deliver a project-based, trauma-informed curriculum supported by intensive case management, mentoring, and wellbeing services.
Students aged 12–17 on youth justice orders (including community service, bail, or diversion programs) will receive structured daily supervision combined with education and wraparound supports to help them re-engage, heal, and thrive.
Note: The facility for the Cairns Academy is currently being secured; the location will be within the Cairns region.
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The Opportunity – Teacher Aide
We're seeking compassionate, reliable, and motivated Teacher Aides to support students and teachers in delivering high-quality, trauma-informed education for justice-involved youth. You will work closely with students, teachers, and wellbeing staff to create a safe, inclusive, culturally grounded, and empowering learning environment.
As a Teacher Aide, you will:
* Assist teachers in delivering engaging, project-based lessons aligned with trauma-informed, restorative, and culturally responsive practices
* Support students individually or in small groups to develop literacy, numeracy, and life skills
* Help implement Individual Support Plans and provide supervision and guidance to students during classroom and wellbeing activities
* Foster positive relationships with students, families, and local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
* Assist with classroom management, resource preparation, and administrative tasks as needed
* Participate in professional development, mentoring, and collaborative planning sessions to support student outcomes
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About You
You are a caring, patient, and flexible support professional who thrives in dynamic, purpose-driven environments. You will have:
Mandatory:
* Certificate IV in educational support or equivalent qualification
* Experience supporting students in classroom or alternative education settings
* Knowledge of trauma-informed and restorative practices
* Understanding of issues affecting justice-involved youth and families in Cairns
* Ability to engage effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
* Current Driver's licence, Blue Card, and ability to obtain a National Police Check
Desirable:
* Experience working with high-risk or justice-involved youth
* Qualifications or experience in education support, mental health, Indigenous studies, or community development
* Familiarity with Queensland education policy and alternative education frameworks
You will be measured on:
* Student engagement, participation, and wellbeing outcomes
* Support for measurable literacy, numeracy, and life skills improvements
* Effective contribution to Individual Support Plans and classroom management
* Positive relationships with students, staff, and the wider community
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Remuneration and Benefits
* $63,000–$88,000 base salary (depending on experience)
* PBI Benefit: Salary packaging through SPA with charity not-for-profit status (Take Home More, Pay Less Tax)
* Mentoring and professional development opportunities
* Very competitive salaries and excellent working conditions
* Employee Assistance Program available for staff and families
* Fitness Passport access for all employees
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Application Requirements
Applicants must provide:
* Cover letter and resume outlining experience supporting students, approach to alternative education, and commitment to high-risk youth
* Names and contact details of at least three professional references
We strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants to apply.
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About Ohana for Youth & 54 reasons
Ohana for Youth is a Gold Coast-based not-for-profit organisation dedicated to reconnecting young people with education, training, and community.
54 reasons, part of Save the Children Australia, is a leading child rights organisation delivering evidence-based programs to help children and young people thrive. Together, we are creating a school where education, wellbeing, and community come together to reduce reoffending and build brighter futures for young people in Cairns.
Ohana Academy Cairns is committed to promoting a safe, inclusive and culturally responsive environment for all students, ensuring their safety and wellbeing is prioritised in every aspect of the Ohana Academy's operations. We recognise our fundamental duty of care and are fully committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people in our community. This responsibility is shared by every member of our organisation - leaders, staff, volunteers, and contractors - and extends across all aspects of Academy life and operations.
Location: Cairns, QLD
Commencing: Term 2, 2026 (preparatory work to commence earlier)