About the organisation
Jesuit Social Services is a social change organisation working to build a just society where all people can live to their full potential. We reflect on the critical factors shaping our contemporary world; the social, political and economic contexts, and we adapt our practice to work with those most in need.
Since 1977, Jesuit Social Services has provided services to some of the most disadvantaged in our community.
We place a high priority on advocacy and are a leader in policy development and research.
About the role
Under the supervision of the Deputy Principal, the Lead Teacher will spearhead the school-wide approach to teaching and engagement, designed to meet the complex and diverse needs of students who routinely experience interruptions and barriers to education.
Many of these students have faced trauma, abuse, or neglect, significantly impacting their learning journey.
As the Lead Teacher, you will lead and develop a small, multi-disciplinary team, including registered teachers, ensuring a holistic and responsive approach to student wellbeing and learning.
In this role, you will serve as the Lead Practitioner of teaching, student engagement, and student participation at the Ignatius Learning Centre (ILC), implementing an Ignatian Pedagogical Paradigm (IPP) aligned, evidence-based approach to optimize learning for previously disengaged students.
The position also requires active participation in the ILC Leadership Team, contributing to strategic decision-making and helping shape the direction of the school.
In addition to your school-based responsibilities, you will provide outreach support to students and their external support networks to ensure inclusion, support, and the achievement of individual learning outcomes.
Outreach may occur in various settings such as the Children’s Court, youth detention centers, rehabilitation facilities, home environments, or other nominated locations.
This is a full-time position based primarily in Richmond, with some travel required.
The role offers competitive remuneration, salary packaging benefits, ongoing professional development, and opportunities for personal and career growth.
Competitive remuneration, plus salary packaging benefit, is offered together with ongoing professional and career development as well as opportunities for personal growth.
What Jesuit Social Services can offer you:
- An organisation that lives its values, through its day to day work
- A welcoming and supportive relational environment
- A comprehensive Induction and Orientation program
- Ongoing training and development related to your role
- Employee assistance program
- A competitive salary plus salary packaging benefits
- Generous leave
About the program
The Ignatius Learning Centre is a Catholic Specialist Secondary School, established by the Jesuit Social Services in 2021.
The Ignatius Learning Centre offers an education that fosters responsibility and transformation and engages young people who have had a severely disrupted education and are at significant risk of incarceration and/or further involvement with the youth justice system.
We are guided by Jesuit Social Services Way of Working, Catholic Social Teachings and Ignatian Pedagogy Paradigm where a holistic education is a contributor to the building of a just society and one where students can experience success in a safe and supportive environment.
The Ignatius Learning Centre will enable students to restore hope, experience a sense of belonging, flourish and reach their potential.
In 2026, The Ignatius Learning Centre will enroll approximately 40 young men Richmond and 20 young men in Sunshine, aged 15 – 17, offering the Victorian Certificate of Education – Vocational Major (VCE-VM) and the Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC) as the curriculum.
About you
This role will suit a candidate with the following skills and experience:
1. Extensive teaching and school wellbeing experience, with demonstrated capacity to lead and sustain the Ignatius Learning Centre; experience teaching and supporting students with complex learning and support needs, is essential.
Demonstrate IPP aligned evidence-based approach that optimises learning for previously disengaged young people.
2. Demonstrated capacity to lead, motivate and supervise a dedicated and talented team of professional teachers and related support staff, with leadership experience at schools, or within systems of schools, with students who exhibit complex learning and support needs.
3. Demonstrated capacity to work collaboratively with a senior leadership team to achieve organisational goals and to work closely with a wide variety of stakeholders.
4. Experience in establishing senior-level networks within education systems, government, community sectors and associated bodies to achieve change.
Demonstrated experience in building strategic relationships with key stakeholders and experience in representing the organisation.
5. Understanding of and sympathy for the mission and ethos of Jesuit Social Services, and a demonstrated capacity to provide leadership in this dimension of the role.
How to apply
- Upload your resume and cover letter incorporating your responses to the Key Selection Criteria from the Position Description (applications not addressing the Key Selection Criteria may not be considered).
- For further information please contact Garcia Golden, Deputy Principal, on 0418 283 138.
Applications close at 5.00pm on 6th October 2025.
Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis and the closing date may be subject to change without notice.
Jesuit Social Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion.
We celebrate and welcome all people regardless of ethnicity, cultural background, age, gender, sexuality, disability or religious affiliation.
We strongly encourage applications from all community members including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, members of the LGBTIQA+ community, people with a disability, people of culturally diverse backgrounds and working parents.
Jesuit Social Services is a Child Safe organisation and is committed to protecting children and young people from harm.
We require all applicants to undergo an extensive screening process prior to appointment.
Required Skill Profession
Preschool, Elementary, Middle, Secondary, And Special Education Teachers