Berry Street is one of the largest independent agencies within Australia, providing diverse programs to over 35,000 young people, children and families across Victoria each year. We pride ourselves on our ingenuity, evidence based and multi-dimensional thinking to provide the best outcomes for our young people.
We believe children, young people and families should be safe, thriving and hopeful and strive to make this happen each day
* Preston, Wurundjeri Country
* Part Time (0.8) Permanent Position
* $100K (pro rata) + Superannuation + Salary Packaging
The Opportunity
Berry Street's Complex Care Services team in Preston is seeking a passionate and experienced Education Specialist Support Worker to support the educational engagement of children and young people residing in our Northern Residential Care Program.
Many of the young people in our care have experienced significant trauma and are disengaged from mainstream education. This role is a unique opportunity to work intensively with these young people to rebuild their connection to learning through tailored support, advocacy and collaboration.
You will be instrumental in creating safe, flexible, and supportive learning pathways that enable young people to thrive in education or vocational settings.
Key Responsibilities
* Deliver trauma-informed, flexible education support to young people in Berry Street's Residential Care Program.
* Develop and implement Individual Learning Plans (ILPs) that reflect each young person's learning goals, needs and strengths.
* Collaborate with carers, school staff and the Department of Education's LOOKOUT teams to support school engagement and attendance.
* Advocate for access to appropriate assessments and education supports.
* Build the skills of residential care staff to better support young people's learning.
* Support the implementation of positive behaviour support strategies within education contexts.
About You
You will bring:
* A passion for education and equity, particularly for young people impacted by trauma.
* Experience engaging with young people with complex needs in educational or welfare settings.
* Strong skills in developing individualised learning approaches.
* Knowledge of the education system and trauma-informed practice.
* Experience in outreach, mentoring or case management highly regarded.
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across teams.
The Benefits
* Salary packaging (up to $15,900 per annum) plus meals and entertainment packaging.
* Flexible work arrangements and supportive work culture.
* Generous leave entitlements including additional annual leave.
* Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for you and your immediate family.
* Ongoing learning and development opportunities through Berry Street's Learning & Development team.
How to Apply
Please submit your resume and a cover letter addressing your suitability for the position by 11pm, Sunday 10th of August, 2025
Enquiries to: Matthew Telgenkamp, Team Leader - Complex Case Services, mtelgenkamp@berrystreet.org.au
Please Note; the successful applicant will be subject to comprehensive reference and background checking prior to employment, including a Working with Children Check and National and International Police check if required and Workers Carer Exclusion Scheme clearance if applicable.
Berry Street Yooralla is committed to being a child safe, child friendly and child empowering organisation. In everything we do we seek to protect children. We are committed to the cultural safety of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children; children from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds; children with a disability; children who identify as LGBTQIA+. We aim to ensure every individual is treated with dignity and respect regardless of their cultural background, ability, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, spirituality or religion.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people; people from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds and people with a disability are encouraged to apply.
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