Studio Schools of Australia (SSA) was established in 2019 to bring about a “system” level change in secondary education for Indigenous students in remote communities across northern Australia. This “system level” reform is based on well-established evidence of what works for Indigenous students, their families and communities, in a scalable, proven work-related model of education introduced at the Yiramalay / Wesley Studio School in the Kimberley, Western Australia, in 2010.
SSA’s mission is to enable Indigenous students to lead their own advancement and to take a valuable and meaningful place in their own communities and within Australia.
SSA is committed to being a child safe environment, and we actively promote the safety and wellbeing of all students. All staff are committed to protecting students from abuse or harm in the school environment.
Overview
The Residential Mentor is accountable for the day-to-day operation of the residential program of the school. This includes providing pastoral care and supervision of students in their residences, and mentoring assistance and support in and around the site during the day. Residential mentors will be supporting predominantly Aboriginal students, but also students from a variety of backgrounds, with daily living and wellbeing activities.
Residential Mentors will require strong interpersonal skills, initiative, and well-developed organisational skills. Empathy with students in residence and the ability to relate well to Aboriginal adolescents is critical.
This is a full-time role has a rotating roster across 7 days which includes overnight stays and weekends.
Operational Responsibilities
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Providing high standards of supervision and support to Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students, including overnight
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Monitoring student movements within and around the school and residences
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Providing high-quality pastoral care including empathy, support, and encouragement to students, in order to help them flourish.
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Establishing clear and consistent routines within the residences including wakeups and bedtimes, room care and cleaning, movement to classes, washing of uniforms and linen, technology use and the like
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Conducting residence checks regarding cleanliness and tidiness
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Establishing and contributing to the maintenance of a positive culture within the residences as students learn to live with one another in the spirit of many cultures, one community
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Contributing to a friendly, warm, and enjoyable living environment for students, ensuring that respect for others, and property, is fostered
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Playing a key role in supporting students to complete their community related service tasks, by working side-by-side students to encourage, teach and support as required
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Actively encouraging and supporting students to value their educational learning opportunities
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Actively supporting the Program Activities Coordinator by playing a key role in the afternoon, evening and/or weekend activities program for students
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Depending on skills and experience, the Residential Mentors may be asked to assist in overnight outdoor trips, field trips and sporting events
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Maintaining a keen interest in the languages and cultural backgrounds of the students
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Assisting students with their personal organisation and reminding and encouraging students to take care of their daily personal care routines
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Providing support to students who are sick or in need of medical attention
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Contributing to important community gatherings, particularly Mob Meetings and events
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Managing and updating student records as directed by the Wellbeing Services Coordinator
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Reporting any maintenance issues to relevant staff
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Undertaking professional development activities as directed
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Demonstrating full awareness of work health and safety issues and procedures, complying with these, and taking responsibility for one's own health and safety
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Taking a lead role in promoting and supporting student, staff and visitor safety and well-being, anticipating, and responding accordingly to potential threats
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Being familiar with emergency procedures and being ready to implement them if necessary
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Demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of Child Protection Standards and a thorough knowledge of regulations, policies and procedures relating to child abuse
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Other duties as delegated by the Principal
Skills and Capabilities
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Demonstrated excellence in forming and maintaining positive, high-quality, and respectful relationships with others
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Having the ability to work collaboratively within a team
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An ability to role model high levels of self-motivation, positivity, enthusiasm, and a willingness to care and support others appropriately
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Proven ability to be reliable, on-time and ready for shifts
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The capacity to develop the skills to coordinate aspects of the program, including sports activities, special interest groups and micro-enterprise activities
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Strong organisational and administrative skills
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Excellent and efficient communication skills
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Ability to be resilient when working with staff, students, and community members
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Willingness and high levels of ability to use technology to enhance communication, supervision, and care of students
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Experience working with Aboriginal students and communities
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Experience working with young people in community-based activities or organisations
Employment
Due to Australian immigration regulations, applicants must have Australian work rights. We especially welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Applicants will be required to provide a current WA Working with Children Check (WWCC) and National Police Check (NPC).
All appointments at Studio Schools of Australia are subject to child protection legislation and pre-employment screening.