Koori Student Support Officer

About VU:

At VU, we aim to be one of the leading impact universities in the world. VU is an impactdriven university committed to equity, excellence and opportunity. Based in Melbourne's west and connected globally, we put students first through the VU Block Model, dualsector pathways and strong industry partnerships. Being a dual-sector university means that our students can easily pathway from vocational education to higher education - such as from a certificate or diploma course through to an undergraduate degree or even a postgraduate qualification by coursework or research.

We are a values led, inclusive workplace where diverse talent is supported to make a real difference.

About the Team:

The Moondani Balluk Indigenous Academic Unit works across Aboriginal, non-governmental organisation and community spaces to deliver teaching, research and support to grow Aboriginal participation at Victoria University and to meet the stated needs of Aboriginal community in the west of Melbourne.

The Moondani Balluk Indigenous Academic Unit works across First Nations, non-governmental organisation and community spaces to deliver teaching, research and support to grow First Nations participation at Victoria University and to meet the stated needs of First Nation community in the west of Melbourne. The vision of Moondani Balluk is to provide a culturally safe environment, share Aboriginal knowledge and embed First Nation practices into all our work, research and curricula.

As VU's Indigenous Academic Unit, Moondani Balluk is committed to creating an environment where First Nations students can connect, belong and thrive. Guided by VU's First Nations Action Plan 2025-2028 is commitment to Protecting Country, the team works to increase the participation, retention, success and achievement of First Nations students through culturally strong support, engagement and community partnerships. Through the Action Plan's key pillars of Growing, Partnering, Deep Listening, Self-Determining and Truth Telling,

The Moondani Balluk student support team consists of staff dedicated to supporting enrolled First Nations students and via a holistic approach enriching the overall student experience at VU. The team consists of higher education and vocational education student support staff who work closely to facilitate pathways. In addition, the team includes staff who assist with placement, employment and alumni support, outreach, recruitment and staff who facilitate various programs, events and cultural activities on and off campus.

About the Role:

As the Aboriginal Student Support Officer, your role would be to provide culturally safe support, advocacy, pastoral care and guidance to prospective and enrolled First Nations students across Victoria University's TAFE and pathways to transition into our Higher Education programs. Working closely with the Koori Liaison Officer and alongside our Aboriginal Student Engagement Officer, Outreach & Future Recruitment Officer and the Placement, Career & Alumni Officer. You will support students throughout their educational journey and help them achieve their academic, personal and career goals.

This rewarding role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference by enhancing student wellbeing, strengthening cultural connection, belonging and supporting positive educational outcomes for First Nations students at VU.

Position Key Duties

• Provide culturally safe support, advocacy and guidance to First Nations students

• Assist in the administrative tasks associated with supporting First Nation students in the areas of enrolment, data collation, and finance processes.

• Support student engagement, retention, success and completion across TAFE and where suitable pathways to Higher Education courses.

• Deliver pastoral care and facilitate access to appropriate support services and referrals.

• Act as a key point of contact for First Nation students, assisting with navigating University processes and services.

• Build and maintain positive relationships with students, families, communities and relevant stakeholders.

• Engage with prospective and current students through supporting the team with outreach, recruitment and student engagement activities.

• Collaborate with colleagues and stakeholders across the University to enhance outcomes for First Nation students.

Position Details

• Classification: HEP 4

• Salary: $72,808 - $77,259

• Employment Type: Full time continuing

• Hours per Week: 36.75

• Location: Footscray Park

For a detailed overview of the role's duties and responsibilities, please refer to the Position Description

Special Measures:

This an identified opportunity under 'Special Measures' of the Equal Employment Opportunity Act 2010. This means that only Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are eligible to apply.

About You:

We are seeking a passionate and community-connected Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person who is committed to supporting First Nations students to access, participate in and succeed in tertiary education. You will thrive in a culturally safe team environment, build strong relationships within community, and contribute to positive educational outcomes for First Nations students.

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Strong connections to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities and an understanding of the aspirations, strengths and challenges experienced by First Nations learners.

• Experience providing support, guidance, advocacy or pastoral care within education, community, health or related settings.

• Demonstrated ability to build positive relationships with students, families, communities and key stakeholders.

• Strong communication, organisational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and work both independently and collaboratively.

• A commitment to culturally safe practices and creating environments where First Nations students can connect, belong and thrive.

• A passion for supporting First Nations student participation, success and achievement in tertiary education.

• An understanding of role related University policies and procedures and how they interact with Moondani Balluk functions.

• Aptitude or ability to work with relevant University systems and databases.

• Knowledge and experience of MS Suite including Word, Powerpoint and Excel.

Please note: The University is a Child Safe organisation. You will be required to hold a current Employee - Working with Children Check (WWCC) or be willing to obtain one prior to commencing employment.

Who to Contact?

For further information relating to the position, please contact:
Name: Rhiannon Madden
Position Title: Koori Liaison Officer
Email: [email protected]

How to Apply

To submit your application please click on the Apply button.

Applications must be submitted as a single document comprising:

• A cover letter

• Your curriculum vitae/resume

• Your responses addressing all selection criteria located in the position description

• Evidence of applicable qualifications, licences and registration

Applications will close 12 July at 5pm. This advert may close earlier should a suitable candidate be identified. Early applications are strongly encouraged.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. This role requires for applicants to have full and permanent working rights in Australia.

Why Join VU:

VU provides competitive salaries, excellent superannuation, and a variety of benefits. University fosters an environment where staff can excel, achieve their goals, and develop their careers. With a focus on diversity, inclusion, and family-friendly policies, VU supports both professional and personal well-being. For more information, please visit our Careers at VU Webpage

Our Commitment:

Victoria University is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and socially responsible community. We honour our deep diversity by respecting First Nations perspectives and embedding sustainable approaches to Protecting Country, while championing progressive inclusivity for all-embracing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, culturally and racially marginalised communities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and people of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds. As a WGEA Employer of Choice for Gender Equality, we strive to create a place where everyone feels they belong, and we ensure a positive, barrierfree recruitment experience by providing adjustments and accessible formats upon request at [email protected] or (03) 9919 5999.