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Recruiting for multiple positions:
- City
- Hybrid (City)
- South Melbourne
- Geelong
- Sunshine
- Werribee
About the School
Hester Hornbrook Academy is an independent, Special Assistance School that delivers flexible, inclusive education for young people aged 15–25 across multiple campuses in Greater Melbourne. Our school provides “Wellbeing for Learning and Learning for Wellbeing,” supported by our trauma-informed HOPE (Healing Oriented Program of Education) model.
We support students who face significant barriers to traditional education, offering a safe, respectful, and engaging environment that integrates academic learning with wellbeing and life skills. Through VPC (Victorian Pathways Certificate), VM (VCE Vocational Major), and VETiS (Vocational Education and Training in Schools), we help our students thrive, and we are growing.
Position Purpose (abridged; full details in Job Description)
The Community Liaison Officer plays a vital role in strengthening connections between Hester Hornbrook Academy, families, carers, and the wider community. The role exists to support student engagement and wellbeing by fostering inclusive, trusting relationships — particularly with families from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds and those experiencing complex life circumstances.
Through culturally responsive communication, advocacy, and partnership-building, the CLO helps ensure that every family feels welcome, informed, and empowered to actively participate in their young person’s education. This role directly contributes to Hester Hornbrook’s commitment to trauma-informed, healing-oriented, and inclusive education.
Position Duties and Responsibilities (abridged; full details in Job Description)
- Develop and implement strategies to improve communication and engagement between families and the school
- Facilitate culturally safe and responsive engagement with CALD, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and other underrepresented communities
- Create opportunities for families to be actively involved in school life, including events, programs, and consultation processes
- Develop and maintain a register of community networks and classroom or campus helpers
- Organise and present information sessions for families on education-related topics, including school expectations, child development, and available services
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage respectfully and effectively with families from diverse cultural, linguistic, and social backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
- Demonstrated experience in community engagement, advocacy, or liaison roles, ideally within an education, youth, or wellbeing setting.
- Knowledge and understanding of trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and strengths-based practice, and the ability to apply these in day-to-day work.
- Understanding of the barriers faced by marginalised communities in accessing education, and a commitment to equity, diversity, and student voice.
- Proven ability to build trusting, collaborative relationships with families, young people, staff, and community organisations to support engagement and inclusion
- An understanding key stakeholder engagement and management
- Knowledge in the application of trauma informed practices, OH&S laws, safeguarding of young people and HOPE
- Working with Children Check (Employee), Police Check, and Driver’s Licence
- Willingness to travel between Hester Hornbrook Academy campuses
For a confidential discussion, enquiries about the application process, or to request the Job Description please contact:
Will Yates l Direct +61 3 9249 2479 E: Write to the company
Applications to include a Cover Letter which highlights how you have previously assisted a young person to improve their wellbeing outcomes which has resulted in success in educational outcomes, leading to learning for wellbeing and a current CV with referees.
Applications should be emailed to:
Will Yates, Permanent Opportunities Consultant -
E: Write to the company
Hester Hornbrook Academy reserves the right to interview and appoint prior to the closing date.
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Hester Hornbrook Academy’s/MCM’s strategy is to create a working environment in which we have zero tolerance for compromised worker safety. As an employer we endeavour to provide a working environment that is safe for all employees and clients and adheres to Occupational Health & Safety regulations as an employer.
