Koorie Student Support Officer in Melbourne

Holmesglen Institute is a leading provider of vocational and higher education in Victoria, with over 40 years of experience and 140,000 graduates. As one of the largest government-owned TAFEs, we offer 600+ courses across multiple campuses, including Chadstone, Moorabbin, Glen Waverley, Eildon, and Melbourne's CBD. Our hands-on learning approach is supported by state-of-the-art facilities and strong industry partnerships, ensuring students gain the skills needed for successful careers. We foster a supportive, inclusive environment that encourages both staff and students to grow, innovate, and make a positive community impact.

The Student Engagement and Equity area, as part of the wider Student Wellbeing department, plays a key role in creating an inclusive, supportive and connected student experience at Holmesglen. The team delivers services and initiatives that promote equity, participation and belonging, including disability support, First Nations student support and programs that strengthen student voice and engagement.

As a Koorie Student Support Officer, you will provide culturally safe, practical and individualised support to First Nations students throughout their studies at Holmesglen. You will help students access academic, financial, disability, wellbeing and other support services, while working closely with teaching staff and support teams to identify needs, develop appropriate strategies and strengthen student engagement and success. The role also provides culturally informed advice and guidance to staff, helping build greater understanding of Koorie and First Nations perspectives across the Institute.

You will also contribute to case management, student activities, referrals and community connections, working collaboratively with Student Engagement & Equity and Student Wellbeing to support positive educational outcomes for First Nations students.

As a Koorie Student Support Officer, you will:

• Provide initial contact to Koorie/First Nations students, including introduction to the Koorie Team and explain the support services available.
• Support classroom engagement through development of Individual Learning Support Plans, identifying student needs, implementing strategies and early interventions for academic, financial and wellbeing support fostering engagement, participation and success.
• Collaborate with teaching and support staff to enhance understanding of Koorie issues, considering intersecting identities and challenges. Providing advice and education to improve awareness of cultural issues.
• Deliver culturally specific advice and innovative support services, working with Student Engagement & Equity and Student Wellbeing departments to empower positive learning outcomes for Koorie students.
• Coordinate and lead social events and activities in partnership with the Koorie Liaison Officer, promoting campus life participation and community building.

To be successful, you'll have:

• This role is an Indigenous identified position and only available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• Qualification in Education Support, Disability or Community Services or similar field, or lesser qualification with relevant experience may be accepted.
• Demonstrated empathy, cultural understanding, and connection to the Koorie and First Nations communities, including the ability to provide guidance, wellbeing services, and support tailored to student needs.
• Have shown strength-based and solution-focused approaches to address complex situations; knowledge of ethical practices and case management processes in a student support context.
• A current and valid full Victorian driver's licence is required.
• WWCC and Police Check: Appointment to this position is dependent on obtaining a Victorian 'employee' Working with Children Check, and a valid Police Check within the last 12 months.

Our commitment to you: At Holmesglen Institute, we are committed to fostering a safe, supportive, and flexible workplace where our employees can thrive both personally and professionally. We've implemented strong systems and ongoing support to ensure our staff can work and deliver in a safe and adaptable environment. Our team benefits from a range of wellbeing initiatives, access to the Employee Assistance Program, and opportunities for professional and career development. We also offer paid parental leave and flexible work arrangements to support a healthy work-life balance.

Holmesglen is a child safe and equal opportunity employer. We are dedicated to attracting, retaining and developing our people. We value diversity in our workforce and encourage people from all backgrounds, abilities, and identities to apply for roles within our organisation, including the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community.

For a confidential discussion regarding this role, please contact Tina Whitmore – Manager, Student Engagement and Equity at tina.whitmore@holmesglen.edu.au

Applications for this position close on 11:59 pm Tuesday 10 November 2026.