Head Start Coordinator

Department of Education Victoria – Strathmore VIC Head Start supports Victorian secondary school students to undertake school‑based apprenticeships and traineeships (SBATs) while completing their VCE, including the VCE Vocational Major or the Victorian Pathways Certificate. Head Start aims to improve outcomes, quality assurance and equitable distribution of opportunities for senior secondary and special education students who undertake an SBAT. It also considers middle school students’ preparedness for success in the SBATs program. The three core components of Head Start are: Flexible delivery of the senior secondary certificate with a strong focus on literacy and numeracy Quality training delivered concurrently with secondary school education Maximised time on the job to support achievement of competencies Head Start was piloted in over 150 schools from 2019 with strong outcomes. The expansion includes access to all Victorian government secondary schools, including special schools, and Flexible Learning Options. About Head Start Hubs All government schools are committed to a collaborative approach to improving Vocational Education outcomes for all students. Head Start hubs are overseen by a board of selected host school principals and led by the Hub Director. Selection Criteria Demonstrated knowledge and experience in middle and senior year student career pathways and the intersection with meaningful student outcomes. Capacity to engage students or industry with program models and manage program data in accordance with government and education policy. Experience in advanced interventions for complex cases requiring cross‑profession or industry collaboration. Effective communication skills when engaging with stakeholders and management, and a commitment to DET values. Ability to manage personal workload and deliver a program that involves many stakeholders. Proficiency in data systems and analysis. Role Role Purpose The Head Start Coordinator is a professional role delivering a critical management and support function using a student‑centred approach. The coordinator may support students from up to 50 government secondary and specialist schools, as well as Flexible Learning Options settings that align with one of the twelve program hubs across Victoria. Develop and support Head Start arrangements that align with individual students’ career aspirations. Support students’ progress through school and training; conduct site visits and review the appropriateness of the work or training site. Provide students with relevant skills development for the workplace and training settings; maintain a safe, supportive, positive environment. Ensure appropriate support levels across schools, providing timely advice to the Hub Director, teachers and career practitioners. Develop and implement professional support tools for the success of the Head Start program. Liaise with the general school community, the department, other agencies, and employers as required. Identify improvement opportunities and risks for strong student outcomes. Responsibilities Key Accountabilities Manage the delivery of program support services using a student‑centred approach across schools or industry. Determine work priorities, schedule and approach consistent with policy frameworks; manage relationships with school staff. Develop and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders such as students, employers, training providers, LLENs and the local community. Negotiate and manage contracts and service agreements related to the program; act on behalf of the Head Start leadership team. Improve interconnections between senior secondary reform programs and other departmental initiatives. Maintain detailed records for each student and industry engagement and analyse data to inform leadership. Provide student supervision where required (up to 4 individuals in controlled circumstances). Other duties as directed. Who May Apply Individuals with the aptitude, experience, and/or a tertiary qualification that will add value to the context of education, training, and skills opportunities for students. EEO and OHS Commitment Department values diversity and is committed to workforce diversity and equal opportunity. It promotes safe, supportive, and harassment‑free workplaces and encourages people from disadvantaged groups to apply. Child Safe Standards Victorian government schools are child‑safe environments. All staff are committed to protecting students from abuse or harm in accordance with child‑safe standards. DE Values Employees commit to upholding values: Responsiveness, Integrity, Impartiality, Accountability, Respect, Leadership and Human Rights. Conditions of Employment Hold a current driver’s licence. Have or obtain a Working with Children check. Be highly mobile, working across a range of schools. Work from locations other than the host school. May be required to work some school holiday periods. Subject to a satisfactory pre‑employment conditions check. Probationary period may apply during the first year of employment. Access to a broad range of employment conditions and working arrangements. Other Information All staff are required to comply with relevant legislation and the Department’s policies. Employees are expected to act in an environmentally responsible manner. Flexibility may be required due to policy amendments or COVID‑related changes. All queries should be directed to the Hub Director. #J-18808-Ljbffr