We have an exciting opportunity for a motivated individual to step into the role of Welfare Officer at Indie School in Bendigo. This position is designed for an individual who is looking to develop their skillset in the youth and community services space. In this role, you will work closely with our Assistant Welfare Officer, Head of School to support students’ holistic welfare needs while investing in your own professional development. This role provides opportunities for professional development and learning, allowing this role to be a stepping stone for growth within Indie and the broader community.

About Indie School:

Indie School provides students the opportunity to learn in a supportive environment using individualised learning and education plans, tailored to each student's own education and life circumstances. Smaller class sizes allow students greater opportunity to identify their strengths and work to improve areas in which they lack confidence.

The greatest difference between Indie School and many other alternative education settings is that our foundations lie in Adult Education philosophies. Choice, independence, mutual respect and accountability all have a significant role to play. In return for higher levels of self-responsibility, the students can enjoy some greater freedoms.

Our shared mission is to respond to the learning needs of Australian communities in a positive manner, underpinned by strong corporate governance and financial management. Our core values of respect, innovation, self development, and teamwork underpin every aspect of our work.

Core Workplace Objectives

• Monitor and support the holistic wellbeing and welfare needs of the learners.
• Ensure learners receive the social and emotional support required to develop knowledge, understanding and skills that support learning, positive behaviour and constructive social relationships.

Key Responsibilities:
As a Welfare Officer, you will:

• Act as a main support person for Indie School senior school students aged 15 - 18 years.
• Facilitate student enrolment into Indie School, conduct interviews, and assist students and families to complete enrolment paperwork.
• Assess student needs, facilitate access and negotiate appropriate support and referral to services as required.
• Develop and implement structured welfare programs to support student wellbeing.
• Educate students about safe practices, how to seek further assistance and guidance across a range of welfare related matters.
• Identify, monitor, and develop intervention strategies for at risk students.
• Liaise with students, carers/parents/guardians and other stakeholders to resolve student issues.
• Work closely with the administration support team to ensure compliance with the enrolment and withdrawal processes for students and record keeping requirements of the relevant department of education.
• Follow up enrolment enquiries and liaise with the Head of School to ensure that students are enrolled into the education program that best suits student educational needs and engagement levels.
• Liaise with the Head of School to provide training for teachers and support staff across welfare related areas including how to respond to and manage a range of challenging situations.
• Pro-actively liaise with referring welfare agencies and schools to raise awareness of Indie School as an alternative registered school for students who find mainstream schooling too challenging.
• Establish and maintain a database of referral agencies and attend regular welfare sector networking events.
• Provide monthly reports to Welfare Manager.
• Complete annual professional development that is provided by Indie.

For this position with our company, applicants must:

• Demonstrate experience and passion in the provision of individual support and working with young people.
• Have skills and experience in working with Microsoft Office (including Excel spreadsheets, Word, PowerPoint, Publisher and Outlook).
• Have a high level of interpersonal skills including the ability to negotiate and resolve conflict.

Essential Requirements:

• Relevant State Working with Children’s Check.
• Annual National Police Check (issued in the 3-months prior to appointment)
• Current and valid driver’s license.
• A minimum qualification of Diploma in Community Services, Counselling, Youth Work, Social Science, Social Work or related discipline.

Benefits and Perks:

• As a registered Public Benevolent Institution (PBI), we offer access to tax effective packaging via Maxxia: up to $15,900 per (FBT) year (plus up to $2,650 for meals & entertainment) to significantly boost your take-home pay!
• 15 days of paid personal leave, plus comprehensive paid parental leave provisions.
• Annual professional development allocation and study time during work hours.
• Unlimited access to a complimentary wellness program via Sonder for both you and your immediate family, featuring confidential, professional counselling, diverse mental health resources, and broader wellbeing initiatives designed to support personal and family resilience.
• Travel opportunities to visit other sites across Australia.
• Full time permanent position, Monday to Friday.
• Uniform, laptop and mobile phone provided.
• Large national organisation with internal mobility opportunities.

Remuneration:
Level 10 (AWCC Enterprise Agreement 2022-2025) $92,084 per annum, plus superannuation.

Ready to Apply:
Submit your application via SEEK’s ‘Apply’ button, which will redirect you to Indie School’s recruitment portal.

For any enquiries please contact Jason Neale, Welfare Manager via email: [email protected].

Please apply by COB 29 October 2025. Applications will be reviewed upon submission. Interviews and appointment may occur prior to close date.

Commitment to Safety & Inclusion:
Indie Education is proud to be a child-safe organisation committed to the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of all students. Applicants should familiarise themselves with our child safety policy, code of conduct, and commitment to child safety, available on our website.

Indie embraces diversity and encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, and people with disabilities.