iCare Staffing has been a proud partner of Hester Hornbook Academy since 2023, and we are excited to be teaming up with them to connect experienced Youth Workers with a school where every day makes a difference for young people.

Hester Hornbrook Academy is a flexible learning school which provides wellbeing for learning and learning for wellbeing. Recognising that mainstream education is not suitable for all young people, their programs are driven by the personal pursuits of students.

Hester Hornbrook has campuses in Werribee, Sunshine, Melbourne CBD and South Melbourne, with multiple opportunities available.

Hester Hornbrook’s HOPE (Healing Oriented Program of Education), informs the work they do each day, ensuring the integration of academic intervention and growth with wellbeing and life skills. Applied learning includes VPC (Victorian Pathways Certificate), VM (VCE Vocational Major) and VETiS (Vocational Education and Training in Schools.

As a Classroom Youth Worker, you’ll work as part of a multidisciplinary classroom team alongside teachers and educational support staff to create a safe, respectful, and productive learning environment. You’ll support young people who face barriers to mainstream education, helping them re-engage with learning through wellbeing support, relationship-building, and outreach.

These positions will commence on Thursday 22 January 2026.

About You

You’re a natural relationship-builder, a calm presence, and someone who thrives in a dynamic environment. You bring empathy, resilience, and professionalism to every interaction and have strong team work and communication skills.

You have:

· A qualification in Youth Work, Social Work, or Community Development, or significant experience supporting young people in education and outreach.

· Experience working with young people facing barriers to education — including those from LGBTQIA+, First Nations, CALD, or Out-of-Home Care backgrounds.

· An understanding of trauma-informed practice and restorative justice principles.

· A strong commitment to child safety and creating inclusive learning spaces.

· A Working with Children Check, National Police/Criminal History Check, Victorian Driver’s Licence, Evidence of the right to work in Australia and a minimum of two professional references.

Why Join Hester Hornbrook Academy?

· Work with a value-based organisation, making a difference in the lives of young people

· Opportunities available at multiple campuses

· Access to Salary Packaging as a not-for-profit organisation

· Ongoing professional development opportunities, including participation in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs)

· Flexible Non-school term time (school holidays) with a combination of offline self-care time and some online and professional development time.

Apply now!

Think you’re the right fit for this role? We would love to hear from you! Please click the ‘Apply now’ button and submit a copy of your current resume and a cover letter addressing the Key Selection Criteria:

Key Selection Criteria:

· A qualification in Youth Work/Social Work/Community Development or significant demonstrated experience in both classroom and outreach.

· Proven ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team to provide outreach supports to disengaged young people to enable them to develop wellbeing for learning and achieve educational success.

· Experience working with young people who have existing barriers to engaging in education, young people who identify as LGBTQIA+, First Nations young people, young people from diverse cultural backgrounds and young people in Out of Home Care.

· An understanding of trauma-informed practice, restorative justice principles and the necessary skills to engage young people with multiple and complex needs.

· Demonstrated capacity to work flexibly and collaboratively, with the ability to manage competing demands

Applications to also include a specific example of 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. Please also include your campus location/s preference.

For a confidential chat about this role, please contact iCare Operations Manager Steve Brown: 0432 045 710