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 Senior 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 Senior Youth Worker, you will build positive relationships and rapport with ease, have a calm presence and thrive in a dynamic and busy environment. This role will provide onsite leadership and expert advice to youth workers, educators and education support officers focused on enhancing student’s learning for wellbeing and wellbeing for learning. You’ll work as part of a collaborative classroom team and provide support tailored around positive outcomes for students, both on campus and through outreach. This role is part of Hester Hornbrook’s Wellbeing Leadership team and will have a broad range of functions within wellbeing, as well as facilitate regular formal supervision and reflective practice to staff and provide daily operational support to onsite leadership as required. This role will also have a minimum of 1 day/4 sessions per week allocated to a classroom or program (classroom instruction, student supervision, assertive outreach etc.)

The role will commence on Thursday 22 January 2026.

Key Selection Criteria:

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

Proven ability to provide outreach supports to disengaged young people to enable them to develop educational knowledge and skills to transition to the classroom.

Experience working with young people facing barriers to education — including those from LGBTQIA+, First Nations, CALD, or Out-of-Home Care backgrounds and the necessary skills to engage young people with multiple and complex needs.

Demonstrated experience working within a case management framework with highly developed skills and experience in risk management and needs assessment.

Demonstrated experience working with external stakeholders and convening care team meetings.

Demonstrated experience in leading staff and managing day to day competing priorities.

Understanding of relevant legislation, including child safe standards as they are relevant to a senior secondary school setting.

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

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 (above):

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