Remote School Attendance Strategy Coordinator

• $75,545+ super + not for profit salary packaging benefits + very remote location benefits
• Permanent Full Time Contract 
• Location:  Meekatharra WA 6642
• Make a meaningful difference to the lives of Australians in need

Life at Mission Australia

When you join the team at Mission Australia, you become part of a community who are determined to end homelessness and ensure people in need can thrive. United by our Christian purpose and values, we stand together with anyone who needs us, for as long as they need us. Find out more about us and our purpose.

Your Opportunity 

The Meekatharra Education Engagement and Attainment Initiatives (MEEAI) program brings together families, schools, communities, and other services to develop local solutions that increase and sustain school attendance. The MEEAI team collaborates with families and Meekatharra District High School to support children—prioritizing those aged 12 years and under—who have an attendance rate between 30% and 70%.

Join a team of exceptional people, to develop a community plan to identify ways to ensure all children in the community go to school every day.

As the Education Engagement and Attainment Initiatives Coordinator, you will be based in Meekatharra and play a vital role in supporting young people, parents, families, local organisations, and agencies to promote consistent school attendance. You will help families engage with schools, recognise and reinforce their aspirations and strengths, and provide practical support to address barriers to attendance. Working under general guidance, you will have the autonomy to exercise initiative in achieving positive education and employment outcomes for clients.

Your Key Responsibilities 

• Conduct daily, weekly, and periodic tasks, including morning and afternoon bus runs, food preparation, uniform support, homework assistance, and holiday activities.
• Engage with children and families to highlight the importance of regular school attendance and provide necessary support.
• Celebrate attendance improvements by delivering rewards and incentives to young people and their families.
• Collaborate with families to understand and address barriers to school attendance, including advocacy and warm referrals to support services.
• Work with the school to monitor attendance, follow up on student absences, and support truancy interventions through phone calls and home visits.
• Participate in community meetings and events to share information, increase awareness, and foster collaboration to support school attendance.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records in relevant information systems, ensuring compliance with reporting and funding requirements.

Requirements for Success 

With a significant background the child, youth & family sector, you will be confident in working with young people within a community service or education setting.   Other requirements include: 

• Strong engagement skills, particularly with local community groups, the Meekatharra Aboriginal Reference Group, agencies, local organisations, and schools.
• Demonstrated ability to work with young people, parents, grandparents, carers, and other family members in a culturally sensitive manner.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience in providing advocacy, referrals, and practical support to individuals and families experiencing challenges.
• Punctual, reliable, and capable of role-modelling professional work practices while meeting service delivery deadlines.
• Relevant qualifications (degree or diploma) with at least one year of experience in a community service or education setting, or substantial relevant experience in lieu of formal qualifications.
• Full driver licence with no restrictions

Before starting work with us, you will need to undertake a national police history check, qualifications, and referee checks, and have a clearance to work with children/vulnerable people. 

Our Culture 

Our innovative and inclusive culture will ensure you feel valued at Mission Australia as you help Australians in need and develop in your career.    

We prioritise the safety and wellbeing of everyone, both within our team and the individuals we serve.

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive working environment. We actively support and encourage people of all backgrounds; gender, age, ethnicity, race, cultural background, disability, religion, and sexual orientation to submit an application and aim to ensure that the recruitment and employee experience is as accessible and inclusive as possible. So, whoever you are, if you’re skilled and actively support our purpose and values, you would be welcome at Mission Australia. 

If you live with disability and require support to submit your application, please email talentattraction@missionaustralia.com.au or visit our Careers page for additional contact details.

We strongly encourage applications from people who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. For culturally safe support or assistance with your application, please contact us at deadlycareers@missionaustralia.com.au

Your Benefits

To ensure our employees feel valued, empowered, and celebrated, we provide a range of employee benefits including: 

• Rewarding work – every day you know you’re making a real difference
• Not-for-profit salary packaging, reducing your tax (details via AccessPay)
• Free external, confidential counselling and access to chaplaincy support.
• Volunteering opportunities  
• Extra leave available including an additional public holiday, additional annual leave day on your work anniversary and the opportunity to purchase further annual leave.
• Very Remote benefits include:
  • Additional $1,000 each year to help with cost of living in a remote area
  • 5 weeks Annual Leave
  • Access to up to 5 additional days Personal/carers leave each year

How To Apply

To be considered for this opportunity, click ‘apply’ and send your application today! 

As a committed Circle Back Initiative employer, we will respond to your application.

Applications for this role are shortlisted as received and we are interviewing through the advertising period. 
Apply quickly to be considered for this exciting and soul satisfying role.