Position Description: Pathways Manager

Position Description: Pathways Manager

1About MITS

The Melbourne Indigenous Transition School (MITS) is a residential transition school for Indigenous students from remote and regional communities. Each year, 22 boys and girls at Year 7 come to MITS for one year. MITS believes that wellbeing is central to the continuing success of its students, and tailors its programs to reflect this philosophy.

At the end of their MITS year, students transition into scholarship positions at Melbourne schools. The students, their schools and their Melbourne host families are assisted by our Pathways Program which continues to support their development in Melbourne through Years 8 to 10. MITS recognises the diversity of aspirations, interests and talents of its graduates, and commits to assisting each student to identify post-secondary pathways that fulfil their ambitions in their adult life.

The development of relationships of trust, understanding and clear communication with families, guardians, Indigenous communities and schools is core to this role. The fostering of strong and respectful relationships within a strong culture based on the school values of respect, courage,culture, and care is also a core part of the role.

2Role Purpose

The core purpose of the role is to:

• develop and maintain a Pathways Program that continues to support, enable and empower MITS students throughout their education in Melbourne and towards establishing their desired career;
• liaise with Partner Schools and MITS staff to build a sound understanding of both MITS’s students and the its Partner Schools, enabling each student to be matched with the best school for them;
• develop resources and materials specific to Indigenous education, and culture for both Partner Schoolsand Melbourne Families,to ensure schools are enabled to deliver appropriate education and support to MITS Alumni,and to help families to best support the students in their care; and
• manage the Pathways Teamto ensure they are effective in their roles to provide MITS Alumniwith support, socially, academically and culturally and to ensure staff are effective in their deliver of the Pathways program to MITS Alumni, Melbourne Families and Partner Schools.

3Key Responsibilities

3.1Strategic Direction and Leadership

As a member of the Leadership Team, the Pathways Manager will:

• (vision) provide vision and leadership while modelling strong values that align with those of MITS;
• (thought-leadership) keep abreast of developing trends in Indigenous education and Indigenous affairs, acting as a thought-leader for MITS and the Leadership Team;
• (board) facilitate ongoing and active communication with the MITS Board to identify agreed objectives and key strategies and report on progress towards achievement of those objectives;
• (staff culture) appreciate, respect and affirm others and work effectively with all members of the MITS community to create a positive and collaborative culture;
• (cultural safety) create a culturally safe environment in which the cultural identity of each student and staff member is valued and celebrated;
• (inclusion) provide a supportive working environment for people of all ages, skills, abilities, social and cultural backgrounds;
• (child safety) develop policy, strategy, management practice and culture to ensure a high level of concern for student wellbeing and child safety, informing and training all Pathways Team staff on child safety practice
• (strategy development) determine strategic and operational priorities in line with MITS’s mission, key strategies and board objectives. In conjunction with the Board, develop plans considering good governance, risk management and financial stewardship;
• (strategy implementation) take a lead role in the implementation and achievement of MITS strategic objectives within the scope of the Pathways Team; and
• (policy and procedure) lead and coordinate the ongoing process of reviewing and updating policies and procedures relating to the Pathways Team.

3.2Governance, Risk & Compliance

As a member of the Leadership Team, the Pathways Manager will:

• (compliance) within the scope of the Pathways Team, ensure MITS fulfils its legal, statutory, financial and ethical obligations;
• (governance) ensure good governance by delivering consistent management, cohesive policies, guidance, processes and decision-rights for given area of responsibility, with proper oversight and accountability;
• (OH&S) maintain a safe and healthy environment for staff, students and visitors and comply with all provisions of the relevant workplace health and safety legislation; and
• (risk) continuously monitor and manage risk through effective risk planning and the implementation of effective risk mitigation strategies.

3.3Melbourne Partner Schools

The Pathways Manager will:

• (develop opportunities) in consultation with the Board, develop future opportunities for MITS students within Melbourne Schools though ongoing liaison with potential and existing Partner Schools and their staff;
• (transfer records) facilitate the transfer of MITS student records and reports to theirPartner School andcontinuously review Partner Schools’ needs,and managetheir expectations in relation to information transfer;
• (knowledge sharing) upskill Partner Schools by developing and delivering a Pathways Program that includes resource, material and training specific to Indigenousculture and education; and
• (coordinate enrolments at Partner Schools) plan and manageenrolment of MITS students at Partner Schools, including MITS student visits prior to commencement, issuing of school and sports uniforms andtransfer of ABSTUDY entitlements to Partner Schools;
• (Melbourne Family advice) support PartnerSchools to discharge their responsibilities to select and on-board suitable MelbourneFamilies by providing advice, access to networks, know-how and general support; and
• (careers) connect with the Indigenous Coordinators, Careers Officers and others in the Melbourne community to fully utilise the resources of Melbourne Schools.

3.4Melbourne Families

The Pathways Manager will:

• (orientation) provide support to MelbourneFamilies enabling them to meet, exchange ideas and provide mutual support by organising New MelbourneFamily events, meetings and briefings;
• (Melbourne Family visits) plan and manage the introduction of MITS students and their families to their recommended Melbourne Families, by facilitatingvisits for students with their recommendedMelbourneFamily during Term Four, andby delivering to Partner Schools an effective assessment of potential Melbourne Families to fully safeguard students while they are still under MITS’s care;
• (guidance) provide guidance and share knowledge with MelbourneFamilies by developing and delivering a Pathways Program that includes resources, materials and training specific to hosting MITS students;
• (term events) enable MelbourneFamilies to exchange ideas and provide mutual support by organising at least oneMelbourneFamily event each term; and
• (sustainability)deliver a Pathways Program that supports the successful integration and the long-termstability of relationships between MITS Alumni and their Melbourne Family,throughregular contact and ongoing communication. This will require home visits outside of normal working hours.

3.5Alumni and Students

The Pathways Manager will:

• (Student Placemen Subcommittee) as part of the Student PlacementSubcommittee, assess the best match of MITS students to PartnerSchools by liaising with the Head of Boarding and Head of School to access a range of reports and information on individual students’ academic progress, learning achievements, and social and personal attributes, by compiling and analysing all available data, opinions and perspectives;
• (cultural support) ensure MITS Alumniintegrate to the Melbourne Family, their Partner School and the Melbourne environment while maintaining respect for their own culture, language, country and identity by providing culturally appropriate support and encouragement;
• (wellbeing) help MITS Alumniaddress their wellbeing and relationship concerns within their PartnerSchool and MelbourneFamily by developing supportive relationships between MITS Alumni,the Pathways Team and Partner School staff;
• (academic) develop strategies to help MITS Alumni achieve their academic potential by assisting their Partner Schools to monitor their academicprogress and help them overcome obstacles; and
• (term events) enable MITS Alumni to retain their shared relationships by organising frequent MITS Alumni events with the cooperation and authorisationof Partner Schools and Melbourne Families. This will be done at least onceeach term and in accordance with all relevant MITS Policies and Procedures.

3.6Parent & Family Liaison

The Pathways Manager will:

• (family liaison) exchange information with Parents and Guardians to keep them informed, respond to their questions and manage their concerns regarding their children’s Melbourne School and Host Family or Boarding placement; and
• (relationships) build and maintain strong relationships of trust and understanding with the parents and guardians of MITS alumni to ensure they are participating in their child’s education in Melbourne, that their child’s academic, wellbeing and cultural needs are being met, and that any concerns they may have are addressed in a timely and discreet manner.

3.7MITS Community

The Pathways Manager will:

• (community) be fully and actively involved in the life of MITS, maintain and develop the profile of the organisation in the community and represent MITS in public forums and to critical stakeholders;
• (development) fully support MITS development and donor engagement strategies by attending fundraising and supporter events and contributing to MITS’s ongoing efforts to bring together Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians in positive, supportive and respectful environments, contributing to reconciliation in Australia; and
• (communication) develop and maintain effective communication with the diverse members of the MITS community. This may include volunteers, Partner Schools, Indigenous communities, communityschools, benefactors, Government, families and the wider community.

3.8Staff Management

(a)Management of Staff and Volunteers

The Pathways Manager will:

• (staff supervision) provide leadership to and supervision of staff and volunteers in the execution of their day-to-day duties, while creating and maintaining a team environment both within the specific team and the organisation; and
• (rosters) maintain appropriate staffing level through effective rostering, covering for absent staff and arranging replacement staff as necessary.

(b)Professional Development & Performance

The Pathways Manager will:

• (staff appraisal) promote and improve employee effectiveness by supporting a culture of continuous review, development and open communication in which managers and staff work together to plan, monitor and review work performance, objectives, goals and their overall contribution to MITS;
• (DnA) complete formal staff “DnA” appraisals yearly or twice-yearly to set clear targets and develop Professional Development and Performance Plans;
• (skills & knowledge) ensure all staff have the skills & knowledge to follow procedures and policy and to use critical software, database and records systems; and
• (professional development) support the ongoing professional development of the Pathways Team by identifying suitable opportunities in line with MITS’s priorities and budgets.

(c)Recruitment

The Pathways Manager will:

• (recruitment) in cooperation with Human Resources and the Executive Director, coordinate the recruitment, assessment, selection, documentation and appointment of staff within the Pathways Team. As required, they will assist with the recruitment, selection and appointments of new staff for other teams at MITS; and
• (induction) conduct appropriate onboarding and inductions for new staff and volunteers to ensure they are familiar with all relevant policies and procedures, and have the training and knowledge to discharge their duties effectively.

(d)Records

The Pathways Manager will:

• (records) Maintain staff records including payroll, leave and expense reimbursements and ensure documents are authorised and submitted to the Administration Officer in a timely manner;
• (student pathways) develop and maintain reports on Student Pathways as required in consultation with the Executive Director; and
• (staffing and human resources) provide timely reporting across a range of issues including staff performance, retention and recruitment within the Pathways Team. This will include timely, relevant and up to date verbal and written reports to inform the Leadership Team and Board.

3.9Meetings

The Pathways Manager will:

• (meetings) attend weekly and monthly meetings to contribute ideas, share knowledge and facilitate effectively communicate all issues of common interest or concern; and
• (Pathways Team and subcommittee) lead and Chair briefings and meetings, distribute agendas and ensure minutes are recorded and distributed in a timely manner. This applies to Pathways Team meetings, committee and panel meetings, and requires the Pathways Manager to ensure meetings are purposeful, timely and minuted.

3.10Operations and Administration

The Pathways Manger will:

• (financial & accounting) in partnership with the Executive Director, manage the financial affairs of the Pathways Teamincluding budget planning, monitoring of expenditure and income and compliance with all financial standards;
• (OH&S) act as Occupational Health and Safety Officer for staff and volunteers within the Pathways Team. This includes conducting safety induction, monitoring and reporting on accidents and incidents and assessing and managing risk and compliance;
• (information sharing) share information with colleagues, MITS staff and stakeholders in a timely, appropriate, clear and professional manner;
• (records) ensure quality records and data are maintained with diligence and a high degree of confidentiality and privacy to protect student and family information. The Pathways Team will play an important role in ensuring the integrity of data, through the capture of accurate, reliable and meaningful data; and timely data entry, data management, correction of errors, and submission;
• (emergency response) maintain a current understanding of all Emergency Policies and Procedures, ensuring all Pathways Team staff they have the training and knowledge and are ready to implement if necessary.

4Key Selection Criteria

4.1Qualifications and/orExperience Relevant to this Role

The Pathways Manger will have:

• a broad understanding of the development and educational needs of adolescents and young adults;
• sound experience as an educator, ideally in a senior role such as careers advisor or Head of Department and in schools similar to MITS’s Partner Schools;
• extensive experience in program development and the capacity to develop, document and implement the MITS Pathways Program and relevant policy;
• a deep appreciation of the learning styles, social and emotional needs of Indigenous students at secondary school level;
• well-developed skills in the management and guidance for students in regard to education and their career planning;
• proven leadership and staff management skills with the experience to supervise and guide a small team;
• demonstrated skills in the management of parent and school relationships;
• proven diplomacy and public relationship skills and flexibility; and
• ability to build effective networks with tertiary institutes, registered training authorities, etc to identify suitable pathways for MITS students and alumni.

4.2Personal Attributes

The Pathways Manger will:

• identify as a person of Indigenous heritage or have strong relationships, background, knowledge and understanding of Indigenous people and communities;
• demonstrate respect for the importance of educational with a knowledge of schools in Indigenous communities and the issues relating to transition to Partner Schools; and
• demonstrate a commitment to social justice, social inclusion, and reconciliation to improve outcomes for Indigenous people and communities.

4.3General Competencies

• (communication and interpersonal skills) Well-developed written and verbal communication skills to liaise effectively with a diverse range of people, to develop and share information and ideas.
• (record keeping) Effective administration skills with knowledge of software and the capacity to maintain accurate, transparent and comprehensive records.
• (administration) Excellent organisational, administrative and time management skills to manage resources and maximise outcomes.
• (team work) Ability to work as part of a small team and to collaborate with colleagues to plan and enable the successful and confident transition of MITS students into Partner Schools.
• (conflict resolution) Proven ability to identify issues, resolve conflict, analyse options and negotiate an agreed outcome.

4.4Other Criteria

• Experience living and working outside a major urban city or in a remote community.
• Demonstrated experience in an environment which includes both male and female residential students.
• Current Victorian driver’s licence.
• Ability to travel within the Northern Territory and Victoria as required.

5Important Information

5.1MITS Values

Staff and Volunteers of MITS are required to demonstrate a commitment to supporting students at Year 7 level to enable their successful and confident transition from home community to Melbourne schools. The fostering of a safe and inclusive community based on the school values of respect, courage, culture and care is the responsibility of all staff.

MITS staff acknowledge and value the contribution of colleagues within the school, listen to and consulting with others, communicating proactively to ensure that collaborative practices are maintained.

5.2Child Safety

MITS assures the right of every student and staff member to a safe environment. In particular, MITS is committed to child safety, and adheres to the Child Safe Standards through its Child Safe Policy. Each MITS staff member and volunteer is required to sign and act in accordance with MITS’s Child Safety Code of Conduct.

The Pathways Manager must ensure that they act in accordance with MITS’s Child Safe Policy and Child Safety Code of Conduct. Whilst the Pathways Manager does not have any specific duties or responsibilities in relation to child safety, they must be mindful that matters of child safety may arise through their work with MITS students and with MITS Alumni. Where matters of child safety arise through work with MITS Alumni, the Pathways Manager may be required to report these matters to the relevant Partner School.