Education Specialist - 2026

Our Education and Engagement Programs deliver high-quality services to provide positive educational experiences for children and young people who have experienced trauma, placement breakdowns and/or challenges to school engagement

About Us:

At MacKillop Education, we are more than just a school—we are a safe, supportive community dedicated to helping children and young people who are disengaged or at risk of disengaging from education. Having operated for over 10 years, our schools specialise in providing expert, professional support to our students who struggle in mainstream settings. Our passionate and dedicated staff, trained in trauma-informed practices, are at the heart of our success, making a real difference in our students' lives.

Want to learn more? Take a look: MacKillop Education 

About the role:

Join our mission to empower every child and young person with the learning opportunities they deserve! At the heart of our vision is a commitment to ensuring equitable access to education for those who need it most—particularly children and young people who are vulnerable or disengaged from the traditional education system.

In this dynamic role, the Education Specialist will be at the forefront of transforming learning outcomes for children and young people in foster, kinship, and residential care settings. You’ll provide essential outreach education support, advocate for those at risk of disengagement, and make a lasting impact on their educational journey.

As part of the passionate Education and Engagement team, you’ll work alongside a dedicated group of professionals, reporting directly to the Access Ed and Thrive Team Leader. This is your chance to make a real difference—help shape the future for those who need it the most!

Our Clifton Hill campus is a Foundation - Senior Years school.

We have x4 Full-Time ongoing opportunities based at our brand new school in Clifton Hill, VIC within our MacKillop Education and Engagement Program. The position reports to the Access Ed and Thrive Program Team Leader. This position will start in January 2026.

Key Selection Criteria:

• Demonstrated case management experience working with disengaged youth
• Tertiary Qualifications in Education with relevant experience
• Strong understanding of existing youth services and alternative education pathways
• Demonstrated professional experience, training and skills in the provision of supportive and empowering services available for young people
• Understand and work within Child Safety Standards and guidelines
• Commitment to social justice where all people can live to their full potential

Please address the full Key Selection Criteria outlined in the PD as part of your application.

For a full position listing, please click APPLY. The Position Description is available for review at the bottom of the page.

Why Work in Clifton Hill?

Situated just 4 km from Melbourne’s bustling CBD, Clifton Hill is a vibrant and tranquil haven that perfectly blends city convenience with leafy serenity. This sought-after neighborhood is surrounded by lush green spaces like Yarra Bend Park and is superbly connected by public transport, making your commute effortless. Clifton Hill’s warm, diverse community and peaceful atmosphere create an inspiring environment to live, learn, and thrive.

For more information, please contact:

Miranda Zuzic at miranda.zuzic@mackillop.org.au

Please note email applications will not be accepted. Apply via the link

Our Offer:

• Generous salary and leave entitlements in line with the Catholic Education Multi-Enterprise Agreement 2022.
• Salary packaging up to $18,500 (helps increase your take home pay).
• Discounted workplace health and fitness program available to you and your family.
• Paid on-site training that contributes to your professional development.
• Regular supervision.
• Great and Supportive Team
• Awesome Location
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – free and confidential counselling, coaching and emotional support for work and personal challenges.

You must have a:

• Valid and current Driver’s Licence;
• Satisfactory Criminal History Check (paid for by MacKillop);
• Current valid VIT Registration
• Valid Employee Working with Children Check;
• Valid and current NDIS Workers Screening Check (for risk assessed / client facing roles). MacKillop can assist successful candidates with their application.

Our Commitment:

MacKillop celebrates and draws strength from diversity and respects the dignity of all people. Every person at MacKillop has the right to be safe and to be treated justly. We value every person’s ability, cultural or linguistic backgrounds, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, intersex status, relationship status, religious or spiritual beliefs, socio-economic status, and age.

It is our goal that MacKillop Family Services continues to evolve as a culturally safe, culturally competent, and welcoming organisation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people, families, and communities.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

Shortlisting for this position may commence immediately so please submit your application as soon as possible.

Child Safe Standards 

MacKillop Education schools are child safe environments. Our schools actively promote the safety and wellbeing of all students, and all school staff are committed to protecting students from abuse or harm in the school environment, in accordance with their legal obligations including child safe standards.