Aboriginal and Islander Education Officer

Job Summary

This is an exceptional opportunity to join the Department of Education, Western Australia, as an Aboriginal and Islander Education Officer (AIEO) at Greenfields Primary School, located in the heart of Mandurah. The role is central to fostering an inclusive, culturally responsive learning environment where every student is known, valued, and supported to achieve success. As an AIEO, you will be a key liaison between the school, families, and the local Aboriginal community, working to improve outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. This position is ideal for a passionate, community-minded individual who is committed to strengthening relationships, promoting cultural understanding, and supporting student engagement, attendance, wellbeing, and academic achievement. You will join a dedicated Student Services team and contribute to a school culture that values collaboration, high expectations, and continuous improvement. This is a full-time or part-time role, with both permanent and fixed-term vacancies available during the 2026 school year.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as a liaison between the school, families, and the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community to strengthen home-school partnerships.
• Support student engagement, attendance, wellbeing, and academic achievement by providing mentoring, pastoral care, and advocacy.
• Work collaboratively with classroom teachers to implement culturally responsive learning experiences and provide cultural advice to staff.
• Assist in the coordination of cultural events, NAIDOC week activities, and community engagement opportunities.
• Liaise with community organizations and support services to enhance outcomes for students.
• Participate as an active member of the Student Services team, contributing to the development and evaluation of culturally responsive education programs.
• Promote and celebrate Aboriginal culture across the entire school community.
• Provide feedback and evaluation of programs to teachers and allied health professionals as required.
• Support the school's commitment to inclusive practices and culturally responsive education.

Role Requirements & Qualifications

• Aboriginality is a genuine occupational qualification for this position under section 50d of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA). Only applicants who are Aboriginal will be considered.
• Must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent resident, or hold a valid visa with relevant work rights for the term of the appointment.
• Must obtain a valid Working With Children Check before starting.
• Must consent to a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check and obtain a current Screening Clearance Number issued by the Department of Education's Screening Unit before starting.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the histories, languages, social and cultural protocols of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of culturally responsive strategies that support the wellbeing, engagement, and learning of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
• Demonstrated effective written and oral communication skills, including the ability to interact with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and liaise with parents, caregivers, families, teachers, and community members.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of building culturally safe environments for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• Demonstrated effective organizational skills that assist in delivering culturally responsive education programs and subsequent feedback and evaluation.

Skills Inventory

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to build authentic relationships with students, families, and community members.
• Ability to work collaboratively with teachers, school leaders, and external agencies.
• Proactive, flexible, and committed to making a positive difference in children's lives.
• Organizational skills to coordinate events and manage multiple responsibilities.
• Cultural knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and protocols.
• Mentoring and pastoral care abilities to support student wellbeing.
• Basic computer literacy for documentation and reporting (preferred).
• Ability to provide cultural advice and guidance to staff (preferred).

Salary & Compensation Estimation

While the specific salary range is not listed, similar AIEO roles in Western Australia typically offer an annual salary between AUD 55,000 and AUD 68,000, depending on experience and qualifications. For reference, this equates to approximately GHS 450,000 to GHS 560,000 per year. The Department of Education also offers superannuation benefits, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment. The final compensation will be in line with the Department's enterprise agreement and the successful candidate's experience.