APS 6, Head of Boarding, Canon Boggo Pilot Hostel, Thursday Island, QLD
Work within a remarkable part of Australia! Your opportunity to make a significant contribution to the educational, social and cultural development of young First Nations people.
AHL’s purpose is to provide safe, culturally appropriate and affordable accommodation for First Nations people who need to be away from home to access medical services, education and economic opportunities.
AHL is dedicated. Aboriginal Hostels Limited (AHL) staff provide accommodation and meals for residents in a supportive environment, assisted by local First Nations service providers and referral agencies.
AHL also supports the Australian Government’s efforts to improve economic outcomes for First Nations people. By purchasing goods and services from First Nations businesses at every opportunity, we help support a more inclusive economy. We are proud to be one of the largest employers of First Nations people in the Australian Public Service.
AHL’s Secondary Education Hostels are dedicated to providing a Home Away from Home for Indigenous Australians (aged 12-18 years) attending partner schools (grades 7 - 12).
Our commitment in our student hostels is to ensure that we provide a fair, honest and culturally respectful environment that values each student and their connection to country.
As Head of Boarding, you will be critical in managing and supervising the day to day operations of the hostel to ensure appropriate pastoral care is provided to students. An exciting opportunity to contribute to the educational, social and cultural development of young First Nations students.
You will be a leader for Residential Youth Workers and Hostel Workers, and key contact for students, teachers, parents and stakeholders. You will have prior management experience and be able to manage staff matters as well as difficult student situations and behaviours.
The successful candidate will:
• Have a strong understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and issues affecting First Nations peoples.
• Proven ability to support outcomes for First Nations peoples with an ability to communciate effectively and sensitively.
• Demonstrated staff management experience with capability to handle difficult student situations and behaviours.
• Capacity to work independently and manage competing priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with First Nations peoples.
• Ability to uphold high ethical youth worker practices and principles which includes duty of care towards young people, maintaining confidentiality and respecting privacy of individuals, honest and maintaining appropriate boundaries at all times.
Essential qualifications and training
• First Aid Certificate
• Emergency Warden Training
• Food Safety Supervisor Certificate
Please note: If you do not hold any of the above qualifications or training, you will need to obtain in your first six months of employment. Training is provided by AHL.
Desirable qualifications
• A relevant qualification/s in Education, Social Work, Community Services, and/or Boarding Residential Care and/or relevant experience
• Mental Health First Aid Certificate
• Bronze Medallion
Eligibility required:
The successful candidate will:
• Be an Australian Citizen
• Undergo a Satisfactory National Criminal History Check (prior to engagement)
• Meet Fitness for Duty requirements (prior to engagement)
• Hold and maintain a Working with Children Check in QLD (prior to engagement)
• Hold or obtain relevant qualifications required for the role
• Hold a current Driver’s Licence.
For further information about Canon Boggo Pilot Hostel, the role and how to apply, please refer to the Vacancy Information available on our website: www.ahl.gov.au/work
Applications close: Sunday, 14 December 2025, 11:59 pm.
Contact Officer: Jackson Beckley - 0437 767 985