ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

The department provides a wide range of learning and development support and services.
The department provides policy leadership, plans for the future of education in Victoria and leads key cross-sector collaboration. The department plays an important system steward role by providing support, guidance, oversight and assurance across early childhood and school education systems, as well as directly providing school education and 50 new early learning centres.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

As the successful applicant, you will possess a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in the provision or assessment of educational services for school-aged children and/or significant experience of home education and its community.
Additionally, experience with, or an understanding of, a range of educational philosophies is desirable.

The Education and Training Reform Act 2006 recognises the right of Victorian parents to choose an appropriate education for their child. This includes the option to register a child for home schooling (sometimes known as home education).
Requirements for home schooling registration are outlined in the Education and Training Reform Regulations 2017. A key requirement is that the responsible parent must ensure the child receives regular and efficient instruction that, taken as a whole, substantially addresses the eight key learning areas.
Located within the VRQA’s Students and Services branch, the Home Schooling Unit (the Unit) ensures requirements for home schooling registration are being met. This is done via the assessment of applications for home schooling registration and the completion of an annual review cycle. The Unit also provides parents with information and guidance on home schooling requirements via phone and email, and connects with the sector through website and social media updates as well as video and in-person information sessions.
As the Home Schooling Senior Authorised Officer, you will play a key role in the Unit functions. You will use your knowledge of regulation and compliance to assess a high volume of home schooling applications and reviews. Adhering to all governing policy and regulations, you will provide consistent recommendations to the Home Schooling Manager. Recommendations will be supported by strong document management skills.
You will use your excellent communication skills in a variety of ways. You will respond to phone and email enquiries, explaining home schooling requirements and processes. You will adjust your communication styles to suit a wide range of audiences, including those where English is a second language and those experiencing difficult personal circumstances. You will represent the VRQA by contributing to information sessions and seminars. You will also apply your skills to internal communications, including reports to VRQA Executive and the VRQA Board on the status of the registration and review program and any related risks.