Register your interest in employment
Applicants interested in employment as part of the Head Start program can apply by creating an Applicant Profile in the Job Opportunities pool on Recruitment Online.
To apply, you will need to select the Head Start Role Types that you intend to apply for (Director, Assistant Director, Coordinator, Administrator, Learning Leader). You may select more than one role type.
You will need to upload your :
- Cover letter that includes a specific Head Start program focus area or area of expertise you would like to work in. For example, general student population/schools, students with a disability or industry
- Resume
- A response to the selection criteria outlined in the relevant position description is welcome on submission. If you are unable to submit a response to the selection criteria on submission, the Head Start team may request this at a later time.
The department will use role types as search filters when undertaking a selection process, so please ensure you have followed the steps above.
You can access the relevant Applicant Help - Recruitment for assistance in creating an applicant profile or email schools.recruitment@education.vic.gov.au for assistance in applying in the Head Start program.
I am a current department employee and wish to apply for a Head Start role
You must log in through eduPay. Once logged into eduPay, click on the 'Careers' tile, followed by the 'School Jobs' tile to navigate to ROL.
I have a profile on Recruitment Online and wish to apply for a Head Start role
If you already have an existing job opportunity go to ‘My Activities’, select that opportunity, and edit the ‘Preference’ step with the Head Start role/s you intend to also apply for as the role type. This will make sure you are considered for the right role.
An Applicant Profile remains active for 210 days. If you received an email from the department to say that your profile is about to become inactive and you have not done anything, you will need to create a new profile.
I am not a current department employee and do not have a ROL account
You will need to create one and upload your resume and work preferences to the ‘job opportunities’ section:
For assistance, contact the Schools Recruitment Unit Helpline on 1800 641 943 or email: schools.recruitment@education.vic.gov.au
Head Start program for teacher or non-teaching (education support) roles
For teaching positions, applicants must have current provisional or full registration, or permission to teach. This must be approved by the Victorian Institute of Teaching.
For non-teaching position, applicants must have a current and valid employee Working with Children Check.
Applicants who have not worked in a school setting before
Non-teaching positions are available as part of the Head Start program.
We are seeking applicants who have worked in a range of industries, including but not limited to building and construction, community services and health, business, technology, and primary industries.
To be considered, applicants must have the knowledge and experience to assist students in identifying their future career pathway in consultation with Careers Practitioners. You must also guide employers to deliver best practice employment standards.
Location of Head Start roles
All Head Start program roles will be based in a host school. Host schools will offer a safe workspace. Applicants are expected to travel between schools, and employer sites, including during school holiday periods.
Currently work with school-based apprenticeships and traineeships but not affiliated with Head Start
The Head Start program is expanding to all Victorian government secondary schools, specialist schools and flexible learning option settings from Term 1, 2023. This will give all students the opportunity to engage in an apprenticeship or traineeship aligned with their career aspirations while completing their schooling.
If you currently hold a position that supports school-based apprenticeships and traineeships in a government school, which is not affiliated with the Head Start program, speak to your school principal regarding your employment options.
Not currently registered as a teacher
If you wish to apply for a teaching role, you will need to contact the to re-register as a teacher.
You can, however, apply for a non-teaching (education support) role provided you hold a current valid employee Working with Children .
Salaries and job classification
Each Head Start Hub will have up to ten roles you can apply for. Information on salaries for these positions can be found at
Salary Rates .
Employment contract and status
The employment status and length of contract will be determined by the department program area and individual schools to suit their specific needs.
There are no casual roles in the Head Start program.
Application outcome
The department understands you may be interested in several roles, either as part of the Head Start program or alternate roles.
The department is seeking candidates who are the best fit for the school, industry, and the student. It can take time to consider a candidate to work with diverse stakeholders. Because of this, the application process for each Head Start role will be in instalments from September 2022 and remain open until positions are filled.
Additional workplace requirements
Victorian government schools are child safe environments. Our schools actively promote the safety and wellbeing of all students. 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. All schools will have a Child Safety Code of .
More information on all terms and conditions of employment is available on the Human webpage.
Current driver’s licence
The majority of Head Start roles will require a current driver’s licence as you may be required to work across several school sites and visit other workplaces. There may be some flexibility with an administrator role.
More information
Find out more at the
Head Start apprenticeships and traineeships .
Watch our Head Start apprenticeships and traineeships .
Reviewed 31 October 2022