Welfare Officer

PRIMARY DETAIL

• Annual base salary from $86,087- $97,879 per annum (HEW Level 5) + 17% superannuation and annual leave loading
• Full-time, continuing role
• Based onsite at Macquarie University, Wallumattagal Campus, North Ryde

Support students to thrive — champion welfare, navigate complexity, and make a genuine difference in young lives.

Are you passionate about student wellbeing and driven to help young people overcome barriers to academic success? Macquarie University is looking for a dedicated Welfare Officer to join the Student Wellbeing team within the Office of the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Dean of Students). This is a meaningful opportunity to provide critical welfare support to students — with a particular focus on the care, safety and experience of international students under the age of 18.

About the Role

In this role, you'll be a trusted point of contact for some of our most vulnerable students, coordinating support across multiple services and ensuring the University meets its obligations under the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act. You'll work closely with internal partners including International Admissions, Macquarie University College, Accommodation Services and Compliance, as well as external agencies and homestay providers. Your work will directly contribute to creating a safe, supportive and inclusive environment where every student can succeed.

Due to the collaborative nature of this role, we’re looking for someone who can be based onsite. This will help you connect quickly with key stakeholders and immerse yourself in the work from day one. We do support flexible working as needs arise.

Key responsibilities:

General Welfare Support

• Contribute to assessing the impact of biopsychosocial factors — including personal, social, environmental, economic and cultural needs — on students' wellbeing and their capacity to participate in and complete their studies.
• Provide practical support to help students navigate life stressors such as financial budgeting, communication skills and accessing Centrelink and community-based services.
• Assess student eligibility for, and support students through, applications for Macquarie University and community-based financial assistance.

Under 18 and Under 17 International Student Care, Accommodation and Welfare

• Serve as the key point of contact for under 18 and under 17 international students, responding to and resolving enquiries from students and parents with a high standard of service.
• Review, administer and escalate the needs and concerns of under 18 international students, coordinating case management and connecting students with a range of support services.
• Coordinate internal responses involving student wellbeing, accommodation services, Residential Network Advisors (RNA), and language and cultural support to enhance student safety and experience.
• Prepare reports, documents and information materials for the Dean of Students and key stakeholders, including for TEQSA and ESOS compliance reporting.
• Actively contribute to process improvement in administrative, support and compliance services for under 18 and under 17 international students.

About Us

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) is the Chief Academic Officer of the University, with overall responsibility for the planning, quality and delivery of education to Macquarie's undergraduate and postgraduate students. Within this portfolio, the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Dean of Students) leads student support services and student experience, encompassing Student Life, Student Integrity and Compliance, and Student Wellbeing. The Student Wellbeing team plays a vital role in fostering a supportive environment where students can navigate challenges and access the help they need to succeed.

About You

You are a compassionate, organised and solutions-focused professional with a strong understanding of student welfare in a higher education context. You bring practical experience supporting diverse student cohorts and are confident navigating compliance requirements, particularly those relating to international students. You thrive in collaborative environments and are committed to continuous improvement.

Selection Criteria

• Degree or equivalent experience in health services or a related discipline.
• Knowledge of student wellbeing issues, including those specific to international students.
• Knowledge of ESOS compliance and the University's obligations toward under 18 and under 17 residential students, including Working with Children compliance obligations.
• Understanding of the student visa process.
• Demonstrated experience undertaking complex administration functions within tight deadlines.
• Ability to build and manage partnerships with key internal and external stakeholders.
• Knowledge of escalation processes and the ability to contribute to continual improvement and transformation initiatives in student support services.

How to Apply

To be considered, please apply online with your CV and a cover letter outlining how your experience aligns with the selection criteria (above).

Applications Close: 22 April 2026

We reserve the right to progress or decline an application prior to the application closing date.

For enquiries, or a confidential conversation about the role please contact Melinda Varhegyi, Manager, CARE & Welfare at Melinda.varhegyi@mq.edu.au

Why Join Us?

Macquarie is a university engaged with the real and often complex problems and opportunities that define our lives. Since our foundation over 60 years ago, we have aspired to be a different type of university. Over the years, we have grown to become the centre of a vibrant local and global community. Connect with us today. We rank amongst the top employers in the Australian Workplace Employers Index. Explore the fantastic benefits available to you when you become part of the team at Macquarie University.

• Flexible, hybrid work arrangements
• 17% Superannuation
• Subsidised onsite parking options
• Extensive training and professional development programs
• Onsite childcare facilities to support working parents
• Onsite vacation care during school holidays
• Discounted health insurance
• Subsidised membership at our Sport & Aquatic Centre
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program for free and confidential support
• Convenient onsite GP, imaging, and physiotherapy clinics

Pre-Employment Checks

Macquarie University cultivates a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity. Prior to completion of an offer of employment, preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for. This role requires a valid Working with Children Check. Your employment is conditional upon the completion and maintenance of all role-required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University.

If you're already part of the Macquarie Group (MQ University, U@MQ, MQ Health, MGSM), you'll need to apply through your employee Workday account. To apply for this job: Login to Workday and go to the Careers App > Find Jobs.

Applications Close: 22/04/2026 11:59 PM

A Place Where You Belong

At Macquarie, we believe diversity makes us stronger, inclusion drives our success, and belonging inspires us to do our best work. We are proud to foster a community where different backgrounds, identities, and experiences are valued, and where our people are empowered to thrive through supportive leadership, shared responsibility, and a deep commitment to genuine care and respect for our community. Find out more about our vision for a truly inclusive workplace in our Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Framework.

Flexible Work

At Macquarie, we believe by providing flexibility in when, where and how work is done, we can support our staff to manage their personal commitments, while optimising their work performance and contributions to the University. See how we lead in flexible work to enable an outcome focused and inclusive workplace. To learn more about our culture and hiring process, visit our Jobs at Macquarie page.