Youth Vocational Specialist

Promote education and improve employment outcomes for young people with mental illness. Join headspace Cairns !

Classifications

• Volunteer / Charity / Community
• Support Services
• Permanent / Full Time

Key points

• Access to generous not-for-profit tax-free benefits of up to $18,550
• Be a part of the skilled multi -disciplinary headspace team
• Flexible work environment that encourages professional development

Description

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people?

At headspace Cairns, our dedicated team is committed to providing professional, flexible, and youth-friendly mental health services. We pride ourselves on our collaborative spirit, adaptability, and our shared goal of helping young people thrive.
  
We’re currently looking for a Youth Vocational Specialist to join our team. In this full-time, permanent role, you’ll work alongside our integrated clinical teams, helping young people with mental health challenges achieve their education and employment goals through the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model.
  
As a Youth Vocational Specialist, you will support young people with:
Service Delivery

• Support young people referred by headspace staff and partners who need help with employment or study goals.
• Manage a caseload, working closely with clinical teams, families, and employers to support positive outcomes.
• Collaborate with internal and external services to ensure seamless, wrap-around support.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build strong relationships with employers, education providers, and community services to create job opportunities for young people.

Integration with the headspace Team

• Deliver training workshops to staff, community groups, and other organisations to promote vocational recovery.
• Work closely with the broader headspace team to ensure coordinated, high-quality services.

Youth-Friendly Practice

• Engage with young people in a respectful, developmentally appropriate way.
• Offer flexible, strengths-based support that empowers young people and respects their autonomy.

  
Who We’re Looking For

We’re looking for a collaborative, encouraging, and inspiring team member with experience in building strong stakeholder relationships and maintaining mutually beneficial connections with employers. You’ll be someone who is flexible, always placing the client at the centre of your support, and embodies our values of Inclusion, Collaboration, Agility, and Excellence. You’ll bring:

• A Certificate IV in Training & Assessment or relevant qualification
• A current Blue Card and Driver’s Licence
• Experience in employment services, vocational rehab, or career development
• The ability to engage with employers and advocate for young people
• A strong understanding of the barriers young people face in employment and education
• Proficiency with computers and social media tools
• Experience building professional relationships and networks
• Knowledge of the employment services sector and relevant government initiatives
• Experience engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people and communities in a culturally safe way

  
Why Join Us?
At headspace and RFDS (Queensland Section), our people are our priority. When you join our team, you’ll benefit from:

• A passionate, highly skilled team driven by best practices
• A competitive salary plus superannuation
• Generous tax-free benefits up to $18,550 (not-for-profit salary packaging)
• Tailored professional development, including leadership opportunities
• A strong focus on staff wellbeing, with initiatives like our Social & Wellbeing Committee and Employee Assistance Program
• A commitment to diversity and inclusion for all people, regardless of background or identity
• Private health insurance discounts
• Novated leasing options

  
About headspace Cairns

We are a safe and welcoming space for young people aged 12 to 25. We offer support across mental health, physical/sexual health, alcohol and other drugs, education, and employment, as well as help for families and carers. headspace Cairns, operated by RFDS (Queensland Section), has been supporting young people since 2006.

headspace and the Royal Flying Doctor Service acknowledges the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants of the nation and the Traditional Custodians of the land. The RFDS and headspace are committed to eliminating all forms of discrimination in the provision of healthcare. We embrace diversity and welcome all people irrespective of faith, ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender identity.
  
Ready to Apply?
  
This role will close on the 9th of May 2025 however, shortlisting will commence before the end date, so don’t delay in applying!
  
For further information regarding this role, please contact recruitment@rfdsqld.com.au or at 07 3852 7553.
  
Please note: The successful applicant will need to undergo a criminal history check and may require a medical assessment. Participation in our immunisation program is also required, including proof of immunity or vaccination against Vaccine-Preventable Diseases.