- Make a real difference to the local community

- Full-Time, Fixed - Term 12 Months

- Access to Salary Packaging

- Generous Annual Leave

The Role

Better Futures is a post care service that is a support model working with young people aged 15 years and 9 months who are transitioning from Out of Home Care. The model promotes early leaving care planning and preparation and provides service response to young people who need support to ensure their transition from care to independent living.

There is the opportunity for young people to receive support until 21 years of age to strengthen their independent living skills and empower them to achieve their full potential. Youth development coaches will provide outcomes focused, versatile and tailored support to young people as they transition from out-of-home care. Underpinning the service delivery model is the adoption of the Advantaged Thinking Practice Approach, which focuses on working with young people to bring out, and invest in their talents and aspirations.

During the initial leaving care planning and preparation stage, Better Futures will involve the provision of limited supports, including supporting the young persons’ care team in the development and refinement of transition planning. Better Futures supports will intensify prior to the young person transitioning from care and upon expiration of their Child Protection order. Better Futures will assume full case coordination responsibility.

About You

- A relevant tertiary qualification in Social Work, Psychology, Early Childhood Specialist and/or related behavioural sciences at degree level with substantial experience; or associate diploma level with substantial experience in the relevant service stream, or less formal qualifications with specialised skills sufficient to perform at this level.

- Knowledge of and experience in understanding of the key issues facing young people.

- Demonstrated knowledge of Victoria’s Out of Home Care frameworks.





- Demonstrated awareness and commitment to working within the ‘Best Interest Principles’ outlined within the Child, Youth and Families Act 2005.

- Ability to work autonomously, manage competing priorities, and support program development. Excellent written and oral communication skills, as well as highly developed interpersonal, coaching, and consultative skills.

- Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills and ability to deliver innovative solutions.

- Knowledge of safe and appropriate culturally centred practices for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander focused services, including employment of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.

- Demonstrated understanding of social, physical, economical, and cultural strengths and challenges affecting Aboriginal communities and their ability to access adequate and quality services.

- Understanding of the purpose and expectations of the Victorian Child Safe Standards and demonstrated commitment to contributing to a child secure organisation in both practice and culture.

Desirable

- Identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander

- Demonstrated experience working with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations

*A police check, Working with Children Check, Vaccination Certificate and current Driver Licence are required for all positions.

About Us

Please visit our website for further information: www.wathaurong.org.au

How to Apply

A Position Description can be viewed on our website at: https://wathaurong.org.au/careers/youth-development-coach/

Applications should consist of a current resume and a cover letter, submitted in Word or PDF format before the closing date of 08/08/2026.

Wathaurong is committed to providing a child secure environment. We have zero tolerance of any abuse or maltreatment of children. We are committed to ensuring children and young people can actively participate in decisions that affect their lives. All children have the right to be children and live free of abuse and neglect, so they can grow, learn, and develop. Everyone within Wathaurong is responsible for ensuring a culture of child safety, preventing child abuse, and abiding by the Child Safety Principles.

📌 Youth Development Coach (Warrnambool)
🏢 Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-Operative
📍 Warrnambool