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
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
permanent full-time
role, you'll be a key part of our integrated clinical services, helping young people with mental health challenges achieve their education and employment goals through the
Individual Placement and Support (IPS)
model. This program supports people aged *****, including those still in school, young people who have left school, and adults considering tertiary study, training, or career pathways.
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.
Prepare and maintain accurate, confidential and legally appropriate client records and case notes
Contribute to the development and completion of the annual Activity Work Plan
Youth Vocational Specialist
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
Full-time, permanent role - Cairns Based
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 team-oriented 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
permanent full-time
role, you'll be a key part of our integrated clinical services, helping young people with mental health challenges achieve their education and employment goals through the
Individual Placement and Support (IPS)
model.



This program supports people aged *****, including those still in school, young people who have left school, and adults considering tertiary study, training, or career pathways.
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.
Prepare and maintain accurate, confidential and legally appropriate client records and case notes
Contribute to the development and completion of the annual Activity Work Plan
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:
Demonstrated experience in employment services, vocational rehabilitation, career development or a related field
A current Blue Card and Driver's Licence
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 client databases, electronic medical record systems and social media tools
Confident working with reporting portals and digital reporting 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
It is highly advantageous to have education and qualifications within relevant study areas such as a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.
Why Join Us?
At
headspace
and the
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 from 75K plus superannuation
Generous tax-free benefits up to $18,550 (not-for-profit salary packaging)
Relocation Assistance is available if you are relocating to Cairns
A strong focus on staff wellbeing, supported by our Social & Wellbeing Committee and Employee Assistance Program
A genuine commitment to diversity and inclusion, welcoming people from all backgrounds and identities
Access to our Employee Assistance Program (including counselling, nutrition, financial, and legal advice)
Novated leasing options and private health insurance discounts
Fitness Passport membership – discounted access to gyms and health centres for staff and families
RemServ Rewards – cashback benefits on purchases from hundreds of leading Australian retailers, including groceries, fashion, technology, and travel
About headspace Cairns
headspace Cairns is a safe and welcoming space for young people aged *****, offering support across mental health, physical and sexual health, alcohol and other drugs, education, and employment, as well as assistance for families and carers.
headspace and the Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section) (RFDS) acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants of the nation and the Traditional Custodians of the land. headspace and the RFDS 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.
headspace and the RFDS are committed to the protection of human and legal rights, including the rights of children, young people and adults to be safe, heard and cared for. In upholding the Universal Principle, headspace and the RFDS are committed to creating an organisational environment that ensures Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and their families feel welcome, safe, valued, included and respected.
Applications close 25th of September ****
#J-*****-Ljbffr

📌 Youth Vocational Specialist (Cairns)
🏢 Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia
📍 Cairns