Program Mentor - Reconnection, Employment and Learning (REAL)

Rockhampton, Queensland 4700, Australia A$80,015.1 - A$85,799.32

Full time Permanent Entry Level

Posted 07 Sep 2026

Description

CQID is experiencing organisational growth across all services and seeking suitable candidates for a range of positions.

CQID is one of the largest employers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Central Queensland region. Offering a broad range of service areas, with roles that serve our community across Rockhampton, Bundaberg, Emerald, Gladstone, Hervey Bay, Longreach, Maryborough and Woorabinda.

A new organisational structure, designated HR team and the implementation of a new Workforce Strategy. Striving to support employees on their career journey is a priority and contributes us to being an Employer of Choice.

Purpose of the Role

The REAL Mentor - Reconnection, Employment and Learning (REAL) provides personalised, culturally safe mentoring and practical support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants transitioning from incarceration into the community.

Working under the direction and supervision of the Program Coordinator - REAL, the position maintains a direct participant caseload and provides support across the pre-release, on-release and post-release stages of the REAL Program. The Mentor develops consistent, trusting relationships with participants and works alongside them to identify goals, develop and review Individual Action Plans and address barriers to successful reintegration.

The position provides flexible, participant-led support across correctional and community settings, including outreach. Support may include connection to employment, education and training, housing, health and wellbeing services,



culture, Country, family and community supports, together with practical assistance and life skills development.

As a significant component of the role is delivered within the correctional environment, the successful applicant must be able to obtain and maintain approval to access Capricornia Correctional Centre and comply with all Queensland Corrective Services operational, conduct and security requirements.

Program Overview

The Reconnection, Employment and Learning (REAL) Program is an Australian Government funded initiative that supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people transitioning from incarceration into the community.

The program provides culturally responsive mentoring and practical support to participants for up to six months prior to release, immediate high-intensity support on release and ongoing mentoring for up to 12 months following release. The program aims to strengthen connections to employment, education, training, culture, housing, health services, family and community supports while reducing barriers to successful reintegration.

The REAL Program is underpinned by principles of self-determination, cultural safety, trauma-informed practice, strengths-based service delivery and participant-led goal setting.

Responsibilities and Duties

Participant Mentoring and Case Support





- Maintain an allocated participant caseload and provide consistent, individualised mentoring and support throughout the participant’s REAL journey
- Build culturally safe, respectful and strengths-based relationships with participants and support participant choice, self-determination and goal setting
- Engage participants prior to release, on the day of release where required and throughout the post-release period
- Undertake regular participant contact through correctional centre visits, face-to-face community engagement, outreach, telephone and virtual servicing as appropriate
- Monitor participant engagement, progress, changing circumstances, risks and barriers and respond flexibly to individual needs
- Maintain professional boundaries, confidentiality and respectful relationships at all times
- Identify complex or high-risk participant matters and elevate these to the Program Coordinator in accordance with CQID policies and procedures

Individual Action Planning and Goal Achievement

- Support participants to identify meaningful goals and develop, agree, implement and regularly review Individual Action Plans
- Ensure Individual Action Plans reflect participant strengths, self-determination, values, circumstances and goals across community belonging, cultural identity, family and kinship, learning and education, social and emotional wellbeing, employment and physical health
- Work with participants to identify practical actions, activities, connections and services that support achievement of their goals
- Review participant progress, celebrate achievements and adjust goals and supports where participant circumstances or priorities c

📌 Program Mentor (Rockhampton Regional)
🏢 Central Queensland Indigenous Development
📍 Rockhampton Regional