- Preston, VIC | Full time, fixed-term until June 2027
- $93,311.40 per annum + salary packaging + super
- 35-hour working week + 5 additional days of leave per year

Help shape a program and create stronger futures for young people.

Are you passionate about supporting young people to overcome barriers, reconnect with education and employment, and build a future on their own terms?

VALS is looking for a Senior Youth Pathway Coordinator to help lead our Strong Voice, Strong Futures program within Balit Ngulu, our dedicated legal and support service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people.

This is an opportunity to combine hands-on youth support with program leadership, stakeholder engagement and the chance to shape an innovative program.

About the role
Delivered in partnership with the Victorian Aboriginal Education Association, Strong Voice, Strong Futures supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people who have had contact with the criminal justice system to reconnect with education, training and employment.

As one of two Senior Youth Pathway Coordinators, you'll co-manage program operations, work directly with young people and help develop meaningful pathways that build confidence, independence and opportunity.

You'll be responsible for:

- Leading program development, service improvement and policy creation.
- Supporting young people through individualised, strengths-based plans.
- Coordinating practical supports, including tutoring, driving lessons, short courses and education pathways.
- Building partnerships with schools, TAFEs, employers, courts and community services.
- Mentoring junior team members and contributing to program reporting, evaluation and continuous improvement.

About you




You're a collaborative and values-driven professional who can build trusted relationships with young people while balancing frontline support with leadership and strategic thinking.
You'll bring:

- Experience working with young people and demonstrated leadership or mentoring capability.
- Experience in program development, service improvement or stakeholder management.
- Strong communication, relationship-building and organisational skills.
- Confidence working across multidisciplinary teams and managing reporting and data.
- A commitment to social justice, self-determination and culturally safe practice.

Experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, within an ACCO or the not-for-profit sector, is highly regarded.

Essential requirements:

- A bachelor's degree in education, social work or a related field, or at least three years' experience in a similar youth support role.
- Current Employee Working with Children Check.
- Valid Victorian driver's licence.
- National Criminal History Check and evidence of Australian work rights.

Why join VALS?
Established in 1973, the Victoria Aboriginal Legal Service is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation committed to self-determination, social justice and culturally safe legal and support services.

When you join VALS, you'll enjoy:

- Salary packaging to make the most of your remuneration.
- A 35-hour working week to support work-life balance.
- Five additional days of leave per year.
- The opportunity to shape a new program and make a meaningful difference in young people's lives.
- A collaborative team environment where your ideas and contribution matter.

Our commitment to inclusion
VALS strongly encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from LGBTIQA+ communities and people from diverse cultural backgrounds. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout recruitment and employment.

Ready to make a difference?
Apply now and help create stronger pathways and brighter futures for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people.

📌 Senior Youth Pathway Coordinator (Preston)
🏢 Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service
📍 Preston