About Ohana for Youth

Ohana for Youth is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting young people through education, wellbeing and individualised support. Through our network of schools and educational programs, we work to create inclusive, supportive environments where young people can reconnect with learning, build confidence and develop the skills they need to achieve their potential.

Our organisation encompasses Arcadia College, Arcadia Distance Education, Ohana College, Ohana Academy Logan and Ohana Academy Cairns. Each school and program provides tailored educational opportunities to meet the diverse needs of young people, with a shared commitment to student engagement, wellbeing, inclusion and positive outcomes.

Whether working in teaching, student support, wellbeing, administration, technology or leadership, our staff play an important role in creating environments where young people feel safe, valued and supported to succeed.

Why Join Ohana for Youth?

Joining Ohana for Youth means becoming part of a purpose-driven organisation where your work can make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people. We value collaboration, compassion, qualified growth and the contribution every team member makes to our schools and communities.

Depending on the position and employment arrangements, benefits may include:

- Salary packaging through our not-for-profit status, including access to eligible benefits through SPA.

- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support employee wellbeing.

- Fitness Passport to support health and fitness.

- Opportunities to contribute to a collaborative team focused on improving educational and wellbeing outcomes for young people.

- The opportunity to make a meaningful contribution within a supportive, student-centred organisation.

Our Commitment to Child Safety

Ohana for Youth is committed to providing safe, supportive and inclusive environments for every young person in our care. We maintain a strong focus on child safety, wellbeing and safeguarding, and expect all employees to uphold professional boundaries, follow organisational policies and contribute to a culture where young people are protected, respected and heard.

All applicants must be willing to comply with relevant child safety requirements, including holding and maintaining a valid Blue Card where required for the position. Additional screening, registrations or checks may apply depending on the role.

Applications will be assessed as they are received, and the position may be filled prior to the advertised closing date. We encourage interested candidates to apply early.





As a Youth Mentor, you will work directly with students to provide practical, personalised support that helps them engage with education and develop positive social, emotional and behavioural skills.

You will work under the direction of the Youth Development Coordinator and Principal and alongside the Teaching and Learning and Wellbeing teams to provide consistent support for students across the school.

Key responsibilities will include:

- Build positive, trusting relationships with young people who may experience complex barriers to learning and engagement
- Provide one-on-one and small-group support in the classroom and across the school
- Support students across a range of subject areas
- Assist teachers to implement modified and individualised learning programs
- Support the development and implementation of Individual Education Plans (IEPs), Individual Support Plans (ISPs) and other specialised responses
- Promote student engagement, attendance, wellbeing and positive behaviour
- Support students to develop social and personal skills for successful and independent community living
- Facilitate and support meaningful small-group wellbeing programs
- Assist students to participate in learning activities and remain engaged with their education
- Support students with additional needs and contribute to inclusive learning practices
- Maintain accurate case notes and documentation, including NCCD and mandatory reporting requirements
- Supervise students during excursions and off-site activities
- Work collaboratively with teachers, the Youth Development Coordinator, Cultural & Community Lead and wellbeing staff
- Work with external program providers, families and community stakeholders where required
- Support student safety and comply with mandatory reporting and child safety requirements
- Assist with classroom and administrative duties as required
- Facilitate student transportation before or after school where required
- Participate in professional development and contribute to the ongoing development of the Academy

This is a unique opportunity to help establish a new school and shape the way young people are supported, engaged and connected to education from the beginning.





You are someone who builds genuine relationships with young people and understands that consistency, trust and patience are essential when supporting students who have experienced barriers to education.

You will bring:

- Experience working with young people who are disengaged from education and/or experiencing complex risk factors
- An understanding of the issues facing young people involved in the youth justice system
- Experience supporting young people with complex social, emotional and behavioural needs
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- The ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team
- A strengths-based approach to working with young people
- The ability to support learning and engagement in a classroom environment
- Strong organisational and problem-solving skills
- The ability to remain calm, consistent and professional when working in challenging situations
- A genuine commitment to student wellbeing, inclusion and positive outcomes
- The ability to maintain appropriate professional boundaries and confidentiality
- A commitment to child safety, mandatory reporting and organisational policies

Qualifications and Requirements
- Relevant qualifications in Youth Work, Education Support, Training & Assessment, Community Services or a related field are highly desirable
- Current Queensland Working with Children Blue Card
- Open Queensland Driver Licence
- Ability to successfully complete required National Police Checks
- Previous experience in an education or classroom environment is desirable
- Experience working within a Special Assistance School or Youth NFP is highly regarded

Most importantly, you will be someone who believes that every young person has the capacity to succeed when given the right relationships, support and opportunities.

About Ohana for Youth & 54 reasons

Ohana for Youth is a Gold Coast-based not-for-profit organisation dedicated to reconnecting young people with education, training and community.

54 reasons, part of Save the Children Australia, is a leading child rights organisation delivering evidence-based programs to help children and young people thrive.

Together, we are creating a school where education, wellbeing and community come together to reduce reoffending and build brighter futures for young people in Cairns.

Applications

Applications will be assessed as they are received, and the position may be filled prior to the advertised closing date. We encourage interested candidates to apply early.

Location: Cairns, QLD

📌 Youth Mentor / Youth Worker (Cairns)
🏢 Arcadia College
📍 Cairns