Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people?
At headspace Cairns, our dedicated team provides professional, flexible, and youth-friendly mental health services. We pride ourselves on our collaborative spirit, adaptability, and shared commitment to helping young people thrive.
We're currently seeking a Senior Youth Vocational Specialist to join our team. In this role, you'll lead and collaborate on the design, implementation, and ongoing delivery of the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Program at headspace Cairns.
As a Senior Youth Vocational Specialist, you will work as part of an integrated team and collaborate with external stakeholders to help young people aged 15–25 transition into employment and/or education while providing ongoing mentoring and post-placement support.
As a Senior Youth Vocational Specialist, you will provide leadership to the team and services to young people. Your role will include:
Leadership
* Lead and manage the IPS Program
* Provide day-to-day guidance and support to the Youth Vocational Specialist team
* Develop and deliver training workshops to clinical staff, community groups and organisations to promote vocational recovery
* Project manage and coordinate with the team to deliver the 2026 Cairns Employment Forum for local employment stakeholders
* Work with the Fidelity Reviewer to ensure IPS Cairns aligns with the headspace National Work and Study Team guidance and resources
* Ensure the IPS program provides culturally safe care
* Build strong internal partnerships with clinical teams
* Develop and maintain meaningful relationships with key stakeholders across the local employment and education sectors
Young People
* Provide services in a youth-affirming, strengths-based manner
* Deliver specialised, individualised career development support to a caseload of young people, helping them secure and sustain employment and/or study opportunities
* Oversee the caseloads of the Youth Vocational Specialist team to ensure alignment with operational guidelines and effective service delivery
* Participate in case review and care plan meetings with clinical staff to ensure young people receive integrated, holistic support
* Prepare and maintain accurate, confidential, and compliant client records and case notes
This role is offered part-time (8 days per fortnight or fewer hours across 5 days) on a maximum term contract until 30 June 2026.
Who We're Looking For
We're seeking a supportive and engaging leader with strong communication skills and a proven ability to build partnerships and maintain productive relationships with employers. You'll be passionate about supporting young people through a holistic model of care and demonstrate our values of Inclusion, Collaboration, Agility, and Excellence. You'll bring:
* A Certificate IV in Training & Assessment or other relevant qualification
* A current Blue Card and Driver's Licence
* Demonstrated experience in vocational or educational leadership
* Extensive understanding of the challenges young people with mental health concerns face in accessing employment and/or education
* A sound understanding of the IPS Model
* Proven ability to develop strong business and community relationships
* Knowledge of the employment services sector, Centrelink, and related state and federal initiatives that impact youth employment
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills
* Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 and the ability to quickly learn clinical software for electronic record-keeping
Why Join Us?
At headspace and RFDS (Queensland Section), our people are our priority. When you join our team, you'll benefit from:
* A passionate, highly skilled team committed to best practice
* 72-76K for 0.8 FTE + Superannuation
* Generous tax-free benefits up to $18,550 (not-for-profit salary packaging)
* 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 12–25, offering support across mental health, physical and sexual health, alcohol and other drugs, education, and employment, as well as assistance for families and carers.
Operated by RFDS (Queensland Section), headspace Cairns has been supporting young people since
headspace and the Royal Flying Doctor Service acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the land and the first inhabitants of the nation. We are committed to eliminating discrimination in healthcare and proudly embrace diversity, welcoming all people regardless of faith, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
Ready to Apply?
Applications close 31 October 2025 — however, shortlisting will commence before this date, so don't delay
For further information about this role, please contact or
Please note: The successful applicant will be required to complete a criminal history check and may be required to undertake a medical assessment. Participation in our immunisation program is also mandatory, including proof of immunity or vaccination against Vaccine-Preventable Diseases.