Who We Are
We are the Australian Kookaburra Kids Foundation (AKKF). We are a Not‐For‐Profit supporting young people (aged 8‐18) that are living in families affected by mental illness. Since 2002, we have helped young people to connect, learn, and grow through safe, fun, and meaningful programmes. Our evidence‐based camps, activity days, and online "Connect" sessions are designed by mental health professionals, delivered in a peer‐based, recreation‐led format. Our programmes are proven to empower young people to thrive beyond the impacts of familial mental illness.
Check out what we do here https://kookaburrakids.org.au/
We value Connection, Commitment, Collaboration and Integrity. We strive for impact, and we do this through developing real relationships, flexibility, and a team that supports each other.
If you're someone who wants your work to matter, who wants to help shape outcomes for young people and bring energy, authenticity, and care into your role, then AKKF is a place where your passion will be put into practice.
About Our Programs
Activity Days
Activity days are single day events that provide an opportunity for children to connect, improve mental health literacy, develop help‐seeking behaviours, and provide a fun day out for some much‐needed respite. Activities can include ice skating, laser tag, bowling, movies, putt‐putt golf, and beach activities just to name a few! Activity days may be held on weekdays or weekends.
Camps
Camps are multi‐day programmes that provide an opportunity for connection, growth, and empowerment. Young people learn about mental illness and help‐seeking behaviours, develop coping skills and resilience, build peer connection, participate in recreational and connection activities such as canoeing, archery, giant swings, go‐karts and much more! Our camps run from 4.00pm Friday to 4.00pm Sunday.
The Opportunity
Empower young people to thrive through meaningful and fun work to make a positive impact in your community.
As a Program Support you will be instrumental in helping to deliver empowering, educational, and fun youth programmes in your community through supporting Activity Days and Camps. You will be providing essential support to our programme teams and volunteers during activities, while coordinating and supporting young people.
Our camps and day activities are held in various locations across Australia, throughout the year. As a Program Support you have the flexibility to jump on camps when and where you want! If you're keen to get out and about, there is opportunity to travel to camps across Australia. This is a casual role, where you have the flexibility to work weekends to fit in with your other commitments. This opportunity is to attend camps around the Northern NSW area.
You will be supported by a Program Lead and volunteers, plus clinical support, to deliver the programmes, working as a team to ensure our Young People are supported, safe, and engaged.
Interested in progression and leadership opportunities? Once trained, as a Program Support you will have the opportunity to step into the Program Lead role.
Key Responsibilities
* Assist in or lead the delivery of face‐to‐face youth programmes, including Camps, Activity Days, and online Connect programmes.
* Coordinate young people and volunteers on programmes.
* Organise safe transport for young people, including meet‐and‐greet, signing in/out, and medication collection.
* Work in conjunction with other programme staff and clinicians to support and manage behaviours on programme.
* Participate in briefing and debriefing activities such as preparing materials and completing reports within allocated timeframes.
* Support volunteers by providing guidance and encouragement.
* Facilitate engaging, inclusive, and safe programme experiences aligned with AKKF's values and policies.
* Proactively support a safe environment through providing first aid as needed, child safeguarding protocols and upholding work health and safety standards.
* Build healthy and professional relationships with coworkers, volunteers, families and young people.
About You
* Experience managing challenging behaviours in the youth mental health space.
* Experience in delivering group youth activities or programmes, ideally for large group sizes of 20‐24.
* Experience working with youth of different age and development levels, ideally 8‐18.
* Experience in multi‐day camp style programmes.
* Ability to attend regular camps and activity days (at least once a month).
* Valid driver's licence and access to own vehicle.
* Current First Aid Certificate (or ability to obtain).
* Current Working With Children Check (or ability to obtain).
Why Join Us?
* Be part of a values‐driven organisation committed to youth empowerment.
* Contribute to programmes that make a real difference in young people's lives.
* Fun, rewarding, and meaningful work where you see the difference you make in people's lives first hand.
* Opportunities for professional development and career growth.
* Opportunity to participate in exciting and varied camps and activity days including potential local and interstate travel.
* Flexible work to fit in with your other commitments.
How To Apply
Ready to engage in meaningful, impactful work? Give us the rundown on all things you –
Please provide a short one‐page Cover Letter responding to the 'About You' requirements along with your Resume.
Please note, due to the high volume of applications expected, applications that do not provide a Cover Letter addressing the criteria will not be considered.
Applications close 22 March 2026.
We are committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and equitable workplace. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply. As are those who identify as LGBTQIA+ or as neurodivergent.
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and lived experiences. We know first‐hand how valuable lived experience is to supporting positive outcomes for our young people.
We warmly encourage current or former members of the Australian Defence Force to apply. If you have served, you are welcome (but not required) to share your experience in your application. We value the unique skills and perspectives that Defence service brings.
Child Safeguarding
AKKF is committed to creating environments where the safety and wellbeing of young people is at the centre of our thoughts, values, and actions.
Employment is subject to reference checks, a National Police Check, and a Working with Children Check.
#J-18808-Ljbffr