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, Emerald, Longreach, Woorabinda, Gladstone, Bundaberg and Hervey Bay.
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 a Employer of Choice.
Purpose of the Position
The Staying on Track Mentor plays a key role in supporting First Nations young people aged 10-17 while they are in Detention and as they transition back into their communities. The mentor provides culturally safe, trauma-informed, community-led guidance that promotes healing, reduces reoffending, restores connection to culture, Country, and family, and strengthens pathways to education, training, employment, and overall wellbeing.
The position also requires navigating key systems, including Youth Justice and Child Safety, to ensure coordinated and effective support. A central aspect of the role is being a consistent, reliable presence in the lives of young people and their families. Through guidance, advocacy, and genuine relationship building, the mentor will have a meaningful and potentially life-changing impact on the futures of the young people they work with.
Responsibilities and Duties
Case Administration and Mentoring
* Provide low, moderate and high, individualised case administration for First Nations and Non First Nations young people.
* Develop, implement, and regularly review culturally responsive case planning in collaboration with the young people and their support network.
* Conduct holistic assessments, including safety planning and risk awarenss.
* Support young people to access services, such as housing, mental health, education, training, employment, justice supports, and mentoring.
* Mentor young people through providing opportunities to engage in activities and/or programs of their choice with education and awareness implemented to enhance participation, accountability and sense of belonging.
* Role modelling positive behaviours to improve social skills, social connections, healthy relationship, life skills, accountability, participation and break down barriers on reaching out for support.
* Ensuring a non-judgemental approach is paramount when engaging with young people at all levels of their journey by listening, sense of genuine care, respectful communication and a sense of self awareness.
Additional Administration and Compliance
* Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential records, case notes, and reports.
* Contribute to data collection, monitoring and evaluation processes, and funding compliance requirements.
* Attend regular supervision, team meetings, and professional development sessions.
Cultural Safety and Community Connection
* Embed cultural knowledge and community strengths into all aspects of service delivery.
* Engage local Elders, community members, and cultural mentors to support identity and belonging.
* Facilitate cultural reconnection activities and promote in community and cultural events.
* Empower young people to participate in sharing their views and wishes around cultural connection.
Trauma-Informed & Healing-Focused Practice
* Apply trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate interventions.
* Provide safe, consistent, and respectful support to build trust and emotional regulation.
* Respond to challenging behaviours with empathy, patience, and de-escalation skills.
Collaboration and Advocacy
* Work collaboratively with internal teams and external stakeholders, including Child Safety, Youth Justice, Schools, Housing providers, Health services, and Legal services.
* Advocate for the needs and rights of young people and their families within complex systems.
* Build and maintain respectful relationships wit key stakeholders including Child Safety, Education providers, Elders, Community leaders, other ACCOs and the Youth Justice System.
* Represent the organisation at interagency meetings, panels, forums, and government consultations.
Client-Centred practice
* Support intake, assessment, planning, and review processes to ensure high-quality, individualised support and mentoring.
* Monitor young people progress and outcomes in areas such as emotional regulation, cultural identity, education/employment, family reconnection, and offending behaviours.
* Manage complex risk and safety issues in consultation with leadership and statutory partners.
Risk & Quality Management
* Ensure robust risk management frameworks are in place for working with young people with complex needs and offending behaviours.
* Monitor service quality and lead continuous improvement processes.
* Respond to incidents, complaints, and case escalations in accordance with departmental procedures.
* Participate and contribute to the organisation's compliance obligations under the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System and Human Services Quality Standards (HSQS)
* At all times work within CQID's Workplace Health & Safety Policies and Procedures
* Other responsibilities as directed by the Manager and Team leader to meet program expectations.
Qualifications and Experience
To be successful in this role, you must demonstrate capability in the following areas:
* Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander heritage and strong community and cultural connections (non-Indigenous applicants may be considered where no suitable Indigenous candidates are identified).
* Knowledge of Queensland Child Safety and Youth Justice systems, including supervised orders, diversionary pathways, and legislative frameworks (e.g., Child Protection Act, Youth Justice Act).
* Understanding of Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB), restorative justice approaches, and community-led healing frameworks.
* Current C Class Queensland Driver's Licence.
* Current Working with Children Check (Blue Card).
* Holds, or is willing to obtain, a First Aid and CPR Certificate.
* Strong understanding of intergenerational trauma, cultural safety principles, and healing-informed practice.
* Demonstrated experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people within justice, community, or youth work environments.
* Proven skills in youth engagement, rapport-building, mentoring, and managing complex or challenging behaviours.