headspace provides young people with access to Allied Health Professionals and community supports that they need to develop and maintain the skills and confidence to live healthy and happy lives. The centre also engages in community awareness and seeks to develop and implement innovative programs to improve the mental health and wellbeing of young people in the region. Relationships Australia Canberra & Region is the lead agency for headspace Wagga Wagga and is supported by a Consortium.

Relationships Australia is a community sector organisation with a proud and rich history. We connect with families, communities, and thousands of people across the lifespan. You may know us for our family and couples counselling. We also give back to the community through our work in family violence prevention, working with people experiencing gambling harm, with families that have been touched by the sudden death of a loved one, with people who have experienced trauma and with people who are challenged by their mental health, among other things. With us you will work with people at times of vulnerability in their lives, create a career you’ll love and join a warm and caring team who make a difference.

Your new role

• Part time fixed term up to 30 June 2025
• Located in Wagga Wagga, NSW
• Annual salary between $89,166.58 to $90,403.28

The Vocational Specialist will work with young people who experience barriers to employment and/or education to support them to achieve their vocation and/or education goals. The Vocational Specialist will provide input and advice to clinical staff within headspace Wagga Wagga centre and actively develop partnerships with a wide range of external organisations to enhance vocational outcomes for young people.

Duties:

In consultation with the headspace Manager, Vocational Specialist is expected to:

• Work with a caseload of young people from headspace Wagga Wagga who require assistance to enter into, or return to, employment and/or education by assessing their individual vocational support needs. This may include assistance with employment benefits, support networks, both internal and external to headspace, or with travel to work.
• Complete vocational action plans, in collaboration with the young person, their family and friends, and their multidisciplinary team at headspace Wagga Wagga.
• Provide assistance to young people with job searching, job applications and interview preparation. This may require liaising with local employment/education service providers or accompanying young people to interviews where appropriate.
• Provide individualised on-going support to young people once they have secured education or employment to assist them in sustaining this placement.

What you’ll need to succeed

• Tertiary qualifications including relevant professional registration as required and/or experience in employment services, vocational rehabilitation, career development or a related field.
• Extensive knowledge of issues that impact young people when accessing employment and/or educational opportunities.
• Demonstrated experience placing and supporting young people with complex needs in employment and educational settings.
• Demonstrated experience and success at initiating and sustaining collaborative partnerships with a range of organisations within the employment and education service system.

For a full list of duties and selection criteria, please refer to the position description attached.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants are encouraged to apply.

What you’ll get in return

This is an exciting opportunity to join a highly regarded not-for-profit, community-based organisation in a position where you will have the opportunity to continue to grow and develop your career. You will receive a generous package including professional development and NFP salary packaging. In this role you will be able to make a positive difference in the lives of people in the community every day.

What you need to do now

If you are interested in the role, please submit your resume with names of two work related referees and a cover letter specifically addressing each of the selection criteria (no more than half a page response under each criterion). Applications that do not address selection criteria will not be considered during the shortlisting process.

Applications should be submitted only via clicking 'Apply Now'.

For further information about the position or application process, please contact Human Resources at (02) 6923 9100 or by email [email protected] using the subject line: Vocational Specialist - headspace Wagga Wagga enquiry via EthicalJobs.