Youth Vocational Specialist Worker
- Headspace Frankston
- Application close Date COB Monday 18th May 2026
- Full Time (76 Hours per fortnight)
- Fixed Term – 12 months
- Remuneration SCHCADS level 5 dependent on qualifications and experience + superannuation
- 5 Weeks Annual Leave
- Up to $15,900 for living expenses + up to $2,600 towards meals and entertainment can be tax-free through NFP Salary Packaging
About the position
To work as part as an integrated team within YSAS/headspace Frankston to provide vocational assistance to young people with mental illness up to the age of 25 within the Frankston region. The aim of this program is to improve educational and employment outcomes for young people with mental illness.
The IPS Program will help address the additional barriers to employment faced by this cohort. As such the vocational specialist will need to have advanced assessment and planning skills as well as draw on a range of interventions which will enhance the likelihood of vocational engagement for participants. The successful applicant will need to be able to contribute to the development of the program as well as participate in program evaluation activities. This role requires someone who is dynamic and can build the networks and relationships required to enhance vocational outcomes.
Key Selection Criteria
- Highly developed engagement and communication skills with young people experiencing mental health
- Advanced skills in engaging and supporting the young people to overcome vocational and non‑vocational barriers to employment and education and comprehensive knowledge of this service system.
- Demonstrated ability to broker opportunities with employers and key organisations
- Demonstrated ability to negotiate and advocate for individual clients (and/or their families) with external agencies
- Evidence of delivery and evaluation of youth vocational/educational programs.
- Ability to contribute to a multi-disciplinary team and to establish effective relationships with staff, clients, carers and workers in community agencies
What our young people request from our workers:
Young people across YSAS have spoken out and given feedback about the qualities that best describe a good YSAS worker:
“A good worker takes the time to understand your interests and doesn’t treat everyone the same.” “Young people believe that a good YSAS worker is empathetic and good at actively listening in a non-judgmental way, is relatable, down-to-earth and able to build trust and rapport in a consistent manner”. “It takes time to trust someone, but it’s worth it when you know they’ve got your back”. Young people have also raised that genuine human connection is an important quality, “being authentically human”, while having a holistic, flexible, and adaptable approach that considers the entire context of a young person’s life and their intersectionalities. “It’s about making sure workers don’t just tick boxes but genuinely want to see us thrive”
Regardless of where they are based or what position a worker has, everything we do at YSAS is about young people and their families.
For full details of the position, please view the POSITION DESCRIPTION below
Why work with us?
- YSAS has a true commitment to flexible working, ensuring that individual, team and client needs are met
- YSAS offers additional leave entitlements such as gender affirmation, ceremonial leave for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, fertility leave, blood donors leave, a generous Parental Leave Scheme and the ability to purchase additional leave.
- Access to learning and development opportunities
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Please Note:
- As part of our Employment screening process you will be required to undertake a National Criminal History check and have a current Working with Children Check.
- You must have Australian work rights to apply for this position.
Further Enquiries
For a confidential discussion about the position, please contact, Erin McGennisken, Senior Youth Worker, on 0404126896 regarding the Youth Vocational Specialist Worker, Recruitment Ref. Number – 027_2026.
- YSAS is an equal opportunity employer, and we welcome applications from all sectors of the community.
- YSAS has a zero tolerance for child abuse and is committed to the provision of a child-safe organisation.
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