Queensland Youth Services (QYS) is currently seeking a Flexible & Pathways Lead for Specialised Alternative Learning Program (SALP)

Status: Full-Time Fixed Term (with potential for extension)

Salary Level: Level 5 (increment level negotiated based on skills and experience)

Award: Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Award

Location: Townsville, Queensland

Are you passionate about education equity, youth empowerment, and culturally grounded learning? Do you have the leadership skills to drive a flexible, trauma-informed education initiative that re-engages young people—especially those involved with the youth justice system?

Join us as the Flexible & Pathways Lead and shape the future of the Specialised Alternative Learning Program (SALP)—a transformative, community co-designed initiative that offers real-world, culturally responsive learning pathways for disengaged young people aged 14–17.

About the Program

SALP provides a youth-first, strengths-based alternative to traditional schooling. Co-designed with Elders, cultural consultants, and local stakeholders, the program integrates:

Culturally grounded learning embedded throughout the curriculum

Enterprise-based activities like “Brew Beginnings” and hands-on trade workshops

Embedded literacy and numeracy in everyday tasks (e.g. budgeting, recipe prep, workplace documentation)

Social and emotional wellbeing supports, delivered in a trauma-informed way

Family and community engagement as central pillars of success

About the Role

As the Flexible & Pathways Lead, you will:

Finalise and operationalise the co-designed program framework

Lead a multidisciplinary team including Youth Workers, Trade Mentors, and Cultural Consultants

Foster a culturally safe, trauma-aware learning environment

Build strong partnerships with Youth Justice, Education Queensland, Elders, and families

Oversee evaluation, sustainability planning, and continuous improvement efforts

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

Program Leadership & Delivery

Finalise the co-design process by incorporating outstanding feedback and documentation

Transition from co-design to full implementation, embedding vision and structure into daily practice

Develop and finalise program frameworks, resources, and delivery models

Establish and oversee the physical learning environment, systems, and operational tools

Champion SALP’s identity as a flexible, culturally safe, learner-centred pathways program

Design and oversee flexible, hands-on learning and pathway experiences that are accessible to diverse learner

Ensure LLN development is seamlessly integrated into daily activities (e.g., measurements in workshops, financial literacy in enterprise planning)

Uphold QYS policies, safeguarding frameworks, and funding compliance

Maintain active collaboration with the Department of Education and other key stakeholders

Team Management & Support

Recruit, induct, and supervise a multidisciplinary team including Youth Workers, Trade Mentors, and Cultural Consultants

Foster a trauma-informed, culturally safe, and strengths-based team culture

Guide staff in differentiated learning and engagement strategies

Promote ongoing professional development, reflective practice, and staff wellbeing

Encourage shared learning and collaborative problem solving

Cultural and Community Partnerships

Work closely with Elders, cultural consultants, and First Nations community leaders

Ensure Indigenous perspectives are embedded throughout the program—not treated as an add-on

Facilitate family engagement, feedback processes, and celebratory events

Represent SALP across youth, justice, education, and cultural sectors

Participate in Reference Group meetings and relevant sector forums

Evaluation and Sustainability

Lead data collection and evaluation using tools such as Outcome Star and LLN assessments

Monitor and report on participation, engagement, wellbeing, and skill development outcomes

Drive continuous improvement through reflective practice and stakeholder input

Contribute to long-term sustainability of learner pathways through strategic partnerships, workforce planning, and funding development

Are you the right person for the job? (Skills and Competencies)

Qualification and Experience:

Track record of leading educational initiatives in alternative or flexible learning settings (e.g., online, hybrid, or competency-based models)

Experience designing learner-centred curricula and increasing engagement through personalised learning

Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE40122 or equivalent)

Experience working within or alongside formal education systems

Core Competencies

Visionary leadership in flexible or alternative education settings

Effective stakeholder and cross-sector collaboration

Strategic planning, coordination, and communication skills

Team development and reflective supervision

Position-Specific Skills

Knowledge of LLN frameworks and inclusive learning approaches

Experience integrating VET or enterprise-based learning into programs

Confidence in designing and evaluating alternative education models

Ability to embed Indigenous perspectives in meaningful, authentic ways

You are a collaborative, values-driven leader with:

Tertiary qualifications in education, human services, youth work, or a related field

Experience managing multidisciplinary teams in complex, youth-focused environments

Deep understanding of culturally safe, trauma-informed practice

Confidence in designing and delivering flexible learning programs tailored to disengaged youth

A passion for community collaboration, education equity, and empowerment through learning

How to Apply

To be considered, please submit:

A current CV

A cover letter addressing the key selection criteria (no more than 2 pages)

If you believe you are the right person for this position, apply via SEEK.

Enquiries: For more information, contact email "[email protected]"

Visit https://www.qys.org.au/ to learn more about QYS.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Note: This application will close once the right candidate is found.