Help young people re-engage with education

At Meli, we’re committed to supporting young people to thrive—and sometimes, that starts with helping them get back to school. We’re on the lookout for a compassionate, creative, and proactive Caseworker to join our Navigator Program in the Barwon region. This role is all about building strong connections, walking alongside young people aged 12–17 and their families, and supporting them to overcome barriers to education re-engagement.

As a Navigator Caseworker, you’ll be doing more than ticking boxes. You’ll bring an assertive outreach approach to help build protective factors, aspirations, and trust.

About the Role

As a Caseworker in our navigator Program, you will:

• Provide assertive outreach and meaningful engagement with young people and their families
• Explore the big picture—assess the holistic needs of young people, with a strong focus on barriers to education
• Facilitate care teams and co-develop care plans and re-engagement strategies
• Work collaboratively with schools, families, and community services to build a sustainable pathway back to education
• Use your therapeutic and trauma-informed skills to support young people through challenges
• Maintain case notes and other admin requirements with clarity and care
• Contribute to Meli’s culture of safety, inclusion, and growth—for young people, and for yourself

Position Details

• Fixed term position until 15 May 2026
• 1 FTE working 76 hours per fortnight
• $97,614 p/a + Super + Salary Packaging
• To view the Position Description, please visit www.meli.org.au/careers

Why Work with Us?

At Meli, we offer more than just a job—we provide a platform to thrive, grow, and make an impact. Our Employee Value Proposition (EVP) includes:

• Supportive Culture: Join a values-driven organization that fosters collaboration and innovation.
• Career Growth: Access ongoing Learning & Development opportunities and clear pathways for progression.
• Financial Benefits: Enjoy salary packaging up to $15,900 per year, enhancing your financial well-being.
• Work-Life Balance: Benefit from flexible ways of working
• Employee Wellbeing: Participate in employee-led Inclusion Working Groups, access confidential counselling via our Employee Assistance Program, and enjoy paid parental leave above the government scheme.
• Diversity and Inclusion: Be part of a team that celebrates diversity and actively supports individuals from all walks of life.

What We're Looking For

We value individuals who bring dedication, empathy, and expertise to their roles. To succeed in this position, you will have:

• Qualification or equivalent in Youth, Social Work, Psychology or Community Welfare (Diploma or higher) and experience in client service functions
• Ability to develop and establish effective relationships with young people and parents/carers
• Ability to form a sound ecological perspective of client circumstances, with minimal information to rapidly determine supports using appropriate tools
• Experience networking with schools, internal and external services in a collaborative and supported approach.
• Maintain a strong understanding of the Victorian Child Safe Standards and actively contribute to a culture and practice that prioritises child safety
• Relevant training or experience in therapeutic interventions, trauma-informed approaches, and/or working within education settings

Join Our Commitment

Meli is committed to providing a child-safe environment. We have zero tolerance of any abuse or maltreatment of children. Our recruitment practices reflect our commitment to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of young people in our care.

Meli is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. We actively encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, individuals from culturally diverse backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ community members, people living with disabilities, and those looking to return to the workforce.

Our usual process includes a written application, a phone call and a panel interview, if you require adjustments to the recruitment process, please email us at [email protected] to discuss how we can best support you.

How to Apply

We’re excited to hear from you! Please submit your application, including a résumé and a cover letter addressing the key selection criteria outlined above. Applications close 11:59pm Tuesday 24 June 2025

For more information about the position please contact Daniel Hall, Team Leader Navigator on 0491 093 853.

Take the Next Step

If you’re ready to inspire change and make a lasting impact, click Apply Now and start your journey with Meli.

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