Queensland Youth Services (QYS) is currently seeking a Team Leader for LearnIT Program

Status: Full-Time Fixed Term (To commence August.)

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 empowering young people? Join Queensland Youth Services as the Team Leader for our LearnIT learner driver mentoring program. You’ll provide strategic leadership, oversee daily operations, coordinate staff and volunteers, and drive youth engagement.

Your role will focus on building partnerships with local businesses, government, and community stakeholders to support vulnerable youth in gaining their driver’s licence and essential life skills. If you’re youth-focused, trauma-aware, and ready to make a real impact, we want to hear from you!

Apply now to lead positive change!

How to Apply

To be considered, please submit:

A current CV

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

Instructions to Applicants:
Please address the following selection criteria in a written statement of no more than two (2)

Key Selection Criteria

Relevant Qualifications and Experience

Tertiary qualification in Driver Trainer Qualification, Education, Human Services, Youth Work, or a closely related field

Proven experience coordinating programs and supervising staff or volunteers.

Experience Working with Vulnerable Young People

Demonstrated ability to engage and support young people aged 16–25 with complex needs, including trauma, financial hardship, or social disadvantage.

Program Leadership and Operational Management

Experience in planning, delivering, and evaluating youth or community programs.

Ability to ensure compliance with legal, funding, and safety requirements.

Stakeholder and Community Engagement

Strong relationship-building skills with community, government, philanthropic, and corporate stakeholders.

Experience securing sponsorships, donations, or in-kind support.

Volunteer Management

Demonstrated capacity to recruit, induct, supervise, and support volunteers in a community-based program.

Advocacy and Innovation

Ability to advocate for policy change and promote equitable access to services.

Experience with or interest in integrating technology (e.g., simulators, VR) in youth education or training.

Strong Communication and Interpersonal Skills

Excellent written and verbal communication.

Capable of representing the program at forums, meetings, and public events.

Commitment to Youth-Centred, Trauma-Informed Practice

Understanding of youth development principles and trauma-aware approaches.

Ability to monitor youth progress and respond to emerging risks or needs.

Cultural Competence

Ability to work respectfully with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people and diverse communities.

Compliance and Licensing

Current QLD Driver’s Licence.

Valid Working with Children Blue Card and Criminal History Check clearance.

About the Program

Learn IT is funded by the Department of Transport and Main Roads and supported by community sponsors. It helps young people aged 16–25 who face social, financial, or systemic barriers to completing the 100 hours of supervised driving required under Queensland’s GLS.

The program provides:

Access to QYS vehicles and trained volunteer mentors

Road safety education and awareness of safe driving behaviours

Budgeting support for the costs of vehicle ownership (fuel, registration, maintenance)

Referrals to wraparound services, including mental health, housing, education, and employment support

The program is delivered in Townsville and aims to build confident, capable drivers and independent young adults.

Key priorities include:

Ensuring safe, compliant program delivery in line with the Queensland Graduated Licensing System (GLS)

Strengthening program sustainability through sponsorship, grants, and community ownership

Advocating for policy change around equitable access to licensing for at-risk youth

Exploring innovations such as simulators and VR to enhance road safety education

Ultimately, Learn IT is not just a driver mentoring program—it’s a pathway to independence, employment, education, and social inclusion for young people facing systemic barriers.

Target Group

Young people aged 16–25 who:

Are unable to access a supervising driver or vehicle

Face barriers such as financial hardship, social disadvantage, or family breakdown

Would benefit from mentoring and structured support

Require wraparound services alongside driver training

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities

Program Leadership & Operations

Lead the day-to-day operations of Learn IT in accordance with funding agreements, QYS policies, and legal obligations

Develop, review, and implement key program resources including:

Operational manual

Induction and training materials

Road safety activities and competency-based driving frameworks

Oversee program compliance with Working with Children legislation, risk management protocols, and data privacy laws

Manage program reporting, data tracking, and analysis aligned with key performance indicators (KPIs) and funding milestones

Facilitate regular Learn IT team meetings and cross-program collaboration within QYS

Volunteer and Staff Management

Supervise the Learn IT Program Officer and oversee recruitment, onboarding, and support of volunteer mentors

Deliver inductions for mentors and mentees covering:

Code of conduct

Safety expectations

Driving skills development

Reporting and documentation

Ensure mentor compliance with Blue Card legislation and QYS child safety protocols

Provide ongoing support, engagement, and after-hours assistance to mentors as needed

Youth Engagement & Support

Ensure young people are:

Supported in gaining supervised driving hours

Educated in road safety, personal responsibility, and budgeting

Connected to relevant QYS or external support services

Work from a trauma-informed, youth-centred approach to enhance engagement

Monitor individual progress and wellbeing, responding to emerging needs and risks

Collect feedback from mentees and mentors and use insights to improve program delivery

Stakeholder and Community Engagement

Build and sustain strategic partnerships with:

Corporate and philanthropic sponsors

Local businesses and volunteer recruitment networks

Government and non-government service providers

Represent Learn IT at:

Community forums

Funding body meetings

Local, regional, and state sector events

Promote program outcomes and impact through presentations, media, and community campaigns

Develop and maintain sponsorship agreements, ensuring value and transparency

Program Development & Innovation

Drive continuous improvement using feedback, data, and stakeholder input

Integrate emerging technologies (e.g., simulators, virtual reality) to enhance learning outcomes

Identify community gaps and advocate for new initiatives that improve youth access to licensing and mobility

Assist in preparing and monitoring the annual program budget in collaboration with the Finance Officer

Essential Qualifications & Experience

Tertiary qualification in Driver Trainer Qualification, Education, Human Services, Youth Work, or a closely related field

Demonstrated experience in:

Program and staff/volunteer coordination

Working with young people facing complex needs

Stakeholder and sponsor engagement

Sound knowledge of:

QLD Road Rules and learner licensing process

Safe driving practices and vehicle logistics

Highly Desirable

Experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people in a culturally safe manner

Knowledge of youth justice, housing, mental health, and community support sectors

Experience delivering life-skills or educational workshops to young people

Compliance Requirements

Current QLD Driver’s Licence

Valid Working with Children Blue Card

Criminal History Check clearance

Core Competencies

Program planning, delivery, and evaluation

Volunteer engagement and supervision

Stakeholder collaboration and relationship management

Strong written and verbal communication

Position-Specific Skills

Confidence in developing road safety and life-skills content

Ability to manage mentor-mentee matching and scheduling

Strong record-keeping, compliance, and risk management

Experience using data and feedback to drive improvements

Personal Attributes

Proactive, self-directed, and solutions-focused

Passionate about empowering young people

Ethical, transparent, and accountable in leadership

Culturally aware and collaborative

Able to work flexibly, independently, and under pressure

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

For more information,

contact email [email protected] or visit https://www.qys.org.au/ to learn more about QYS.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Applications close at COB on 24 July 2025.