CQID is experiencing enormous organisational growth across all services and seeking suitable candidates for a range of positions.

CQID is one of the largest employers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Central Queensland region. Offering a broad range of service areas, with roles that serve our community across Rockhampton, Emerald, Longreach, Woorabinda, Gladstone, Bundaberg and Hervey Bay.

A new organisational structure, designated HR team and the implementation of a new Workforce Strategy. Striving to support employees on their career journey is a priority and contributes us to being an Employer of Choice.

Purpose of the Position

The Youth hub Practice Lead provides expert practice leadership and therapeutic support within a culturally safe, trauma-informed youth hub. The role is responsible for guiding and mentoring youth workers, supporting complex case responses, and ensuring high-quality, culturally responsive support for young people aged 10-21 who may be experiencing challenges such as disengagement, trauma, homelessness, or contact with youth justice or child safety systems.

This role plays a key part in strengthening the Hub's capability to respond to the social, emotional, and cultural wellbeing needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, and works in close collaboration with Elders, families, clinical services and community partners.

Responsibilities and Duties

Practice Leadership

• Provide daily practice guidance, debriefing, and formal supervision to the youth hub staff.
• Model best practice approaches in trauma-informed, healing-centred, and culturally safe youth work.
• Support critical incident management, safety planning, and therapeutic responses to young people with complex needs.

Client Support and Case Practice

• Support staff to develop, implement, and review case plans and wellbeing goals with young people.
• Engage directly with high-risk young people as needed, providing short-term case support, referrals, or brief interventions.
• Maintain appropriate documentation, risk assessments, and wellbeing records in line with organisational policies.
• Provide hands-on support with critical incidents, crisis response, and high-risk case management.
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• Guide case managers in assessing safety, risk, and protective factors in line with Child Safety and Youth Justice frameworks.
• Ensure young people and families are meaningfully engaged in decision-making and planning processes.

Program Development and Delivery

• Contribute to the development of group-based programs and workshops that enhance wellbeing, identity, life skills, and cultural connection.
• Ensure programs are informed by best practice in youth work, mental health, family support, and cultural safety.

Team support and Capacity Building

• Build the skills and confidence of Youth Workers and Program Officers through coaching, training, and mentoring.
• Support onboarding, induction, and ongoing professional development for new team members.
• Promote reflective practice, team learning, and collaborative problem-solving.

Stakeholder and Community Engagement

• Build and maintain relationships with clinical services, schools, child protection, youth justice, and community organisations.
• Represent the program at interagency meetings, Youth Justice forums, and care teams
• Act as a point of contact for complex referrals and wraparound support planning.
• Work closely with Elders and cultural mentors to embed cultural healing practices and connection to Country in support responses.

Reporting and Quality Practice

• Support the development of robust risk management frameworks are in place for working with young people with complex needs and offending behaviours.
• Contribute to program evaluation, outcomes tracking, and reporting requirements.
• Identify gaps in service delivery and recommend strategies for continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with safeguarding, ethical, and professional practice standards.
• standards.
• Participate and contribute to the organisation’s compliance obligations under the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System and Human Services Quality Standards (HSQS)
• At all times work within CQID’s Workplace Health & Safety Policies and Procedures.
• Other responsibilities as directed by the Manager to meet program expectations.

Key Selection Criteria

Essential

• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage is highly desirable for this role.
• In accordance with the program's commitment to cultural safety, community connection, and self-determination, Aboriginal dn/or Torres STrait Islander applicants are strongly encouraged to apply. Non-indigenous applicants will be considered only if no Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander candidates are identified in the initial recruitment round.
• Proven experience in case management, youth justice, or community services with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people.
• Demonstrated expertise in trauma-informed, healing-orientated, and culturally responsive practice.
• Leadership experience, including supervision, coaching, or mentoring of frontline workers.
• Strong understanding of intergenerational trauma, colonisation, cultural identity, and SEWB frameworks.
• High-level communication, risk management, and crisis intervention skills.
• Experience engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, Elders, and community organisations.
• Ability to lead reflective practice, uphold cultural humility, and build trust-based relationships.

Desirable

• Knowledge of Child Safety and Youth Justice systems in Queensland, including supervised orders and transition support.
• Experience with cultural healing programs, on-country work, or community-based rehabilitation.
• Lived experience or strong cultural connection to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities.
• Project management, training, or quality assurance experience.

Qualifications and Compliance

• Degree in Youth Development, Social Work, Education, Psychology, or a related field preferred but not essential (or equivalent experience, lived experience and/or other discipline).
• Current Driver’s Licence.
• Working with Children Check (Blue Card – QLD).
• Police Check (National Police Certificate).
• First Aid & Youth Mental Health First Aid (or willingness to obtain).