Senior Vocational Specialist

Relationships Australia is a community sector organisation with a proud and rich history. We connect with families, communities, and thousands of people across the lifespan. You may know us for our family and couples counselling – we also give back to the community through our work in family violence prevention, working with people experiencing gambling harm, with families that have been touched by the sudden death of a loved one, with people who have experienced trauma and with people who are challenged by their mental health, among other things.

headspace provides young people with access to Allied Health Professionals and community supports that they need to develop and maintain the skills and confidence to live healthy and happy lives. The centre also engages in community awareness and seeks to develop and implement innovative programs to improve the mental health and wellbeing of young people in the region. Relationships Australia Canberra & Region is the lead agency for headspace Wagga Wagga and is supported by a Consortium.

Why work for us?

With us you will work with people at times of vulnerability in their lives, create a career you’ll love and join a warm and caring team who make a difference. We have flexible working arrangements, access to $2,000 worth of professional development opportunities, and access to supervision.

Your new role

Parental Leave Cover 12 months Full time located in headspace Wagga Wagga, NSW

Annual Salary between $110,110.00 to $116,432.57, plus Superannuation, NFP Salary Packaging, Paid Christmas closure and other generous leave provisions under our Enterprise Agreement.

The focus of the Senior Vocational Specialist is to implement the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) within headspace Wagga Wagga. The Senior Vocational Specialist will work with young people who experience barriers to employment and/or education to support them to achieve their vocation and/or education goals.

Duties:

In consultation with the Manager, headspace Wagga Wagga, the Senior Vocational Specialist is to:

Oversee the headspace Wagga Wagga IPS Work and Study Program and provide supervision to Work and Study specialists.

Deliver specialised career development services, supporting young people to gain employment and attend job service provider and Centrelink appointments.

Maintain IPS fidelity, assist with DSS reviews, and meet all IPS and funding reporting requirements.

Build partnerships and networks with employers, community organisations, and education providers to expand vocational opportunities. Advocate for young people with employers and service providers for employment and vocational opportunities.

Promote the vocational program and young jobseekers to employers, including cold-calling and marketing.

What you’ll need to succeed

1. Relevant tertiary qualifications and/or professional registration, with experience in employment services, vocational rehabilitation, career development, or related fields, including staff mentoring and supervision.

2. Demonstrated ability to lead a team and provide supervision to staff.

3. Proven ability to place and support young people with complex needs in employment or education, with strong understanding of challenges impacting youth, including mental health issues and community factors.

4. Demonstrated skill in building and sustaining collaborative partnerships with organisations across the employment and education sectors.

5. Knowledge of the IPS model, employment services sector, Centrelink, and relevant state/federal employment initiatives, with experience in data collection and government reporting.

For a full list of duties and selection criteria, please refer to the position description on our Careers site. To view the position description, click on the paper clip on the upper right side of the screen.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants are encouraged to apply.

What you’ll get in return

This is an exciting opportunity to join a highly regarded not-for-profit, community-based organisation in a position where you will have the opportunity to continue to grow and develop your career. You will receive a generous package including professional development and NFP salary packaging. In this role you will be able to make a positive difference in the lives of people in the community every day.

What you need to do now

If this sounds like the ideal position for you, Apply today! Shortlisting and interviews will occur as applications are received.

Submit your resume with names of two work related referees and a cover letter specifically addressing each of the selection criteria (no more than half a page response under each criterion).

For a full list of selection criteria, please refer to the position description. To view the position description, click on the paper clip on the upper right side of the screen. Applications that do not address selection criteria will not be considered during the shortlisting process.

Applications should be submitted only via the “Apply” button on RACR's careers site.

For further information about the position or application process, please email [email protected].

Closing date for applications: Midnight on 12 October 2025