Lead Educator – PIVOT (Ipswich)

Deliver trauma-informed, culturally safe education for young people in the youth justice system.

ICYS is seeking an innovative and creative Lead Educator for our PIVOT program — a new specialised learning and engagement program for young people aged 10–16 connected with the youth justice system. The Lead Educator will deliver trauma-informed, culturally safe education for young people who cannot engage in mainstream schooling. Lead engaging literacy and numeracy programs that reconnect young people to learning, training, and employment pathways.

About ICYS

Ipswich Community Youth Service (ICYS) has been empowering children, young people, and their families across Ipswich and surrounding regions since 1983. A not-for-profit organisation funded by five Queensland Government departments, ICYS provides education engagement, vocational support, specialist youth support, youth justice programs, homelessness assistance & accommodation, and recreational activities.

The new PIVOT program continues this legacy, offering flexible, culturally safe, trauma-informed pathways to learning and opportunity for young people who need it most.

What you’ll do

The Lead Educator will develop and deliver individualised, literacy and numeracy-focused programs for young people who cannot engage in traditional schooling. This is a hands-on education role that uses creative, culturally responsive approaches to foster learning, engagement, and confidence.

You will:

Design and deliver individualised and group education programs, drawing on teaching experience.

Guide and support Education Support Youth Workers in delivering programs aligned with learning plans.

Collaborate with the PIVOT Program Coordinator, Cultural Connector, and wider ICYS staff to ensure culturally safe and engaging programs.

Support young people to transition to mainstream education, alternative education, training, or employment pathways.

Assist in the setup of learning spaces and contribute to program continuous improvement.

What we’re looking for

Tertiary qualifications and minimum 3 years’ experience in education / delivering education programs.

Teaching or direct classroom experience, including literacy and numeracy programs, highly desirable.

Demonstrated ability to deliver programs within a strong cultural framework and trauma-informed approach.

Experience designing programs for culturally diverse young people, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth.

Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Hold / ability to acquire a Blue Card, First Aid Certificate, recent National Criminal History Check, and Driver’s Licence.

Employment Details

75 hrs/fortnight (Mon–Fri, 7.5 hrs/day). Part-time/reduced hours negotiable.

Term to 30 June 2028, with extension subject to funding.

Location: ICYS Ipswich Youth Hub / Head Office, Ipswich.

Award & Benefits: SCHCADS Level 6 ($55.72–$58.19/hr depending on experience/qualifications) plus superannuation, leave loading, and salary packaging benefits up to $15,900 tax free.

Why join us?

This is more than a job; it’s a chance to make a lasting impact. You’ll work alongside a passionate team in a highly collaborative environment, designing and delivering programs that truly change lives. If you are excited about empowering young people's reconnection to and love of learning, ICYS wants to hear from you. Want to know more about ICYS, visit our 2023-24 Annual Impact Report.

To Apply:

Review the Position Description: ICYS PD_PIVOT Lead Educator.pdf

Meet the position prerequisites listed on page 3 of the Position Description

Email your cover letter (addressing the position prerequisites) and your resume to [email protected]

Applications will be assessed as they arrive, and interviewing can take place at any stage.

Please direct any questions to [email protected]