Youth Employment Specialist

• Parental Leave Cover Contract | Until September 2026 | 38 Hours per week
• Location: Coffs Harbour, NSW 2450
• Salary: $81,987 per annum + Super + NFP Salary packaging benefits
• Make a meaningful difference to the lives of Australians in need

Life at Mission Australia

When you join the team at Mission Australia, you become part of a community who are determined to end homelessness and ensure people in need can thrive. United by our Christian purpose and values, we advocate for a fairer Australia, to meet the growing needs of people across the country. Together we’re building hope and possibility for all. Find out more about us and our purpose.

Your Opportunity

Mission Australia's Transition to Work Program works with young people aged 15-24 who have left school early, or who are having difficulty finding employment. We help young people to develop the skills and confidence they need to move into work or ongoing education (including apprenticeships and traineeships), and we provide no-cost employment services for employers looking to recruit young workers.

As a Youth Employment Specialist, you will support young people aged 15–24 to gain sustainable employment, apprenticeships, traineeships, or further education. You will help participants overcome both vocational and non-vocational barriers, build employability skills, and connect them with meaningful opportunities in the community.

The role will provide support in both our Woolgoolga and Coffs Harbour offices and may require relief support to other Mission Australia sites across the region as required.  Outreach work is a significant part of this role, a pool car is provided, and all travel is in work hours.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• Work with approximately 50 young people to help them gain sustainable employment or education opportunities
• Conduct holistic assessments to identify barriers of employment
• Offer ongoing encouragement, advice and motivation to help participants stay in work or education
• Develop tailored job plans and regularly review progress to ensure effectiveness
• Undertake a range of participant marketing and promotion activities to introduce them to employers including cold calling, direct marketing activity’s introduction and interview support.
• Undertake job-matching activities to facilitate job placements.
• Develop and manage strong relationships with a variety of stakeholders including Services Australia, Workforce Australia Providers, Housing, Mental Health Services and relevant youth agencies.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records and ensure compliance with Mission Australia policies and procedures
• Identify and respond to concerns about the wellbeing of young people and create safe and supportive environments in line with National Principles for Child Safe Organisations.

Requirements for Success

• Experience in youth services, employment services or related community services desirable
• Tertiary qualifications in youth, employment services or community services is advantageous
• Computer literate and proficient in Microsoft Office packages and other operating systems
• Flexibility to travel across the region as required
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage respectfully with a wide range of people
• A proactive and flexible approach, with the ability to manage competing priorities
• A commitment to child safety, confidentiality, and Mission Australia’s values
• Driver’s licence

Before starting work with us, you will need to undertake a national police history check, qualifications, WWCC and referee checks

Your benefits  

• Rewarding work – every day you know you’re making a real difference  
• Not-for-profit salary packaging, reducing your tax (details via AccessPay) 
• Free external, confidential counselling and access to chaplaincy support
• Volunteering opportunities 
• Extra leave available including an additional public holiday, additional annual leave day on your work anniversary and the opportunity to purchase further annual leave

Our culture 

Our innovative and inclusive culture will ensure you feel valued at Mission Australia as you help Australians in need and develop in your career. 

We prioritize the safety and wellbeing of everyone, both within our team and the individuals we serve.

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive working environment. We actively support and encourage people of all backgrounds; gender, age, ethnicity, race, cultural background, disability, religion, and sexual orientation to submit an application and aim to ensure that the recruitment and employee experience is as accessible and inclusive as possible. So, whoever you are, if you’re skilled and actively support our purpose and values, you would be welcome at Mission Australia. 

If you live with disability and require support to submit your application, please email talentattraction@missionaustralia.com.au or visit our Careers page for additional contact details.

We Strongly encourage applications from people who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. For culturally safe support or assistance with your application, please contact us at deadlycareers@missionaustralia.com.au

How to apply   

Click ‘Apply’ and send your application today!

As a committed Circle Back Initiative employer, we will respond to your

application.

Applications are shortlisted as they are received. Please apply as soon as possible to be considered. Thank you