Youth Vocational Specialist – headspace Mackay

• Mackay, QLD
• Full time – 38 hours per week
• Competitive salary + salary packaging

Come for the life experience, stay for the lifestyle

Help young people achieve their education and employment goals
headspace Mackay is a youth service and is run under lead agency North and West Remote Health to deliver services to youth aged 12 – 25 years. We’re looking for a passionate, experienced, and dedicated person to join our team!

As a Youth Vocational Specialist with headspace Mackay, you’ll work alongside our clinical team to provide individualised work and study support for young people facing barriers to employment or education, often due to mental health challenges.

Using the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model, you’ll help young people set goals, build confidence, and connect with employers, training providers, and education services to achieve sustainable outcomes.

What you’ll be doing

• Manage a caseload of young people referred through headspace Mackay.
• Co-design career profiles and employment plans with each participant.
• Provide hands-on support with job searching, applications, and interview preparation.
• Partner with local employers to open opportunities and provide workplace support.
• Maintain strong connections with education providers, employment agencies, and community services.
• Deliver culturally safe, youth-friendly services that empower young people to succeed.

What we’re looking for

• Qualifications and/or experience in employment services, vocational rehabilitation, youth work, career development, or a related field.
• Passion for working with young people, including an understanding of the challenges they face in our region.
• Knowledge of issues affecting people with mental health in accessing work and study.
• Excellent engagement skills and the ability to build relationships with young people, employers, and community stakeholders.
• Current driver’s licence and ability to travel as needed.

Experience with the IPS model and working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people is highly regarded.

We love our work - so will you!

• Competitive salary plus salary packaging up to $15,900.

• 5 weeks annual leave + 17.5% leave loading.
• 12% superannuation employer contribution.
• Ongoing training, mentoring, and professional development.
• A supportive, inclusive team culture focused on making a real difference.

If you’re driven to help young people reach their potential in work and study, we want to hear from you.

 Why join headspace?

headspace is the National Youth Mental Health Foundation providing early intervention mental health services to 12–25-year old’s, along with assistance in promoting young peoples' wellbeing. This covers core areas including mental health, physical health, work and study support and alcohol and other drug services.

headspace are also proud to support and encourage you in your professional development!

Next Steps

• We’re reviewing applications as they arrive—apply today!
• Don't quite meet every single requirement, but still believe you'd be a great fit for the job? We'll never know unless you hit the 'Apply' button. Start your journey with us today.
• Or Contact Natasha Baker on natasha.baker@nwrh.com.au for a confidential discussion about the role.