Child Welfare, Youth & Family Services (Community Services & Development)
About Youturn
The individuals, families and communities we support are at the heart of everything we do at Youturn. We listen deeply – honouring every voice, story, culture and choice – through our core values of Integrity, Respect and Inclusion. We have a strong commitment to reflection and responsibility and are always curious and adapting through our Learning value. At Youturn, we believe in the importance of caring today for a better tomorrow, represented in our value of Stewardship.
Youturn is a community-based not-for-profit charity providing social, community, and health services across Australia. With more than 35 years of experience, we are a trusted provider supporting individuals and communities through life’s toughest moments, empowering people of all ages to live safe, connected, and meaningful lives. With compassion and equity at our core, we support people in the areas of housing, community and family support, mental health, and support for those bereaved or impacted by suicide.
headspace is Australia’s National Youth Mental Health Foundation, providing early intervention mental health services to young people aged 12–25. We exist to make it easier for young people and their families to access support during some of the most important and vulnerable years of life.
Our centre is more than a service, it’s a safe, welcoming, youth‑friendly space built on trust, respect and genuine relationships.
As our Community Engagement Worker, you’ll play a vital role in ensuring young people are actively involved in shaping what we do, how we do it and how we show up in the community.
This part‑time role (45 hours per fortnight across 6 days) offers flexibility, variety and meaningful impact. You’ll work closely with young people, families, clinicians, community organisations and stakeholders to strengthen participation, awareness and connection.
You’ll be trusted to:
Youth engagement & participation
Establish, support and coordinate Youth Reference Groups
Empower young people to lead and participate in activities, projects and campaigns
Support young people to represent headspace in local networks and advocacy spaces
Collaborate with the clinical team to co‑design education events and initiatives
Ensure youth participation is meaningful, safe and genuinely influential
Community engagement
Build relationships across the local community, schools and services
Design and deliver activities that promote mental health and AOD awareness
Strengthen partnerships and represent headspace in health and community networks
Support families and friends to engage with and understand headspace supports
Group facilitation
Facilitate psycho‑social and clinically informed group programs for young people
Being part of the team
Contribute positively to team culture, service planning and evaluation
Support the smooth running of the centre and satellite spaces
Maintain strong, respectful relationships with staff, young people and partners
Take part in learning, reflection and continuous improvement
About you
You’re approachable, organised and values‑driven. You’re comfortable holding space for young people, building trust and navigating a variety of community settings. You believe in collaboration, inclusion and trauma‑informed practice.
You bring:
Experience in community engagement, health promotion, youth work, education or communications
Experience working with young people, including those experiencing mental health challenges
Strong relationship‑building and facilitation skills
Confidence engaging a wide range of stakeholders, including families, services and community members
Excellent communication skills — written, verbal and interpersonal
Ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
Strong organisational skills and digital confidence
Desired Skills and Experience
Essential Experience, Qualifications & Other Requirements
Essential
Experience working in Health Promotion, Community Development, Marketing, Communications, or related field.
Experience engaging and working with young people with mental health issues.
Knowledge of local Youth/Health/Education sectors.
Hold a current Working With Children Check (WWCC) issued by the relevant State or Territory. Example, Blue Card.
Hold, or be eligible to apply for, a Licensed Care Suitability Check issued by the Department of Child Safety, Youth Justice, and Multicultural Affairs.
Hold a current ‘C’ class Open Driver’s License.
Exceptional communication skills and the ability to foster sound relationships with people at all levels including the ability to participate in, develop and maintain productive and sustainable community and professional partnerships to enhance youth health outcomes.
Ability to work in a highly productive team as well as independently in an environment with time pressures and multi-tasking.
Desirable: Knowledge of local Youth/ Health sectors.
Desirable: Knowledge and understanding of trauma informed practice.
Why join us?
Because this work matters.
Because young people deserve to be heard.
Because community‑led change is powerful.
Because you’ll be joining a team that truly lives its values.
If you’re looking for a role where your presence, creativity and care can make a real difference, we would love to hear from you.
Benefits for Youturn Team Members
We offer a generous remuneration package with benefits designed to support your career and lifestyle goals.
Enjoy 12% superannuation plus access to generous salary packaging of up to $15,900, plus $2,650 meal entertainment benefits, to further maximise your take-home pay, offering you even greater advantages such as partial exemptions for Remote Area Benefits, Relocation Expenses and Car Parking (if eligible).
Wellness Leave: Recharge with 5 days of paid wellness leave each year (pro-rata).
Paid Parental Leave: Unlock 12 weeks of paid parental leave benefits after just one year of dedicated service.
Annual Leave Loading: Receive additional pay with annual leave loading.
Apply Now
To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter that tells us about who you are and why you want to join our team
For any questions about the role or to discuss adjustments needed during the recruitment process, please contact us at recruitment@youturn.org.au
We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with diverse cultural backgrounds, and those with lived experience who bring unique perspectives to our work.
