Vocational Specialist

• Full-time, ongoing position
• Based at headspace Dandenong - working from the office and within the community
• $44.78 – $48.99 p/Hour (subject to qualifications & experience) + 12% Super + Salary Packaging benefits of up to $18,550

Join us at headspace

headspace is the National Youth Mental Health Foundation, with Each as a leading agency since 2006. We provide early intervention mental health services to 12-25 year olds across Australia, offering support through over 145 communities, online and phone counselling, vocational services, and schools.

About the program

This role sits within the headspace Dandenong vocational recovery program, delivering the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model. You’ll work closely with young people experiencing mental health challenges, their families, employers, and a multidisciplinary headspace team to help them build working lives that reflect who they are and where they want to go.

Your role, your impact

As a Vocational Specialist, you’ll work directly with young people (up to age 25) to support their journey into work or study, while strengthening connections between mental health, community and employers.

Key responsibilities:

• Employing youth engagement skills to provide centre-based and outreach vocational support to young people experiencing a range of mental health barriers
• Working intensively with young people and their families (where appropriate) to ensure they achieve and maintain sustainable participation in vocational education and competitive employment
• Supporting the establishment of the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) vocational program within the headspace clinical service, ensuring all supports are individualised to young people needs and preferences
• Developing and maintaining relationships with local employers to create opportunities that align with each young person’s strengths, interests and career goals, while providing employers with appropriate education and support
• Conducting regular job development and job search activities with young people to help them secure suitable opportunities
• Working as part of a multidisciplinary clinical team, participating in care planning and ensuring vocational goals are embedded within young people’s mental health recovery journey

See the impact of headspace Work and Study support: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y00rK8GzyLI

About you

We’re looking for someone who is values‑led, curious, and motivated by making a real difference.

To succeed in this role, you’ll bring:

• Understanding of how mental health, confidence, identity and life circumstances can impact a young person’s pathway into work or study
• A genuine belief in young people’s capacity to grow, recover and achieve meaningful futures, and a passion for walking alongside them on that journey
• Qualifications and/or experience in employment services, vocational rehabilitation, career development, or a related field
• Career coaching experience with a strong understanding of the barriers young people face in employment and education
• Proven ability to build and maintain effective business and stakeholder relationships

What will make you stand out

• A warm, engaging approach that helps young people feel safe, understood and hopeful about their future
• Experience using the IPS (Individual Placement and Support) model
• Ability to build positive, trusting connections with young people and employers
• Experience working with headspace, youth mental health, or community-based services
• Familiarity with Centrelink, DES, Workforce Australia, or other youth employment programs

What’s in it for you

Each is the Lead Agency for headspace Dandenong. At Each you’ll be supported to be your best.

We provide:

• Supportive & inclusive culture – Work with like-minded colleagues and leaders who genuinely care
• Balance your way – Flexible work arrangements to help you juggle work and life commitments
• Boost your take-home pay – Not-for-Profit Salary Packaging (up to $15,900 tax-free per year) plus an extra $2,650 tax-free for meals and entertainment
• Professional development & training – Access mentoring, supervision, leadership pathways, and discipline-specific learning
• Endless career opportunities – With over 200 programs across QLD, NSW, TAS, ACT, and VIC, there are plenty of pathways to progress
• More leave when you need it – 5 weeks annual leave, sick/carer’s leave, family & domestic violence leave, and the option to purchase extra leave
• Free, confidential support – Our Employee Assistance Program is available for you and your family

To view the full Position Description, click here or visit each.com.au, go to ‘Work With Us’ - ‘Careers’ - ‘Open Roles’ and search for this position.

For more information or a confidential conversation, contact Millie Cooper – Vocational Services Supervisor, at [email protected]

Applications Close: Friday 27th February 2026

Please note that applications will be reviewed as they are received. Interviews may take place during the advertising period—so don't miss out and apply today!

Next Steps in the Hiring Process 

Thank you for your interest in joining Each! To learn more about next steps, please check out our Hiring Process Guide.

We are a 2025 Circle Back Initiative Employer - we commit to respond to every applicant.  

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