Youth Wellbeing Officer

CQID is one of the largest employers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Central Queensland region. Offering a broad range of service areas, with roles that serve our community across Rockhampton, Emerald, Longreach, Woorabinda, Gladstone, Bundaberg and Hervey Bay

A new organisational structure, designated HR team and the implementation of a new Workforce Strategy. Striving to support employees on their career journey is a priority and contributes us to being an Employer of Choice.

Purpose of the Position

The Youth Wellbeing Officer plays a vital role in supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males aged 10-17 to achieve stability, wellbieng, and connection. Working from a trauma-informed, culturally safe, and strengths-based framework, the YWBO provides individualised support to young men and their families who are navigating complex challenges – such as involvement with the youth justice or child safety systems, disengagement from education, family breakdown, homelessness, and mental health concerns.

This role is more than coordination; it's about empowering young males aged 10-17 to break cycles, reconnect with culture, access opportunities, and thrive. Whether it's supporting re-engagement with school, managing risk, navigating systems like Child Safety or Youth Justice, or simply being a consistent, reliable presence – your impact will be life-changing.

Responsibilities and Duties

Case Management

• Provide intensive, individualised case management for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people.
• Develop, implement, and regularly review culturally responsive case plans in collaboration with the young person and their support network.
• Conduct holistic assessments, including safety planning and risk identification.
• Support young people to access services, such as housing, mental health, education, justice supports, and cultural mentoring.

Cultural Safety & Community Connection

• Embed cultural knowledge and community strengths into all aspects of service delivery.
• Engage local Elders, community members, and cultural mentors to support identity and belonging.
• Facilitate cultural reconnection activities and promote participation in community and cultural event

Trauma-Informed & Healing-Focused Practice

• Apply trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate interventions.
• Provide safe, consistent, and respectful support to build trust and emotional regulation.
• Respond to challenging behaviours with empathy, patience, and de-escalation skills.

Collaboration & Advocacy

• Work collaboratively with internal teams and external stakeholders, including Child Safety, Youth Justice, schools, housing providers, health services, and legal services.
• Advocate for the needs and rights of young people and their families within complex systems.
• Build and maintain respectful relationships with key stakeholders including Child Safety, education providers, Elders, community leaders, other ACCOs and the Youth Justice System.
• Represent the organisation at interagency meetings, panels, forums, and government consultations

Client-Centred Practice

• Support intake, assessment, planning, and review processes to ensure high-quality, individualised support.
• Monitor client progress and outcomes in areas such as emotional regulation, cultural identity, education/employment, family reconnection, and offending behaviours.
• Manage complex risk and safety issues in consultation with leadership and statutory partners.

Administration & Compliance

• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential records, case notes, and reports.
• Contribute to data collection, monitoring and evaluation processes, and funding compliance requirements.
• Attend regular supervision, team meetings, and professional development sessions

Risk & Quality Management

• Ensure robust risk management frameworks are in place for working with young people with complex needs and offending behaviours.
• Monitor service quality and lead continuous improvement processes.
• Respond to incidents, complaints, and case escalations in accordance with departmental procedures.
• Participate and contribute to the organisation's compliance obligations under the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System and Human Services Quality Standards (HSQS)
• At all times work within CQID's Workplace Health & Safety Policies and Procedures
• Other responsibilities as directed by the Manager and Team leader to meet program expectations.

Key Selection Criteria

Essential

• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage is highly desirable for this role. In accordance with the program's commitment to cultural safety, community connection, and self-determination, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants are strongly encouraged to apply. Non-Indigenous applicants will be considered only if no suitable Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander candidates are identified in the initial recruitment round.
• Demonstrated experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people in justice, community, or youth work settings.
• Strong understanding of intergenerational trauma and the principles of cultural safety.
• Experience in case management, risk assessment, and coordinating holistic support plans.
• Skills in youth engagement, rapport-building, and managing complex behaviours.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for diverse audiences.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Willingness to participate in cultural learning, supervision, and ongoing professional development.

Desirable

• Knowledge of the Child Safety and Queensland Youth Justice system, including supervised orders and diversionary programs.
• Understanding of SEWB, restorative justice, and healing frameworks.
• Lived experience or strong community connections with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• Ability to deliver, support and evaluate culturally appropriate programs including on-country, yarning circles, identity strengthening.

Qualifications and Experience

• Understanding of Queensland Child Safety and Youth Justice systems, legislation, and diversionary approaches.
• Relevant qualifications in Social Work, Youth Work, Community Services, or similar field

or

• Minimum 2 years' experience working with young people in case management or support coordination roles.
• Knowledge of the Child Protection Act, Youth Justice Act, and/or other relevant legislation.