Youth Worker – Deadly Futures Ready For Work Program: 12 Months contract

CQID is experiencing enormous organisational growth across all services and seeking suitable candidates for a range of positions.

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 a Employer of Choice.

Program Overview

Deadly Futures is a culturally grounded, early intervention and work-readiness program designed for First Nations young people aged 12-17 who are at risk of contact with the justice system. The program provides youth with opportunities to build their cultural identity, connection to community and country, and readiness for work through engaging, trauma-informed, and strength-based activities.

Purpose of the Position

The Youth Worker will support the delivery of the Deadly Futures Work Ready Program by engaging and mentoring First Nations young people aged 12–17. This role works closely with the Deadly Futures Manager to plan, deliver, and evaluate youth-focused activities that promote cultural identity, community safety, and employment pathways.

You will play a key role in maintaining meaningful relationships with young people, families, Elders, community stakeholders, and local service providers. This role requires a deep understanding of First Nations cultures, strong communication and facilitation skills, and a passion for supporting positive outcomes for First Nations youth.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Support the planning, delivery, and evaluation of culturally safe youth programs and activities.
• Provide individual and group mentoring to First Nations young people aged 10–17.
• Facilitate youth programs, participation in cultural, community, and work readiness activities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with families, Elders, local communities, and service providers.
• Support young people to set goals, access supports, and engage in education, training, or employment pathways.
• Assist in documenting activities, case notes, evaluations, and reporting in line with funding and program requirements.
• Promote and model respectful, inclusive, and trauma-informed practice.
• Uphold cultural protocols and embed cultural safety across all program activities.
• Support and contribute to community events, forums, and networks that strengthen outcomes for First Nations young people.
• Will work with young people, family members and the community to promote the family and young person's capacity.
• Ability to build and maintain positive, professional youth work relationships with young people, providing mentorship and support to facilitate personal development.
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal, to effectively promote youth programs and engage with stakeholders, including young people, caregivers, community members, and service providers.
• Assist with program delivery as required.
• Transport clients to appointments as required after consultation with case Worker.
• 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.

To be successful in this role you will need to demonstrate capability in the following areas:

• Identifies as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and has strong cultural knowledge and community connections (as per s25 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld)).
• Experience working with First Nations young people, particularly those at risk of disengagement or justice system contact.
• Demonstrated understanding of the challenges facing First Nations youth, families and their communities.
• Excellent communication, engagement, and mentoring skills.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team in a flexible, dynamic environment.
• Strong time management, organisational, and administrative skills.
• Commitment to child safety, cultural safety, and continuous improvement.
• Current Driver's Licence, Blue Card (Working with Children Check).
• Ability to build relationships with a range of stakeholders, schools, social welfare, Court, Police, Legal and health agencies, RTO's, employers, job agencies.
• Ability to write case notes and record data accurately in a timely manner.
• Competent in use of Microsoft Office software.
• Physical ability to undertake job responsibilities.