Youth Development Coach - Permanency Support Program

About the Role

This permanent full-time position involves working 35 hours per week based in either Port Macquarie or Coffs Harbour, with travel required across the Mid-North Coast. The role entails serving as a Youth Development Coach within the Permanency Support Program (PSP), focusing on empowering young people aged 15–18 to prepare for adulthood, manage life’s challenges, and transition smoothly from out-of-home care to independence.

Managing a caseload of up to 10 young individuals, you will develop genuine, trusting relationships using the Advantaged Thinking model. This approach supports youth in recognizing their strengths, setting goals, and envisioning futures aligned with their aspirations. The program is voluntary, emphasizing youth-led pacing and tailored support reflecting each individual’s needs and ambitions.

Responsibilities

In this coaching capacity, you will collaborate closely with young people, PSP Caseworkers, and external services to guarantee robust future and financial planning before youth exit care. You will additionally provide coaching and guidance to PSP teams, facilitate conversations about future planning, and contribute to service best practices.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is passionate about working with young people and embraces their potential. They can foster trust, have sincere conversations, and offer encouragement while respectfully challenging youth to reach their goals. The candidate is adept at teamwork with caseworkers and community services, sharing expertise and supporting high-quality future planning methods. This role requires balancing relationship-building, coaching, advocacy, and maintaining accurate records consistent with practice standards. Most importantly, the candidate is dedicated to supporting young people in building skills, confidence, and networks essential to a successful transition into adulthood.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in youth work or related field, or equivalent partial higher education completion, and/or at least two years of relevant PSP experience.
• Experience or strong understanding of the Permanency Support Program and child protection or out-of-home care sectors.
• Familiarity with the Advantaged Thinking model, inclusive coaching methods, motivational interviewing, solution-focused questioning, and trauma-informed care.
• Awareness of the unique challenges faced by youth leaving care.
• Ability to build meaningful connections with youth from diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal, CALD, and LGBTI communities.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed and relational practices.
• Sound casework principles and ability to operate within a coaching framework.
• Strong communication, organisational, and record-keeping capacities.
• Flexibility, resilience, and commitment to optimum outcomes for youth.
• Current NSW Driver’s Licence.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience aiding youth transitioning from out-of-home care to independence.
• Knowledge of community services supporting young people leaving care.
• Experience mentoring colleagues and enhancing practice development.
• Familiarity with Advantaged Thinking and strengths-based approaches.

What We Offer

• A meaningful role within a values-driven, inclusive organisation.
• Extensive opportunities for professional learning, development, and career advancement.
• Flexible work arrangements.
• Access to an employee rewards program with exclusive discounts and cashback offers from major retailers.
• A generous referral bonus of $500 for recommending a friend who joins the organisation.

Additional Information

Employment involves satisfactory background screening, including National Police, references, and Working With Children checks. The closing date to apply is 11:55 pm on Tuesday, 4th August 2026.

About the Organisation

The organisation contributes to social justice advocacy, community services, and spiritual care, focusing on assisting people experiencing disadvantage and vulnerability. It is committed to child safety and promoting diversity and inclusion, welcoming applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences.