Youth Development Coach (Next Step Plus) – Permanent Full Time

Are you passionate about working with young people to enable them to reach their potential and thrive, not just survive?

We’re looking for someone with a background in case management supporting young people and an understanding of the leaving care landscape.

The Transition to Adulthood team at YFS supports young people as they move from out‑of‑home care into independent adulthood. As part of this team, the Next Step Plus program provides targeted assistance to young people preparing to leave care, as well as those who have already transitioned, to help them achieve positive long‑term outcomes.

Next Step Plus works with young people aged 15 to 25, helping those still in care build the skills, knowledge and connections needed for independence, and offering intensive support to care leavers who require additional guidance.

Our team collaborates closely with Child Safety, government agencies and community partners to ensure each young person has a meaningful, practical transition plan that stays on track. Once a young person leaves care, we continue to walk alongside them as they navigate essential tasks such as securing income, finding safe and stable housing, accessing mental and allied health services, and engaging in education, training or employment.

We are seeking someone with strong initiative, adaptability and a genuine commitment to meeting young people where they are. This is an outreach role that involves working in community settings, responding to emerging needs and supporting young people to build confidence and independence. You will be joining a well-established team that has a reputation for putting their shoulder to the wheel – no job is too hard or challenging. We celebrate the successes of the young people we support and each other.

YFS is a leader in Youth Services in the Logan, Redlands and surrounding areas, and our youth programs are expanding. Our integrated approach is designed to deliver better outcomes for our clients. In this role, you will work with other teams across our range of youth programs, housing specialists, young parents’ programs and legal services.

About the job

Role location: Slacks Creek

Role type: Permanent full-time – 38hrs per week

Pay range: $53.43 per hour based on experience, with salary packaging exempt from Fringe Benefits Tax available and a monthly accrued day off.

You will:

• Deliver effective coaching and case management services and provide advocacy for young people transitioning from out of home care.
• Work collaboratively alongside key stakeholders from Child Safety, the out of home care sector and community support services to provide a positive transition to adulthood for young people exiting the statutory care system.
• Provide one-on-one coaching to assist young people to identify their goals, agree on a way to achieve them, and overcome any barriers.
• Provide young people with practical support around housing, employment, mental health, general health and wellbeing to establish a firm foundation for growth.
• Provide information, advice and referrals for foster carers who have young people remaining in their care beyond their 18th birthday.

About you

You will need to have a minimum of three years’ experience working with young people, and an understanding of the challenges and barriers that young people in out of home care face as they transition to adulthood. Experience working in the child protection sector would be a great bonus.

Knowledge of the social and community housing and private rental sector would be favourable, or a willingness to learn and develop skills and expertise in this area will be critical.

You will be proactive in a reactive environment. You will enjoy being part of a team that likes to generate creative and innovative solutions.

You will have the ability to work independently and recognise and anticipate the barriers that young people with a care experience face and be ready to jump into action to provide practical support to help young people get back on track and take a planned and purposeful approach in all the support you provide.

We are looking for someone who is able to engage with young people from a range of backgrounds including a history of complex trauma. You will be able to build productive working relationships with a network of other professionals and stakeholders – you know that you can’t do it alone and value the input of others.

Aside from meeting the key capabilities outlined in the related role description available from the link below, you will thrive in this role if you are hands-on, flexible, innovative and culturally aware.

https://www.yfs.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/HR13_PD_NextStepPlusYouthDevelopmentCoach_v6_0826_102684.pdf

(copy and paste pathway into your browser)

Interested?

Apply with your resume and a one-page covering letter outlining what you will bring to the job.

People from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, and people who identify as part of the LGBTIQA+ community, are encouraged to apply.

If you would like to discuss the role or your application further, contact the Program Manager, Hayley Holst on 3826 1500.

Closing date: 31st August 2026

Interviews are scheduled for 7th September 2026.

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for a phone interview prior to this date.