Youth Development Coordinator

Help Build a New Youth Justice Education Program in Logan

Youth Development Coordinator – Ohana Academy Logan

Ohana for Youth & 54 reasons – Empowering Young People, Changing Futures

This is an opportunity to help shape a new Youth Justice School in Logan from the ground up.

Ohana for Youth, in partnership with 54 reasons (part of Save the Children Australia), is establishing a specialised education program supporting young people involved in the youth justice system through structured education, wellbeing support, mentoring and pathways toward positive futures.

We are seeking an experienced and resilient Youth Development Coordinator to coordinate the school's youth support team and lead the development of engaging, strengths-based and experiential programs that help young people reconnect with education, build resilience and develop the skills they need to succeed.

Working closely with the Principal, teachers, youth workers, mentors and partner organisations, you will play a key role in establishing a positive, trauma-informed and culturally responsive school culture.

This is a hands-on role for someone who can build strong relationships with young people, develop the capability of others and turn innovative ideas into meaningful programs and outcomes.

Our Commitment to Child Safety

Ohana Academy Logan is committed to promoting a safe, inclusive and culturally responsive environment for all students, ensuring their safety and wellbeing are prioritised in every aspect of the School’s operations.

We recognise our fundamental duty of care and are fully committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people in our community. This responsibility is shared by every member of our organisation — leaders, staff, volunteers and contractors — and extends across all aspects of school life and operations.

All appointments are subject to appropriate screening, including Working with Children checks and National Police Checks.

Applications are considered on a rolling basis and this position may be filled before the closing date if a suitable candidate is identified.

The Opportunity – Youth Development Coordinator

As a senior member of the student support team, the Youth Development Coordinator will play a key role in establishing and developing the new Ohana Academy Logan. You will coordinate the day-to-day activities of youth mentors and other non-teaching staff, while working closely with the Principal to ensure students receive consistent, high-quality and strengths-based support.

A key focus of the role will be the development and delivery of engaging activity and experiential learning programs that promote engagement, resilience, teamwork, life skills and connection. You will work with staff, students and community partners to continually develop programs that respond to student needs and support positive outcomes.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Coordinate the day-to-day activities of youth mentors and other relevant non-teaching staff
• Provide mentoring, guidance and practical support to junior staff, building their capability and confidence
• Model professional, strengths-based, trauma-informed and culturally responsive practice
• Develop, coordinate and facilitate activity and experiential learning programs that promote engagement, resilience, teamwork, life skills and cultural connection
• Ensure activities are appropriately planned and delivered in accordance with risk management and organisational requirements
• Build trusting and consistent relationships with young people experiencing disengagement, criminogenic factors, trauma-related barriers or complex support needs
• Support strategies that improve student engagement, attendance, emotional regulation, positive behaviour and connection to learning
• Contribute to individual engagement, behaviour and attendance support
• Work alongside the Cultural Lead to support culturally responsive programs, yarning groups, community engagement and connection to culture and identity
• Develop positive relationships with families, carers, community organisations, 54 reasons and external support agencies
• Develop relationships with external providers, venues and community partners to expand program opportunities
• Monitor student engagement and program outcomes, using student voice, data and staff feedback to continuously improve programs
• Maintain accurate records relating to student engagement, attendance, support strategies and program delivery
• Identify and appropriately escalate student, staffing and safety concerns
• Support a strong culture of child safety, safeguarding, mandatory reporting and professional accountability

This is a unique opportunity to join a new school at the beginning of its journey and help shape the programs, culture and support practices that will engage young people and help them build stronger connections with education and their future

About You

You are a confident, resilient and relationship-focused youth professional who understands that meaningful engagement starts with trust, consistency and genuine belief in a young person's potential.

You will bring:

• Demonstrated experience working with young people experiencing disengagement, complex support needs and/or involvement with youth justice or other statutory systems
• Experience coordinating, mentoring or leading the work of others
• Strong skills in building positive relationships with young people and supporting engagement, attendance and emotional regulation
• Experience working within education, youth work, community services or a similar environment
• A strong understanding of strengths-based, trauma-informed and culturally responsive practice
• The ability to develop the capability of youth mentors and other support staff through practical mentoring and role modelling
• Strong risk management skills, particularly in relation to off-site and outdoor activities
• Excellent communication, documentation and organisational skills
• The ability to work collaboratively with teachers, wellbeing staff, leadership, families and external agencies
• A commitment to child safety, safeguarding and professional boundaries

Mandatory requirements include:

• Current Queensland Blue Card, or eligibility to obtain one
• Current First Aid and CPR certification, or willingness to obtain
• Open Queensland Driver Licence
• Relevant qualifications in Youth Work, Education Support, Training & Assessment or a related field are highly regarded
• Ability to successfully complete required police and background checks

Most importantly, you will bring energy, maturity and a genuine belief in the capacity of young people to change their direction in life.