Vocational Pathways Officer

• Support carers to achieve their goals and re-enter the workforce with confidence by providing person-centred vocational coaching
• Build your career with an organization that puts its people first!
• Part Time role, 22.8hrs p/w based in Bairnsdale
• $46.70 - $50.25 p/h (SCHADS Level 4B) + Leave loading + Super + Salary packaging

At Wellways, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and empowered to contribute. We warmly welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with lived experience of mental health challenges or disability, people from multicultural backgrounds, and people who identify as LGBTIQA+. We recognise that diverse experiences and perspectives strengthen our workforce and the communities we support.

The Wellways-led Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect Centre provides welcoming, family and carer-led support for families, carers, kin and supporters of people experiencing mental health challenges, psychological distress, mental illness or substance use issues. Guided by lived and living experience, the service recognises the significant contribution of carers and supports their wellbeing through connection, advocacy, practical assistance and opportunities to achieve their own goals.

The Vocational Pathways Program is an integral part of the Connect Centre model, supporting carers to explore and achieve meaningful vocational goals through employment, education, training and volunteering.

Join Wellways as a Vocational Pathways Officer and support carers to identify their aspirations, build on their strengths and take practical steps towards meaningful vocational participation. Reporting to the Coordinator Vocational Placement, you will provide person-centred vocational coaching and navigation to help carers develop personalised vocational plans, build confidence and resilience, and work towards sustainable vocational outcomes.

You will work collaboratively with carers and the broader Connect Centre team to connect people with employment, education, training and volunteering opportunities. You will also develop relationships with employers, education providers, volunteer organisations and community services to expand opportunities and promote carer-inclusive practices.

The role focuses primarily on direct vocational coaching and navigation, with partnership development, placement support and community engagement undertaken where they contribute to individual carer outcomes and the effective delivery of the Vocational Pathways Program.

We're looking for someone who’s passionate about making a real difference in people’s lives, someone with a background in career coaching, employment services or vocational counselling who thrives on helping others succeed. You’ll bring exceptional communication skills and natural ability to connect with people along with an understanding of the unique challenges carers face when returning to work.  

• Tertiary Qualification in a relevant field of study and/or equivalent experience
• Current valid Driver License
• Satisfactory National Police Records Check
• Working with Children and NDIS Workers Screening Check
• NDIS Worker Screening Check
• Right to Work within Australia
• NDIS Worker Orientation Module Certificate – free online course

• Previous experience leading and/or working in vocational/carer programs
• Lived and Living Experience as a Family Carer

We’re passionate about our work, which is enjoyable, challenging and rewarding. All of our teams work to ensure everyone can imagine and achieve their hopes and potential. We know that people are unique and the experts on their life and are not defined by impairments, diagnosis or labels. We aim to specifically promote safety and inclusivity for LGBTIQ+ and First Nations communities.