Are you experienced in the community sector or a recent social work graduate? This role could be the perfect way to start the year!

headspace Cairns is seeking a Community Engagement Officer to connect with young people and their communities. In this role, you'll deliver mental health education, increase literacy, raise community awareness, and connect individuals to appropriate services. You will plan, develop, implement, and evaluate health promotion activities aimed at early identification of mental health challenges and ensuring young people receive timely support.

Working closely with our clinical team, you'll advocate for headspace services to both youth and the broader community. In addition, you will:

• In partnership with the centre manager and the team, develop an annual community engagement and health promotion calendar
• Assist in the organisation and delivery of relevant community events and activities
• Recruit, train, supervise and support young people to be involved in the headspace Centre as part of the Youth Reference Group
• Assist in maintaining websites, utilising social media and developing promotional materials
• Represent headspace to various agencies and professional networks, the local community and young people

This opportunity is full-time on a maximum term contract until June 30, 2025, with the strong possibility of an extension in line with ongoing funding.

The Community Engagement Officer role is based in Cairns, with occasional travel to the Tablelands and Innisfail areas. A company vehicle will be provided for community engagement activities. We are seeking a team member who is flexible and able to attend community events scheduled after hours and on weekends.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for a confident, proactive self-starter with expertise in community engagement, capable of driving positive outcomes and making a meaningful impact. You will be focused on helping us do things ‘the headspace way’, living our values of Inclusion, Collaboration, Agility and Excellence. In addition, you will meet the criteria below:

• Diploma level qualification in youth work, mental health, health promotion, education or community engagement (desirable)
• Minimum of 12 months working with young people
• Experience in planning, development and delivery of high-quality education, training, and community awareness programs and activities
• Demonstrated knowledge of evidence-based youth-focused intervention frameworks
• High level of culturally appropriate interpersonal skills
• The ability to establish and maintain collaborative working relations
• Excellent organisational and time management skills
• Experience and knowledge of community engagement and awareness principles, including those relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people and their communities
• Demonstrated skills in website management, social media and publishing software
• Current Drivers Licence, and a willingness to travel as required
• Current Blue Card

About our offering

We value our people, and we are passionate about making a difference for young people. By joining headspace and the RFDS (Queensland Section), you will:

• Become part of a highly skilled professional team driven by best practice
• Receive a competitive base salary of up to $72K + superannuation
• Have access to generous not-for-profit tax-free benefits of up to $18,550
• Be provided professional development opportunities– including leadership programs, regular line management support, and tailored skills development
• Work with a focus on well-being – headspace Social and Wellbeing Committee, Employee Assistance Program, and other initiatives to support a holistic approach to wellbeing
• Be committed to diversity – we welcome all people, irrespective of ethnicity, lifestyle choice, faith, sexual orientation and gender identity. Designed in collaboration with our employees, the headspace Reconciliation Action Plan formalises our commitment to reconciliation and to strengthening the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people and communities.
• Have private health insurance discounts
• Receive novated leasing options

About headspace

headspace Cairns is a welcoming safe space for young people aged between 12 and 25 providing access, support and information for a broad range of concerns, including mental health, physical/sexual health, drug and alcohol, employment and education and support for families and carers. headspace Cairns (under the direction of RFDS (Queensland) Services Limited) has been making a difference in the lives of young Australians since 2006.

headspace and the Royal Flying Doctor Service acknowledges the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants of the nation and the Traditional Custodians of the land. The RFDS and headspace are committed to eliminating all forms of discrimination in the provision of healthcare. We embrace diversity and welcome all people irrespective of faith, ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender identity.

Interested?

Shortlisting will commence before the end date so don’t delay in applying!

For further information regarding this role please contact [email protected] using the subject line: Community Engagement Officer - Cairns enquiry via EthicalJobs or at 07 3852 7553.

Successful candidates will be subject to a criminal history check and may be required to undergo a medical assessment.You will also be required to complete the headspace and RFDS immunisation program where you will need to provide evidence of immunity or vaccination against Vaccine-Preventable Diseases (VPD).