• Employment Status: Full-time, Ongoing
• SCHADS Level 7 + Super + Leave Loading + Salary Packaging
• Enjoy flexible working conditions including hybrid working and optional monthly RDO accrual!
• Can be located at any KFA site (VIC, WA, SA, NSW). Some interstate travel may be required.

Your new role:

The Youth Practice Lead will deliver high-level case consultation, reflective practice, coaching, and training. This role is integral to facilitating high-quality, holistic client experiences and driving continuous improvement, innovation, and consistent practice standards. It also contributes to organisational outcomes that align with Kids First Australia's vision and strategic priorities.

This will include:

• Lead reflective practice, mentoring, coaching, and professional development to build staff capability and ensure consistent, evidence-based youth practice.
• Develop, maintain, and implement high-quality practice tools, resources, and review recommendations aligned with Kids First frameworks, standards, and contractual requirements.
• Provide expert consultation on complex cases, ensuring safe, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive practice.
• Build strong collaborative relationships across Youth Services, Practice Leadership, committees, and the Youth Council to strengthen best practice and youth voice.

About you:

• Bachelor-level qualification in Youth Work, Social Work, Counselling, Psychology or a relevant discipline (minimum requirement)
• Extensive experience in the youth, and/or child, and family services sector, including demonstrated expertise in youth or social services leadership roles.
• Demonstrated experience coaching, mentoring, and supporting staff to enhance practice and achieve positive outcomes for young people.
• Experience collaborating with leaders and managers to drive practice development and service improvement.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, demonstrated through high-quality reports, policies, training materials, and other organisational documents.

Who are we?

Kids First have a prominent 125-year history of safeguarding children achieved through an unwavering commitment to people and transformation. If you are an experienced clinical leader passionate about service reform and improving outcomes for individuals, children and families experiencing vulnerabilities the this could be your next opportunity. Kids First will provide the opportunity for you to work for an organisation that acknowledges your value by offering great working conditions and flexible working arrangements.

Why work with us?

Be part of an organisation that truly lives its values. We have HEART and this shows in the way that we care for our staff members.

• Enjoy flexible working options including working from home, monthly RDO accrual and purchased leave to increase your annual leave entitlements.
• Take 3 additional days of paid leave during summer to use however you want.
• Look after yourself with a paid wellbeing day during Mental Health Month (October).
• Take advantage of our I HEART ME initiative and invest up to $100 in your own health and wellbeing. Did we mention that this is on us?

Needing a further nudge for you to click on that apply now button?

• Enjoy ‘not for profit' benefits such as $15,900 of pre-tax salary packaging to increase your take-home pay and novated leasing.
• Access portable long service leave options and transfer your long service leave accruals.
• Be nurtured in your career, including professional development in specialist evidence-based models
• Access our Staff Wellbeing Program.

Ready to apply?

To apply for this job go to: https://kidsfirst.recruitmenthub.com.au/Vacancies & enter ref code: 6846956.

Applications close 22 January 2026

For inquiries about the position: General Manager - Evidence Informed Practice, Alice Loney aloney@kidsfirstaustralia.org.au

Kids First is an Equal Opportunity employer that respects and values diversity and inclusion. Kids First welcomes everyone to apply, regardless of age, ethnicity, cultural background, gender, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, and physical ability.

Kids First is a Child Safe Organisation, employment is conditional on satisfactory referee checks, a current Working With Children Check, National Criminal History check, proof of the right to work in Australia and a pre-employment medical (if applicable). Requirement to comply with Kids First vaccination policy where supporting evidence may be requested in order to perform duties