• Part time 0.8FTE - Ongoing role
• SCHADS Level 4
• Location: Heidelberg/Thomastown

Some young people grow up with consistency, safety and trusted adults around them.

Others don't. This role exists for the young people who have experienced disrupted relationships, trauma and instability, and who deserve someone steady in their corner.

At Kids First, we are seeking an experienced Youth Practitioner to coordinate our RAMP Mentoring Program, supporting young people in Out of Home Care to build safe, long-term mentoring relationships that strengthen confidence, connection and hope for the future.

The difference you will make

You won't just manage a caseload, you will:

• Help a young person feel seen and heard.
• Match them with a volunteer mentor who shows up consistently.
• Support them to set goals they may never have believed were possible.
• Create safe spaces where trust can grow.

Through one-to-one outreach, mentoring coordination and community engagement, you will support up to 20 young people and facilitate up to 30 mentor matches that can have lifelong impact.

What the role involves

• Providing outreach and individual support to young people in Out of Home Care
• Developing goals, safety plans and building capacity
• Recruiting, screening, training and supporting volunteer mentors
• Carefully matching mentors and young people to foster lasting relationships
• Facilitating activities and connection opportunities
• Maintaining high-quality case notes and contributing to program evaluation

You will balance relational work with clear program structure, ensuring young people are supported safely and consistently.

How we support you

We know this work matters, and we know it requires support. This is a 0.8 FTE ongoing role with:

• A manageable caseload (maximum 20 young people)
• Structured supervision and reflective practice
• Flexible working arrangements
• A values-driven, child-safe organisation

About You

You understand that trauma shapes behaviour, and that relationships shape recovery. You may come from youth work, community services or case management, and you likely have experience supporting vulnerable young people, ideally within Out of Home Care.

You bring:

• A trauma-informed, strengths-based approach
• Confidence in risk assessment and safety planning
• The ability to build trust with young people and volunteers
• Strong boundaries and professional documentation skills
• A belief in the power of mentoring and connection

What you'll receive

SCHADS Level 4
Approx. $45 per hour + super

Plus:

• Salary packaging to increase your take-home pay
• 3 additional leave days at Christmas
• Purchased leave options
• Portable long service leave
• Professional development in evidence-based models such as Promoting First Relationships (PFR)
• Access to our Staff Wellbeing Program

About Kids First

For over 125 years, Kids First has worked alongside children, young people and families to create safer, stronger futures. We are deeply committed to child safety, inclusion and meaningful, evidence-informed practice.

If you're looking for work with purpose, where relationships matter and impact is visible, we would love to hear from you.

Applications must be submitted via the Kids First website:
https://kidsfirst.recruitmenthub.com.au/Vacancies
Reference code: 6852791

For further information, contact: Andrea Leach our Operations Lead, VIC Youth Services
aleach@kidsfirstaustralia.org.au

Applications close 31 March 2026

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).