Vocational Navigator - Cairns

Wellways Australia; Cairns Regional; On-site; AUD 50,000 - 55,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging up to $15,899 per tax

Meal and Entertainment allowance up to

Leave loading 17.5% with annual leave

Paid parental leave after 12 months of

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Wellways Australia is seeking a compassionate Vocational Navigator to support carers in Cairns as they transition into employment and volunteering. The role focuses on building trust, conducting needs assessments, and delivering tailored coaching plans.

You will provide ongoing support, help carers access community services, and collaborate with a team dedicated to inclusion and improving life opportunities for carers and their families.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Build strong trusting relationships with carers and conduct comprehensive needs assessments.
• Develop tailored vocational plans and deliver one-on-one and group coaching sessions.
• Provide post-placement support and connect carers with community services to meet broader needs.

Education

Tertiary Qualification in a relevant field of study and/or equivalent experience

Excellent communication skills

Empathy and relationship-building

Coaching/mentoring

Tools

NDIS Worker Orientation Module Certificate

Job description

Wellways is committed to reconciliation, lived experience and inclusivity. We strongly encourage and warmly welcome people from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, people with a lived experience of mental health and disability and people who identify as LGBTIQA+ to apply. Even if you only meet some of the criteria, we’d love to hear from you.

• Support carers to achieve their goals and re-enter the workforce with confidence
• 22.8hrs p/w, SCHADS 4B ($43.08 per hour) + Salary packaging benefits + leave loading
• Work alongside passionate professionals who are committed to making a real difference

About the Program
Cairns

The Carer Gateway Vocational Pathway Program is designed to create greater opportunities for carers to enter or re-enter the workforce, pursue volunteering, or engage in higher education. The program empowers carers to achieve their personal and vocational goals, leading to increased financial security, reduced social isolation and stronger self-esteem.

About the Role
Are you passionate about supporting people to achieve their employment goals? We’re looking for a compassionate and proactive Vocational Navigator to join our team and provide ongoing individualised support to carers transitioning into the workforce and volunteer space.

In this role you will build strong trusting relationships with carers, conduct comprehensive needs assessments and develop tailored vocational plans. You’ll deliver one‑on‑one and group coaching sessions, provide post‑placement support and ensure carers are connected with the right community services to meet their broader needs.

About You

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.

To be successful in this role, you will need:

• 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
• Right to Work within Australia
• NDIS Worker Orientation Module Certificate – free online course

Desirable

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

What we will offer you…

• A purpose driven culture where people can thrive, everyone is respected, and differences are valued
• An equitable, diverse, and socially inclusive work environment
• Salary packaging up to $15,899enables you to spend a portion of your salary before it is taxed to pay for things like rent, mortgage repayments, car leasing
• Meal and Entertainment allowance via salary packaging up to $2,650 per annum
• Receive 17.5% leave loadingevery time you take annual leave
• Paid parental leave after 12 months of ongoing employment
• Access for you and your family to our Employee Assistance Program

Wellways Australia Limited is committed to the safeguarding of children and vulnerable people. All applicants applying for roles within Wellways must undergo a screening process prior to their successful appointment.

Job Description Summary

Culture

We’re passionate about ourwork, whichis enjoyable, challenging and rewarding.All ofourteamswork toensure 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.

Applications Close

20/09/2026