Vocational Navigator - Cairns

Wellways Australia Limited; Cairns Regional; On-site; AUD 48,000 - 54,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging benefits

17.5% leave loading

Paid parental leave after 12 months

Employee Assistance Program

Meal and Entertainment allowance

Job summary

Wellways Australia Limited is seeking a compassionate Vocational Navigator in Cairns, QLD, to support carers as they transition into work or volunteering. You will build strong relationships, assess needs, and develop tailored plans while delivering one‑to‑one and group coaching with post‑placement support.

You will connect carers to community services and contribute to a program designed to increase financial security and reduce isolation.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Provide ongoing individualised support to carers transitioning into the workforce and volunteer space.
• Conduct comprehensive needs assessments and develop tailored vocational plans.
• Deliver one-on-one and group coaching sessions and post-placement support.
• Connect carers with community services to meet broader needs.

Skills

Driver License

Lived and Living Experience as aFamily

Education

Tertiary Qualification in a relevant field

Tools

NDIS Worker Orientation Certificate

Working with Children and NDIS Workers Screening Check

National Police Records Check

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.

Requirements

• 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

Benefits

• 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 $15,899 enables 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 loading every 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

Job Description Summary Culture

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.

Applications Close 20/09/2026

Wellways is a leading not-for-profit mental health and disability support organisation operating in Queensland, New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, Victoria and Tasmania. Our services span mental health, disability and community care and reach more than 7000 people each year. Our 2000 staff work to create an inclusive community where everyone can imagine and achieve their hopes and potential. We connect people, strengthen families and transform communities for individuals of all ages experiencing disabilities or challenges to their social and emotional wellbeing.

Our Practice Principles guide how we work and interact with participants and partners, with our colleagues and within our communities. To see our Practice Principles poster visit https://media.wellways.org/inline-files/ww383_Practice_Principles.pdf

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.

We kindly request that recruitment agencies do not contact us.