Individual Placement Support (IPS) Work and Study Coach

Support young people build brighter futures through employment, education and opportunity while being supported by an organisation that genuinely invests in its people.

Employee Benefits: 

• Above Award Salary $92,430.98 – $99,457.31 (Based on Qualifications and Experience)
• 11 Wellbeing Days (to support worker well-being)- in addition to Annual Leave (Pro-rata). 
• Awesome Not-for-Profit Salary Sacrificing options of up to $15,899 per FBT year.
• Portable Long Service Leave (from eligible organisations).
• Excellent Learning & Development opportunities.
• Confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for personal and professional wellbeing
• Additional Public Holiday Day at Easter (Tuesday)

About the Role:

Do you believe employment and education can change lives?

As an Individual Placement Support (IPS) Work & Study Coach, you’ll walk alongside young people aged up to 25 as they build confidence, reconnect with education, and step into meaningful employment pathways. This role is all about seeing talent, not deficits, recognising each young person’s strengths, interests and aspirations, and backing them to create a future that reflects their capabilities.

Working as part of the headspace Warrnambool and Portland multidisciplinary team, you’ll provide tailored vocational support for young people experiencing mental illness, helping them identify, find and keep competitive employment or study opportunities. You’ll offer coaching, mentoring and post‑placement support that is practical, youth‑friendly and grounded in genuine belief in what young people can achieve.

You’ll manage a caseload of young people, collaborate closely with clinicians, families and employers, and build strong relationships across the community to create real opportunities. Your work will be guided by the IPS fidelity model, ensuring high‑quality, evidence‑based practice that leads to sustainable outcomes.

This role is primarily based in Warrnambool, with support provided across Portland as required. You’ll be part of a team that values inclusion, cultural safety, diversity and youth empowerment  and you’ll contribute to a service environment where young people feel safe, respected and supported to thrive.

If you’re someone who brings optimism, initiative, and a strengths‑focused mindset to every interaction, this role gives you the chance to make a real impact in the lives of young people across South West Victoria.

A full list of key duties is outlined in the Position Description, but includes responsibilities in:

• Assist young people to identify, find and keep competitive employment and or study consistent with their interests, capabilities and vocational goals.
• Develop employment transition plans for individuals (that are inclusive of and work alongside other employment service providers) that address barriers to accessing and maintaining employment consistent with the individual’s interests, skills, experience and capabilities.
• Provide a timely response to referrals from the headspace clinical team in relation to young people experiencing mental illness who require supported transition into employment.
• Develop and maintain strong networks and communication pathways with service providers, including mental health and vocational service providers and employers.

Do your skills include:

• Demonstrated experience working with young people in the vocational services sector and supporting young people with mental health issues to achieve positive outcomes.
• Excellent client engagement skills, including the ability to provide youth-friendly, welcoming and client-centered services for young people
• A broad understanding of the appropriate legislation, case management practice, and the ability to adhere to policy and procedures
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment and work co-operatively to achieve team outcomes.

Are your credentials:

• Tertiary Qualification in relevant field (minimum Diploma level)
• A current Drivers Licence.

About Brophy:

Brophy Family & Youth Services has supported children, young people, families, and the southwest Victorian community for almost 50 years. We live here; this is our community; we believe in people and in their ability to create the life they want.

At Brophy, you will join a team of just over 170 employees delivering over 40 programs and services across areas including youth engagement, mental health, family violence, foster care, housing support, employment support, and disability services.

At Brophy our Vision is not just focused externally on our community – we feel just as passionate about our employees being meaningfully connected through their roles with us to create the life they want, and that as a workforce we achieve this together through innovation and healthy relationships, and by positively contributing to building an advantaged community.

Diversity and Inclusion at Brophy:

Brophy is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment that ensures safety and a sense of belonging for everyone. We embrace individuals of diverse races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, ages, religions, abilities, and nationalities, recognising the richness that varied experiences bring to our efforts in supporting individuals and building stronger communities. Our commitment extends to actively listening, learning, and evolving to become an accessible, inclusive, and secure organisation for all, encompassing First Nations peoples, members of the LGBTIQA+ community, individuals with disabilities, and those with culturally diverse backgrounds.

For more information please contact Lucy Whelan – Mental Health Counsellor on 03 5561 8888.

Applications close Friday 4th September, 2026.

We’re excited to hear from interested candidates and will be reviewing applications as they arrive. To give yourself the best opportunity, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible, as suitable applicants may be invited to interview or offered the role during the recruitment process

Please note that we are only able to consider candidates who have the right to work in Australia, and we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this role.