Youth Engagement Practitioners

Are you passionate about helping young people reconnect with education, build confidence, and create positive pathways for their future?

We are seeking Expressions of Interest from experienced and motivated professionals interested in joining the School Engagement Support Program (SESP) as we expand delivery across New South Wales.

The SESP is a school-based engagement program supporting young people aged 13-16 who are disengaged, at risk of disengagement, or experiencing barriers to educational participation. The program combines personalised support, mentoring, skills development and behavioural coaching to improve engagement and educational outcomes.

• Individual mentoring and goal setting
• Personal development and life skills workshops
• Educational and employment pathway support
• Advocacy, referral and coordinated support services
• Strengths-based, trauma-informed engagement approaches

The program operates in partnership with schools and provides tailored support that addresses the unique barriers facing each young person.

Facilitators work directly with students through:

• One-on-one support sessions
• Group wellbeing check-ins
• Co-designed workshops and activities
• Individual student plans and outcome tracking
• Reintegration and follow-up support processes

Professionals with experience in:

• Youth work
• Education support
• Social work
• Community services
• Behaviour support
• Case management
• Vocational education and training
• Mental health or wellbeing programs
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community engagement

You will ideally demonstrate:

• Strong youth engagement and relationship-building skills
• Experience working with vulnerable or disengaged young people
• Ability to facilitate group programs and workshops
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practice
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills
• Strong report writing and case documentation abilities
• Capacity to work independently across school and community settings

• Relevant qualifications in Youth Work, Social Work, Community Services, Education, Psychology, Counselling or related fields
• Current Working With Children Check
• Current driver's licence
• First Aid Certificate

Experience or training in youth mental health, trauma-informed practice and culturally responsive practice will be highly regarded. These capabilities align with the standards expected of SESP staff.

This is an opportunity to:

• Build meaningful relationships with young people
• Deliver innovative and engaging programs in schools
• Influence educational and life outcomes
• Work alongside schools, families and community services
• Help students develop confidence, belonging and future pathways

SESP focuses on outcomes such as improved attendance, stronger relationships, increased educational engagement and greater wellbeing for young people.

We are building a talent pool for current and future opportunities across metropolitan, regional and remote NSW.

Flexible engagement models may be available depending on location and program requirements.

This Expression of Interest will establish a statewide talent pool for current and future School Engagement Support Program opportunities.

When completing your Talent Profile, please ensure you include:

• An up-to-date resume
• Relevant qualifications and certifications
• Current Working With Children Check details
• Experience working with young people, schools or community services
• Preferred work locations across NSW
• Employment preference (full-time, part-time, casual or contract)
• Travel availability and willingness to work across metropolitan, regional and remote areas
• A brief cover letter outlining your interest in supporting young people through the School Engagement Support Program

Applicants are encouraged to keep their Talent Profile as complete and current as possible, as the information provided will help us match you with suitable opportunities based on your preferences.

Complete your Profile and join our statewide talent community to help shape positive outcomes for young people.

The Y NSW is a profit-for-purpose organisation focused on healthy living, social impact, and empowering young people. We operate more than 80 sites, employing over 1,000 staff across NSW to deliver enriching community programs.

We’re committed to building a diverse, inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applicants of all genders, ages, religions, abilities, sexual orientations, and cultural backgrounds—including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

At the Y, we are committed to empowering all Children and Young People to feel safe and be safe, at the Y, in their families and in their communities. We embed Safeguarding into everything that we do to make sure Children and Young People are kept safe at all times.

Safeguarding | The Y