CQID is experiencing enormous organisational growth across all services and seeking suitable candidates for a range of positions.
CQID is one of the largest employers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Central Queensland region. Offering a broad range of service areas, with roles that serve our community across Rockhampton, Emerald, Longreach, Woorabinda, Gladstone, Bundaberg and Hervey Bay.
A new organisational structure, designated HR team and the implementation of a new Workforce Strategy. Striving to support employees on their career journey is a priority and contributes us to being a Employer of Choice.
Purpose of the Position
The Staying on Track Case Manager plays a vital role in supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people aged 10-21 to achieve stability, wellbeing, and connection. Working from a trauma-informed, culturally safe, and strengths-based framework, the Case Manager provides individualised support to young people and their families who are navigating complex challenges - such as involvement with the youth justice or child safety systems, disengagement from education, family breakdown, homelessness, and mental health concerns.
This role is more than coordination; it's about empowering young people aged 10-21 to break cycles, reconnect with culture, access opportunities, and thrive. Whether it's supporting re-engagement with school, managing risk, navigating systems like Child Safety of Youth Justice, or simply being a consistent, reliable presence - your impact will be life-changing.
Responsibilities and Duties
Case Management
- Provide intensive, individualised case management for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people.
- Develop, implement, and regularly review culturally responsive case plans in collaboration with the young person and their support network.
- Conduct holistic assessments, including safety planning and risk identification.
- Support young people to access services, such as housing, mental health, education, justice supports, and cultural mentoring.
Cultural Safety and Community Connection
- Embed cultural knowledge and community strengths into all aspects of service delivery.
- Engage local Elders, community members, and cultural mentors to support identity and belonging.
- Facilitate cultural reconnection activities and promote participation in community and cultural event.
Trauma-Informed & Healing-Focused Practice
- Apply trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate interventions.
- Provide safe, consistent, and respectful support to build trust and emotional regulation.
- Respond to challenging behaviours with empathy, patience, and de-escalation skills.
Collaboration and Advocacy
- Work collaboratively with internal teams and external stakeholders, including Child Safety, Youth Justice, schools, housing providers, health services and legal services.
- Advocate for the needs and rights of young people and their families within complex systems.
- Build and maintain respectful relationships with key stakeholders including Child Safety, education providers, Elders, community leaders, other ACCO's and the Youth Justice System.
- Represent the organisation at interagency meetings, panels, forums and government consultations.
Client-Centred Practice
- Support intake, assessment, planning, and review processes to ensure high-quality, individualised support.
- Monitor client progress and outcomes in areas such as emotional regulation, cultural identity, education/employment, family reconnection, and offending behaviours.
- Manage complex risk and safety issues in consultation with leadership and statutory partners.
Administration and Compliance
- Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential records, case notes and reports.
- Contribute to data collection, monitoring and evaluation processes, and funding compliance requirements.
- Attend regular supervision, team meetings, and professional development sessions.
Risk & Quality Management
- Ensure robust risk management frameworks are in place for working with young people with complex needs and offending behaviours.
- Monitor service quality and lead continuous improvement processes.
- Respond to incidents, complaints, and case escalations in accordance with departmental procedures.
- Participate and contribute to the organisation’s compliance obligations under the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System and Human Services Quality Standards (HSQS)
- At all times work within CQID’s Workplace Health & Safety Policies and Procedures
- Other responsibilities as directed by the Manager and Team leader to meet program expectations.
Key Selection Criteria
Essential
- Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage is highly desirable for this role. In accordance with the program’s commitment to cultural safety, community connection, and self-determination, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants are strongly encouraged to apply. Non-Indigenous applicants will be considered only if no suitable Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander candidates are identified in the initial recruitment round.
- Demonstrated experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people in justice, community, or youth work settings.
- Strong understanding of intergenerational trauma and the principles of cultural safety.
- Experience in case management, risk assessment, and coordinating holistic support plans.
- Skills in youth engagement, rapport-building, and managing complex behaviours.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills for diverse audiences.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Willingness to participate in cultural learning, supervision, and ongoing professional development.
Desirable
- Knowledge of the Child Safety and Queensland Youth Justice system, including supervised orders and diversionary programs.
- Understanding of SEWB, restorative justice, and healing frameworks.
- Lived experience or strong community connections with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
- Ability to deliver, support and evaluate culturally appropriate programs including on-country, yarning circles, identity strengthening.
Qualifications and Experience
- Understanding of Queensland Child Safety and Youth Justice systems, legislation, and diversionary approaches.
- Relevant qualifications in Social Work, Youth Work, Community Services, or similar field.
or
- Minimum 2 years' experience working with young people in case management or support coordination roles.
- Knowledge of the Child Protection Act, Youth Justice Act, and/or other relevant legislation.
