Senior Development Coach - Better Futures

• Preston location, Wurundjeri Country
• Full time, Permanent opportunity
• $110K plus super and salary packaging

The Opportunity

In recognition of the needs of young people leaving the OoHC system, Berry Street, in partnership with the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, have committed to the Better Futures/Home Stretch program which is designed to better prepare young people for their transition to independence. This will be achieved via service delivery utilising a suite of resources within a coaching framework.

Senior Better Futures Development Coaches facilitate support to care leavers transitioning from care up until the age of 21. Senior Development Coaches will utilise the Advantaged Thinking Framework across five service offers: housing and living skills, education, employment, health and wellbeing and community connections. Young people are provided with levels of support which flex up and down over time according to their needs, existing support networks and the goals they have identified.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide specialist support within a small team and supervision to a minimum of 2 Development Coaches.
• Work closely with the Team Leader and provide support to the Team Leader to respond to the day-to-day program demands.
• Support the team to engage earlier with care leavers; supporting them to have an active voice in their transition planning and providing access to brokerage.
• Provide a Better Futures response to allocated young people with complexities, using a coaching framework and Advantaged Thinking to support them to work towards their goals. 
• Provide secondary consultation in the areas of leaving care and the Home Stretch program.
• Supporting with reporting requirements which may include monthly service delivery tracking data and financial acquittals.
• Work as part of a dynamic team to assist in program growth, development and reviews as required.
• Assist Team Leader in gathering information for referrals, assessments, reporting and allocation.

About You

• A Bachelor qualification in Youth Work, Social Work or associated human service field are deemed essential. 
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• A comprehensive understanding of the statutory out of home care system and issues related to the support needs of young people. 
• Experience leading and supervising team members.
• Knowledge of Housing systems including Private rental, Social Housing and Homelessness.
• A knowledge of and demonstrated ability to liaise with Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, Services Australia and other relevant government and non-government services that young people may utilise in relation to incomes, physical and mental health, legal, employment, education and training resources.

The Benefits

• Additional salary packaging available for meals/accommodation.
• Flexible work arrangements and generous leave conditions.
• Access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), including access for staff members’ immediate family.

How to Apply

Applications including resume and cover letter addressing your suitability for the position to be submitted by 11pm on Sunday 2 November 2025.

Queries to Jess Patsiouris, Acting Team Leader Better Futures 0482 189 931 or jpatsiouris@berrystreet.org.au

We believe in diversity, inclusion and equality and are committed to ensuring that our workplaces are a reflection of the Victorian community. We recognise the benefits that diversity and inclusion brings, and in turn encourage talented people from all backgrounds, abilities and identities to apply to our vacancies.

We encourage applications from people with lived experience of disability. You'll receive adjustments and support throughout the whole process — from the application stage to starting in the workplace. If you require the position description in a different format or any accommodation or assistance during the application and interview stages please contact the person listed on the ad or alternatively email recruitment@berrystreet.org.au or call 9421 9379.

Berry Street is committed to being a child safe, child friendly and child empowering organisation. In everything we do we seek to protect children. We are committed to the cultural safety of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children; children from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds; children with a disability; children who identify as LGBTIQA+. We aim to ensure every individual is treated with dignity and respect regardless of their cultural background, ability, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, spirituality or religion.

Please Note; the successful applicant will be subject to comprehensive reference and background checking prior to employment, including a Working with Children Check and National and International Police check (if required).