Participation Coordinator – First Nations

headspace • Full-time • Melbourne • A$ 80,000 - A$ 90,000 / year • 3w ago

Participation Coordinator – First Nations

Identified role
Location is negotiable - full time or part time (0.8 FTE / 4 days a week minimum)
Hybrid working arrangement - 2 days in the office and 3 days from home

What is headspace National

headspace is Australia’s leading youth mental health organisation. With a strong presence across Country and deep connections within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, making a real difference where it matters most, headspace helps young people and their families navigate mental health, work, and study challenges. Learn more at headspace.org.au.

At headspace, we believe every young person deserves to feel heard, safe, and supported. We’re looking for an engaged and collaborative Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander professional to join our Participation & Lived Experience team as a Participation Coordinator.

This is more than a role. It’s an opportunity to lead meaningful change, champion the views of young people and families, and ensure First Nations perspectives are deeply embedded in how we work.

What you’ll be doing

Working alongside other First Nations staff to build strong cultural connections, champion self determination, and ensure First Nations perspectives are deeply respected and woven into everything we do.
Coordinating a group of Lived Experience staff in the First Nations Youth Advisory Council to inform, advise and collaborate on the work of headspace National
Leading participation programs that empower young people and families to shape the future of headspace.
Bringing creativity and fresh ideas to the way we engage with young people, families, and communities, while building trusting and respectful relationships that foster genuine connection and participation.

We’re seeking someone who is:

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander - this is an identified role.
Passionate about cultural safety and empowering young people.
Skilled at building respectful relationships with young people, family and communities.
Experienced in community engagement, youth and family participation and project coordination.
Ready to step into a role where your ideas and energy will truly make a difference.

What’s on offer

Excellent salary packaging benefits increasing your salary
Generous leave entitlements, including an extra 7 days annual leave during the headspace shutdown period
Hybrid working arrangement: 2 days in the office and 3 days from home
A safe and culturally safe workplace where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff feel respected, supported, and empowered to bring their whole selves to work.
Access to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff networks, regular meetings, and in person gatherings to strengthen connection, cultural identity, and peer support.
Opportunities to represent headspace at community events, forums, youth gatherings, and cultural activities that promote visibility and engagement with First Nations communities.
Ongoing support for professional and personal growth, including access to cultural leave, mentoring, and wellbeing initiatives.
The opportunity to work within an organisation that is committed to the growth, development, and success of our First Nations staff, embedding cultural safety and self-determination across everything we do.

This is a chance to step into an exciting role where your experiences and perspectives matter and where you’ll help create spaces that affirm culture, identity and belonging for First Nations young people across Australia.

Keen to join a deadly team? If you’re ready for a yarn and want to bring your energy, ideas, and passion for working with young people, we’d love to hear from you!

Click ‘Apply Now’ to check out the full position description and take the next step in your career.
Submit your resume and a cover letter telling us why you’re the perfect fit. We’d love to hear how your experience aligns with the key responsibilities in the position description.
Got questions or want to chat about the role? Reach out to Dure – Head of Participation and Lived Experience at ddewinter@headspace.org.au
Applications close 5pm 30 November. Don’t miss your chance to be part of something meaningful.

To be eligible for this position you must

Be an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander (this is an identified role).
Hold current Working with Children Checks (WWCC) in each state and Territory or be able to obtain them
Satisfactorily undergo a headspace Police Check

headspace is committed to workforce diversity and to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees are valued, celebrated, and can contribute meaningfully. We encourage applications from people with lived experience of diversity to enhance the depth of skill and insight within our workforce. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply for this role and all current vacancies.

headspace is committed to being a child safe and child friendly organisation that recognises, respects, and promotes the rights of children, young and vulnerable people.

headspace will provide reasonable personalisation for all candidates to participate equitably in the recruitment process. Please advise us should you require assistance.