Parent Pathways Coach

• Permanent| Full Time
• Salary: $81,987 + Super + Salary Packaging
• Location: SE Melbourne Peninsula region (Frankston – Cranbourne)
• Make a meaningful difference to the lives of Australians in need 

Life at Mission Australia

When you join the team at Mission Australia, you become part of a community who are determined to end homelessness and ensure people in need can thrive. United by our Christian purpose and values, we advocate for a fairer Australia, to meet the growing needs of people across the country. Together we’re building hope and possibility for all. Find out more about us and our purpose.

Your Opportunity

As a Pathways Coach with Parent Pathways, you will play a vital role in empowering parents to overcome vocational and non-vocational barriers, supporting them toward sustainable employment or education. This is an on-site position, offering the opportunity to make meaningful connections with parents and the local community while helping families build brighter futures.

Using a strengths-based approach, you will work one-on-one and in group settings to develop tailored plans that enhance parents’ social, emotional, and economic wellbeing. You’ll walk alongside parents as they identify their aspirations, develop new skills, and work toward long-term success. This rewarding role also involves occasional travel to outreach sites in Lakes Entrance and Orbost, ensuring consistent, accessible support across the region.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload, identifying and addressing vocational and non-vocational barriers to employment or education.
• Develop, implement, and review individualised Pathway Plans that align with each parent’s goals and changing needs.
• Design and deliver engaging educational, pre-employment, and group training workshops to build confidence and employability skills.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with local employers, service providers, and agencies to create meaningful opportunities for participants.
• Complete all administrative and compliance tasks accurately and within required timeframes, ensuring thorough documentation and record-keeping.
• Promote and expand program awareness through community engagement and participation in local networking events.
• Work autonomously while maintaining close collaboration with colleagues across Mission Australia’s Parent Pathways sites to ensure consistent, high-quality service delivery.

Requirements for Success

• Relevant qualification such as a Certificate III or IV in Community Services, Employment Services, Career Counselling, Health, or a related field (or currently working toward one); Mental Health First Aid or First Aid Certificate desirable.
• Experience in Family Services, Workforce Australia Services, or case management, supporting parents or individuals with complex needs.
• Proven ability to engage and support vulnerable participants to overcome barriers and achieve employment or educational outcomes.
• Strong communication, relationship-building, and mentoring skills, with the ability to work with parents and families in a supportive, respectful manner.
• High level of administrative accuracy and organisational skills, including case noting, compliance management, and computer literacy (Microsoft Office and CRM systems).
• Capacity to work independently while maintaining professional boundaries and contributing positively to a collaborative team environment.
• Sound understanding of local community supports and services, with the ability to connect parents to relevant resources and advocate effectively on their behalf.
• Mental Health First Aid Certificate or First Aid Certificate is desirable.
• Full driver licence with no restrictions

Before starting work with us, you will need to undertake a national police history check, qualifications, and referee checks, and have a clearance to work with children/vulnerable people. 

Your benefits

• Rewarding work – every day you know you’re making a real difference  
• Not-for-profit salary packaging, reducing your tax (details via AccessPay)
• Free external, confidential counselling and access to chaplaincy support  
• Volunteering opportunities   
• Opportunity to purchase additional annual leave 
• Extra leave including Mission Australia Thank You Day & Work Anniversary Day off

Our culture  

Our innovative and inclusive culture will ensure you feel valued at Mission Australia as you help Australians in need and develop in your career.  

We prioritise the safety and wellbeing of everyone, both within our team and the individuals we serve.

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive working environment. We actively support and encourage people of all backgrounds; gender, age, ethnicity, race, cultural background, disability, religion, and sexual orientation to submit an application and aim to ensure that the recruitment and employee experience is as accessible and inclusive as possible. So, whoever you are, if you’re skilled and actively support our purpose and values, you would be welcome at Mission Australia.

If you live with disability and require support to submit your application, please email talentattraction@missionaustralia.com.au or visit our Careers page for additional contact details.

We strongly encourage applications from people who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. For culturally safe support or assistance with your application, please contact us at Deadlycareers@missionaustralia.com.au  

Find out more about a career with Mission Australia. 

How to apply

Click ‘Apply’ and send your application today!

As a committed Circle Back Initiative employer, we will respond to your application.

Applications are shortlisted as they are received. Please apply as soon as possible to be considered. Thank you.