Job Description

About RSPCA Queensland

For nearly 140 years, RSPCA Queensland has been a leading animal welfare charity, dedicated to improving the lives of animals - whether domestic, farmed, or native. We care for over 42,000 animals annually, relying on the generosity of animal lovers like you to fund 91% of our life-changing services.

Our Purpose: We exist for animals to live better lives.

About the Role

As a Youth Early Intervention Program Officer, you’ll play a powerful role in supporting young people to reconnect - with themselves, their community and the animals in their care.

Working within our Tails of Change: Early Intervention Project, you’ll deliver programs including Youth4Paws, Young Paws and New Paths, using hands-on animal welfare experiences to build empathy, emotional regulation and positive life skills in at-risk and disengaged young people.

This is a unique role that sits at the intersection of youth work, education and animal welfare. You’ll facilitate meaningful, structured sessions both onsite at our Wacol Animal Care Campus and within the West Moreton Youth Detention Centre, working closely with partner agencies such as Queensland Police and Youth Justice.

This is a fixed-term, part-time opportunity working Monday and Wednesday (15.2 hours per week) through to approximately December 2027, with some flexibility in hours for the right person.

What We’re Looking For

This role requires someone who is steady, self-aware and confident working with young people who may be disengaged, resistant or navigating challenging circumstances.

You are able to establish rapport without compromising boundaries. You communicate clearly, remain composed under pressure, and are confident addressing behaviours in a calm, respectful and consistent way. You understand that progress in this space is often gradual and you bring patience, persistence and sound judgement to your work.

You are comfortable facilitating structured group sessions, adapting your approach to meet the needs of different participants and working collaboratively with external agencies to ensure safety and continuity of care.

Most importantly, you bring a genuine commitment to early intervention and prevention, recognising the role that education, positive modelling and connection can play in improving outcomes for young people and animals alike.

What You’ll Do

In this role, you will:

• Facilitate delivery of the Tails of Change programs across Wacol and West Moreton Youth Detention Centre.
• Deliver engaging, hands-on sessions focused on animal care, behaviour, welfare and responsible ownership.
• Support young people to develop empathy, emotional regulation and positive decision-making skills.
• Supervise participants in practical learning activities with animals.
• Build safe, trusting and culturally responsive relationships with participants.
• Model positive behaviour, communication and emotional self-management.
• Respond to participant needs using trauma-informed, youth-centred approaches.
• Collaborate closely with partner agencies including QPS, Youth Justice and community organisations.
• Work alongside staff and volunteers to support program delivery and engagement.
• Maintain strong, professional stakeholder relationships.
• Track attendance, engagement and outcomes, and support program evaluation and reporting.
• Complete incident reporting and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.

What You’ll Bring to the Role

• Experience working with at-risk, disengaged or vulnerable young people.
• Strong understanding of trauma-informed and strengths-based approaches.
• Experience facilitating group sessions, programs or educational activities.
• Ability to manage challenging behaviours with calmness, professionalism and care.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to connect with young people from diverse backgrounds.
• Confidence building rapport and trust with adolescents.
• An interest in or knowledge of animal welfare, behaviour or care (or willingness to learn).
• Strong organisational and digital skills (including Microsoft Office and databases).
• A collaborative approach, with the ability to work effectively with a range of stakeholders.
• Qualifications in youth work, social work, community services, education or similar (desirable).
• Experience in animal handling or care (desirable).
• Knowledge of early intervention models, restorative practices or criminogenic needs (desirable).

Compliance requirements:

• Valid Working with Children Check (Blue Card) or ability to obtain.
• National Police Check.
• Open Driver’s Licence.
• First Aid Certificate (or willingness to obtain).

Why Join Us?

• Comprehensive Support: Enjoy 8 weeks of paid parental leave, flexible working arrangements, study leave, and even leave for your furry companions. We also provide access to counselling and mental health services.
• Employee Perks: From free on-site parking to exclusive discounts, novated leases, and 50% off Royal Canin pet food, we’ve got you covered! You can also adopt a new furry friend with free adoption options.
• Professional Growth: Access expansive learning and development programs to help you elevate your career and skill set.
• Purpose-Driven Impact: Be part of a mission-driven organisation where every task makes a tangible difference to animal welfare.

At RSPCA Qld, we encourage you to grow your skills, expand your responsibilities, and explore different career pathways. By enhancing your qualifications and capabilities, you can take advantage of internal opportunities across our many departments - from animal care to operations, outreach, and more.

Interested?

If this sounds like the perfect opportunity for you, apply today!

Successful candidates will be required to undergo a Police Check for the safety and well-being of the community, staff, and animals. A pre-employment medical assessment may also be required.

RSPCA Queensland acknowledges the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the land. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to a fair and inclusive hiring process, welcoming applicants of all backgrounds, regardless of faith, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or gender identity.