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YOUTH PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Gender Representation

59% Female

Median Age

34

Median Weekly Earnings

$1865

Average Weekly Hours

38 Hours

ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES

A Youth Program Coordinator is responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating programs that support the personal development and wellbeing of young people. These may include after-school programs, leadership initiatives, health workshops, mentoring sessions, and life skills training.

Coordinators work behind the scenes to ensure each program runs smoothly, which involves designing engaging content, supervising staff and volunteers, managing budgets, evaluating outcomes, and liaising with stakeholders such as schools, local councils, and community organisations. They also support young people directly, ensuring programs are inclusive, culturally safe, and aligned with the needs and interests of the community.

This role is ideal for someone who combines strong leadership and project management skills with a genuine desire to see young people thrive. A solid understanding of youth development principles, safeguarding policies, and trauma-informed practice is essential. A Diploma or Degree in Youth Work, Community Development, or a related field is often required, along with experience working with youth in community or educational settings.

MARKET SIZE & ECONOMIC IMPACT

Australia’s community services industry is one of the largest and most essential sectors in the country’s social and economic landscape. Employing over 1.7 million workers, the industry spans a wide range of support roles across youth work, family services, homelessness support, community development, and crisis response. Its size continues to grow in response to rising demand for wraparound support services in both metropolitan and regional areas.
 

The community services sector plays a pivotal role in social cohesion, early intervention, and long-term wellbeing—helping individuals and families overcome barriers such as housing instability, unemployment, mental health challenges, and family violence. It is a significant contributor to national employment and supports many government-led programs and non-profit initiatives across Australia.
 

Sustained government investment through the NDIS, child protection services, mental health reform, and homelessness strategies continues to fuel growth across the sector. As Australia shifts further towards preventative, person-centred, and trauma-informed care models, the need for qualified community services professionals is expected to rise—making it a resilient, purpose-driven career path with a strong future outlook.

EMERGING TRENDS & FUTURE OUTLOOK

Australia’s community services industry is undergoing significant transformation as the country responds to increasing social complexity, population growth, and a renewed focus on early intervention, prevention, and long-term social impact. As support systems shift away from reactive models, community services professionals are becoming central to coordinated care, advocacy, and holistic wellbeing.
 

One of the most notable trends is the integration of community services into cross-sector teams, where youth workers, case managers, community development officers, and support coordinators collaborate with health, housing, and justice systems to deliver wraparound care. This multidisciplinary approach ensures more responsive and individualised support for vulnerable groups. There is also a strong emphasis on trauma-informed, culturally safe, and strengths-based practice—particularly when working with First Nations peoples, refugees, and LGBTQIA+ communities. Community services workers are expected to foster empowerment, inclusion, and resilience by tailoring supports to each person’s lived experience and cultural background.
 

Technology is reshaping service delivery, with a growing use of case management software, digital intake tools, and virtual support options. Online platforms are making it easier to connect clients with services, monitor engagement, and support individuals in remote or under-served areas through virtual outreach, tele-counselling, and digital goal tracking.
 

Looking ahead, the demand for skilled professionals in community services is projected to increase—especially in areas such as youth justice, homelessness, mental health, and family violence prevention. There is also strong potential for leadership roles as organisations adapt to reforms, expand services, and prioritise community-led solutions. Overall, the future of the community services industry is centred on compassion, adaptability, and empowerment—offering purposeful, people-focused careers for those committed to building a more inclusive and resilient Australia.

CURRENT & EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES

Specialise in Emerging and High-Need Areas

As youth needs become more complex, there’s growing demand for coordinators with expertise in:

  • Youth Mental Health Support – Design and oversee programs focused on early intervention, resilience-building, and suicide prevention.

  • Trauma-Informed Practice – Lead services for young people impacted by abuse, neglect, family breakdown, or violence.

  • Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Programs – Coordinate youth-focused harm reduction, outreach, and rehabilitation services.

  • Youth Justice & Diversion Programs – Manage initiatives that keep at-risk youth out of the criminal justice system and support rehabilitation.

  • Education and Employment Readiness – Create skill-building programs that support transitions into training, apprenticeships, or employment.

Advance into Strategic and Senior Leadership Roles

Experience as a Youth Program Coordinator can be a launchpad into broader management or advocacy positions:

  • Career progression may include roles such as:

    • Service Delivery Manager

    • Youth Services Team Leader

    • Community Engagement or Partnerships Lead

    • Policy and Program Advisor

    • Social Impact or Program Evaluation Specialist

Upskilling & Professional Development

Continuous learning helps keep your practice responsive and compliant:

  • Popular PD areas include:

    • Trauma-informed leadership

    • Cultural safety and inclusive program design

    • Mental Health First Aid for youth

    • Project management or program evaluation training

    • Digital youth engagement tools and strategies

Shape the Future of Youth Services

  • Build strong community partnerships and drive social change through innovative programming.

  • Mentor and develop new Youth Workers, strengthening team capacity and impact.

  • Use your role to amplify youth voices and advocate for better policies and resources in your community.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROWTH

CORE SKILLS YOU NEED

Program Design & Delivery

Strategic Thinking & Problem Solving

Leadership & Team Supervision

Data Management & Reporting

Stakeholder Engagement

Do you want to design impactful programs, mentor support staff, and create safe, empowering spaces for young people? Becoming a Youth Program Coordinator is a rewarding career that allows you to lead change in the community—without needing a university degree to get started.
 

You don’t need previous leadership experience—just a passion for youth work, strong organisational skills, and a drive to make a difference. With the right training, you'll be equipped to manage programs, evaluate outcomes, and support teams across youth centres, outreach services, and schools. To become a Youth Program Coordinator, you’ll typically need to complete a nationally recognised course such as:

  • Certificate IV in Youth Work

  • Diploma of Youth Work

  • Diploma of Community Services (Case Management or Coordination stream)

  • Certificate IV in Leadership and Management

  • First Aid & CPR (HLTAID011)

  • Manual Handling & Infection Control Training

  • Short Courses in Trauma-Informed Practice, Program Evaluation, Cultural Safety, or Mental Health First Aid

GET QUALIFIED TO START YOUR CAREER

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