Brophy’s headspace Warrnambool & Portland Clinical Lead Ben Lehmann
Most people don’t expect to build a 20-year career in the one organisation. But at Brophy, that’s exactly what many people do — sometimes without even realising it at the start.
For Ben Lehmann, a career at Brophy didn’t follow a straight line. It followed opportunity, growth, learning, leaving, returning, and evolving. And through it all, Brophy remained part of the story.
Ben first joined Brophy nearly twenty years ago, at the very beginning of his professional journey. Fresh from completing his Diploma of Welfare at South West TAFE, he stepped into a role within the Job Placement, Education and Training (JPET) program, then based in the Youth Homelessness Team.
Like many early-career practitioners, Ben balanced his role at Brophy with work in residential care and disability support. But it was at Brophy where his professional identity truly began to take shape.
“Brophy has always been exceptional at backing emerging practitioners,” Ben said. “It gives people genuine entry points into meaningful work.”
At the time, Brophy was much smaller — operating from a modest office and a single cottage service in Portland — but the culture was already strong. What stood out most was the shared commitment to community and to doing good work together.
Growth Through Learning and Experience
While working at Brophy, Ben continued his studies, completing his social work degree online alongside two extensive placements. Brophy supported him throughout this process, including enabling placement within involuntary services at the Department of Health and Human Services.
That experience broadened his understanding of statutory systems and strengthened his practice. It also set the foundation for the next chapter of his career.
Ben went on to work in youth justice and child protection roles with DHHS before relocating to Queensland, where he spent more than a decade working across family services and clinical social work in leadership roles.
This trajectory — beginning at Brophy, building skills, and confidently moving across complex systems — reflects what Brophy consistently enables: practitioners who are prepared, supported and capable.
Coming Home to Brophy
After many years away, Ben and his family decided it was time to return home. Brophy felt like the right place to do that.
He returned as a Team Leader in Home-Based Care, drawn by the organisation’s values, culture and leadership opportunities within Brophy’s Foster and Kinship care programs.
“The recruitment process was warm, open and welcoming,” Ben says. “I felt confident I was returning to an organisation that genuinely invests in its people.”
On his very first day, something small but powerful stood out. During induction, staff were encouraged to regularly review internal vacancies — not just as a recruitment tool, but as a way to reflect on their own growth and future possibilities within Brophy.
That message would soon prove true.
I felt confident I was returning to an organisation that genuinely invests in its people.
A Career That Can Pivot and Progress
While settling into his Team Leader role, Ben noticed an internal vacancy for a Clinical Lead position at headspace. The role aligned closely with his recent clinical experience and long-term career direction.
He raised the idea with colleagues in the out-of-home care team. Their response was immediate and supportive. Rather than seeing his interest as a loss to the team, they actively encouraged him to pursue what energised him.
Within days, Ben was connected with executive leadership and the headspace team. The process was open, fast and values-driven. Soon after, he was offered the Clinical Lead role.
For Ben, this transition reflected something important about Brophy’s culture.
“At Brophy, careers are not boxed in. People are supported to follow where their strengths and interests lead.
“My interest in clinical work has always been grounded in values. Earlier in my career, much of my work involved crisis response—important and necessary, but often without the opportunity to provide longer-term therapeutic intervention.
“Clinical practice allows space for growth, healing, and empowerment. It aligns strongly with my values around respect, self-efficacy, and supporting young people and families to build sustainable change, rather than simply responding to crises.”
Supported to Grow — Professionally and Personally
Ben’s move into clinical leadership also aligned with his ongoing study pathway toward becoming a clinical psychologist. Brophy has continued to support this journey through study leave, wellbeing days, and a culture that values learning.
That support has allowed him to balance leadership responsibilities, study and family life in a sustainable way.
“Careers are built over time,” Ben says. “I think Brophy understands that investing in people ultimately strengthens the communities we serve.”
One Organisation. Many Pathways.
One of Brophy’s greatest strengths is its breadth.
With more than 40 programs spanning youth mental health, family violence, housing, out-of-home care, family support and community services, Brophy offers genuine career flexibility.
For staff, this means:
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Opportunities to move between programs
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Secondments and leadership pathways
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Lateral career development as well as progression
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Renewal, specialisation or expansion of practice
Staff are encouraged to explore what energises them, recognising that career development looks different for everyone.
“Brophy isn’t just a place to work,” Ben says. “It’s a place to evolve.”
Belonging to Something Bigger
While headspace is a strong and recognisable program, Ben values being part of a much larger organisation with more than 150 staff across many services.
Some colleagues have remained at Brophy for decades. Others, like Ben, have returned after building experience elsewhere. That continuity reflects a culture people want to stay connected to.
Organisation-wide learning days, staff forums and shared practice spaces strengthen collaboration and break down silos. Even across diverse programs, there is a strong sense of shared purpose.
“You’re not just part of a team,” Ben reflects. “You’re part of Brophy.”
A Career That Grows With You
Ben’s story is one example — but it is not unique.
Across Brophy, many staff build careers that grow, shift and evolve over time. They remain connected to one organisation while shaping different professional paths.
This is what Brophy means by Create the Career You Want.
A career built on opportunity.
Supported by choice.
Sustained within one organisation.
Why People Choose Brophy
For those considering a career in community services, Brophy Family and Youth Services offers:
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A strong values base
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Genuine development opportunities
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Diverse program pathways
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A supportive learning culture
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Long-term career sustainability
Brophy doesn’t just offer roles.
It offers careers that grow with people.