Community Engagement & Education Officer

Youth Focus is a for-purpose organisation that creates brighter futures for young people in Western Australia by offering a range of no-cost mental health services. Established in 1994, Youth Focus delivers innovative and accessible mental health services and programs across Western Australia to help at-risk young people aged 12 to 25. A key component of this is our role as the lead agency for a number of headspace centres.

We are looking for an experienced Community Engagement and Education Officer to join our Southwest/Peel Team. This role is based from our Bunbury Office, located on Wadandi Noongar Country. 

• Part-time position (0.6FTE)
• 12-month fixed-term contract, with extension in line with funding
• NEW position in team, commencing ASAP!

This new position will be tasked with identifying and building capacity in the Bunbury and surrounding areas to respond to the mental health needs of young people within the region. This includes increasing awareness in the community about Youth Focus services, mental health literacy, effective help seeking, as well as the identification of new opportunities to assist young people's mental health in the region.

Key responsibilities of this role include:

• Deliver existing preventative mental health awareness training in local high schools (and others where required) as part of established suicide prevention activities.
• Facilitate a range of mental health programs to students, parents/caregivers, and teachers to increase the understanding and response to youth mental health.
• Work with the Service Manager to develop a Community Awareness Plan, which aims to increase awareness of Youth Focus and encourage mental health literacy and help seeking.
• Take a lead role in community awareness activities of Youth Focus, including representing Youth Focus at external events and expos.
• Develop and maintain local information sources, to develop new events and programs to respond to unmet needs within targeted areas.
• Develop and maintain professional relationships with existing and new stakeholders.
• Work alongside other Community Engagement staff to support the Youth Reference Group and their activities.
• Maintain a database of community initiatives and generate requested reports for the Service Manager and/or COO, including for relevant funding contracts.

To be considered for this position, applicants will have:

• A passion for working with young people and demonstrated experience working with young people.
• Experience delivering training packages in community development or relevant discipline (preferred).
• Tertiary qualifications in mental health or relevant discipline, and/or experience in mental health or youth work.
• High level Community Engagement skills including planning, developing information campaigns/briefings, consultation, and partnership development.
• Understanding of contemporary youth participation models and experience in the implementation of youth engagement strategies.
• Knowledge and understanding of the health and welfare issues affecting young people and families.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and an ability to work with a broad range of people from a variety of backgrounds and experiences.
• Developed organisational, administrative, and project management skills.
• Self-motivation and direction with high level of autonomy.
• 'C' Class Driver's Licence and access to a reliable vehicle (essential).
• Ability to work outside of normal business hours as required.

To successfully become part of our team, it is just as important to align with our values as it is to meet our selection criteria. Our values are part of who we are and are demonstrated in the way we work every day. 

• Youth Focus is a DCA recognised Inclusive Employer!
• Competitive salary offerings with the ability to salary sacrifice
• Access to professional development opportunities
• Additional annual leave, and other leave offerings
• Generous paid parental leave

Please send through your CV and Cover Letter that addresses the abovementioned selection criteria detailed under the section 'About You'.

             Closing date for applications: 9.00am, Monday 18 March 2024

Please note:

• Appointment to the role is subject to the successful candidate providing a satisfactory National Police Check and Working with Children Check
• Shortlisting will commence immediately, and the role may close earlier than the date mentioned above if we find a suitable candidate
• Due to the high volume of applications received for our advertised positions, only those applicants who are short-listed will be contacted. To those applicants not short-listed, we extend our appreciation for considering Youth Focus as a potential employer
• For further information, a confidential discussion about the position, or for assistance in applying for this role, please contact Human Resources on (08) 6266 4***

Youth Focus is committed to ensuring every individual that interacts with us feels safe and is able to bring their whole selves, being welcomed with equity, dignity and respect. In doing so, we understand that we must first include, listen, and reflect in order to build trust, connect, and partner. We celebrate individuality and are guided by the stories and journeys of the communities in which we live and work. Everyone is welcome at Youth Focus.