Outreach and Engagement Worker

The Empowerment Challenge is a passionate not-for-profit charity supporting younger mums and expecting mums who have birthed their first child at the age of 26 years or under in the Geelong Region.

The Empowerment Challenge was created in 2017 by a small group of local women giving back to their community, mentoring younger mums. It became apparent to the members there was a huge gap within services and these younger mums had difficulties finding a service which would fully support their needs over a long term period.

And so The Empowerment Challenge was born. 

The pilot mobile outreach program began in 2022.  It involved a key support worker and experienced volunteers attending places where younger mums frequent, such as playgrounds and community centres, and setting up an area that was inviting, child friendly and non-threatening. On a weekly basis, we ran fun, engaging activities promoting informal mentoring opportunities and community connection.  Younger mums were able to connect in an informal way, building relationships and rapport with the aim of being able to offer more specific support as the trust and relationship grew. 

The pilot mobile outreach program was so successful that we were able to gain further funding for a continuation of the mobile outreach program.  We currently run one mothers group on a Wednesday & a music group on a Monday (in term time only), both at Vines Rd Community Centre.  We also offer 1:1 reach outs for younger mums who aren't yet ready to come into a group setting.  The current program is continuing to to grow rapidly and we require extra support for the Program Coordinator (formally known as Key Support Worker).

About the position 

This position is for a OUTREACH & ENGAGEMENT WORKER who will work alongside our Program Coordinator for 10 hours per week during term time/7.5 hours per week outside of term time, assisting in facilitating our mobile outreach program. The Outreach & Engagement Worker will work alongside our Program Coordinator; developing  connections with younger mums & providing ongoing  mental health support and connection for this vulnerable cohort, building relationships with industry peers, gathering & inputting feedback/data to shape future longer-term programs.  You will work alongside the Program Coordinator, facilitating the weekly mums groups supporting younger mums, as well as 1:1 support to mums when required.  

This position will be until the end of May 2024, with the likelihood of continuation of employment until May 2025 (funding dependent).                                                                                                                                                    

Our Ideal Candidate 

• You align with The Empowerment Challenges mission and long term vision and are committed to doing all that you can to achieve the objectives of the mobile outreach  program.
• You enjoy making community connections and have a passion for helping people, possessing strong personal values and a commitment to working with people and local communities.
• You are enthusiastic, dynamic, self-motivated, proactive and responsive, taking initiative and look for new and exciting ways to progress, adapting to change as needed.
• You are empathetic, compassionate, supportive and caring.
• You are highly organised and plan tasks effectively, possessing the ability to organise and motivate others.
• You are reliable, committed and trustworthy.
• You are able to maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times and articulate with excellent interpersonal skills.
• You represent The Empowerment Challenge in a professional manner at all times.
• You are open to engaging in ongoing professional development.
• You are able to work well as part of a team.

Roles & Responsibilities

• You are passionate and interested in early childhood and development and have an understanding of key issues related to attachment theory, complex-intergenerational trauma, brain development and effects on ages and stages of development.
• Ability to work autonomously with a strength-based approach and client centered focus. 
• Connect and build rapport with younger mums, empowering them to identify necessary tools and resources to build capacity for sustainable, positive change.
• Identify risks and seek secondary consultation and advice from Program Coordinator, other relevant experts, specialists and  experienced peers and refer to the TEC board to support decision making as required. 
• Engage with Program Coordinator in developing evaluations, outcome reviews and constructive feedback for continual improvement as well as specific research as required. This includes weekly Data input via our data collection tool ‘Charity Tracker’ (training can be provided in using this tool). 
• Network and collaborate with other services to ensure service awareness, relationship building, and partnership opportunities alongside and under direction of Program Coordinator. 
• You will be the secondary contact for enquiries (Program Coordinator is primary contact), including follow ups with clients, networking and collaboration within the community sector. This will include maintaining working relationships and any potential partnership opportunities. 
• Maintain confidentiality and set clear boundaries with all clients, in line with TEC policies.
• Always work within legal and ethical frameworks.
• Adhere to all TEC Values, Mission, Policies and Procedures.

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

 Essential Skills/Experience

• Experience with supporting, mentoring and engaging younger people and vulnerable families.
• Relevant Tertiary qualifications or currently studying in areas of Social, Welfare or Youth Work, or associated disciplines. 
• Genuine interest and passion for The Empowerment Challenge's mission and in the health and well-being of younger mums, focusing on capacity building and empowering them to choose the best outcomes for them and their family.
• An understanding of the impact of trauma on young people and knowledge in case management planning, implementation, review and service referral.
• An understanding of the Children, Youth and Families Act (2005), confidentially and other relevant legislation including Mandatory Reporting requirements.
• Strong communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Current Victorian Drivers License.
• Working with Children Check and National Police Check.
• First Aid Level 2 Certificate.

Desirable

• Experience working in the Younger mums sector, including family and community services, or youth services, or welfare services.
• Experience working in the not-for-profit sector.

Please forward a cover letter and your resume with at least two references to *****@empowermentchallenge.org.au by Sunday 10th March 2024.