Program Coordinator

First Step Development Enterprises Pty Ltd (First Step) is a 100% Aboriginal-owned company based in Darwin, Northern Territory (NT). Established in 2019, our aim is to promote social cohesion by offering a diverse range of holistic services to youth, families, and adults.

Key duties and responsibilities:

• Responsible for the delivery of case work and case management services to clients, including liaising with Government and non-Government Organisations.
• Maintain a high level of services to clients and demonstrated best practice in the delivery of services.
• Developing and implementing strategies to create a safe, supportive, and culturally inclusive environment that engages the company’s clients in training or employment pathways.
• Coordinating the delivery of services, including development of engagement plans and supervision of staff involved in the delivery of statutory and non-statutory youth justice and re-engagement services.
• Reviewing and assessing the feasibility of new projects and opportunities and assisting in funding applications for continuous improvement for the company.
• Ensuring compliance with all company and legislative policies and procedures, including maintaining accurate record-keeping practices, data collection, practice standards, program development, community networking and consultation to achieve an integrated best practice approach to service delivery.
• Establishing and maintaining appropriate interpersonal relationships between the client, training provider/employer, families, stakeholders, and community.
• Mentoring the client in developing independence and life skills to support engagement in training, employment, and prosocial activities.
• Undertake a variety of administrative duties to ensure availability of reliable data through accurate client records, case notes, and summary reports as required.
• Provide support and training to staff on services and practice issues to enhance their skills, knowledge and understanding of programs. 

Suitable candidates for the Program Coordinator role must possess the following skills, experience, and qualifications:

• A degree of an Australian tertiary institution, which gives eligibility for membership of the Australian Community Workers Association, the Australian Association of Social Workers, or the Australian Psychological Society, or equivalent.
• Strong case management skills to provide comprehensive support to clients and their families.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, to effectively interact with clients, families, and external stakeholders.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills to manage multiple tasks and projects effectively.
• Develop, plan and supervise the implementation of educational and/or developmental programs for clients.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills to navigate complex situations and find effective solutions, with the ability to achieve outcomes through using effective interpersonal and communication skills.
• Exercise initiative, set priorities, plan and establish the most appropriate operational methods for the service. 
• Minimum of two years of experience working in an environment with children in a case management capacity, particularly with disengaged youth and families.
• Demonstrated skills in the use of computers and proficiency in the use of electronic information systems. 
• Significant experience working within a legislative framework in the youth justice or child protection systems and knowledge of relevant legislation and policies with the ability to interpret and apply relevant legislation into practical application.
• Experience with trauma-informed practice and mandatory reporting obligations.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and work effectively within culturally diverse multidisciplinary settings, including a demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal culture, family and community structures and negotiate outcomes across diverse range of stakeholders.

 Further Information

• The applicant will be required to hold a current Working with Children Clearance notice, C Class Driver’s Licence and may be requested to undergo a criminal history check (a criminal history will not exclude an applicant from this position unless it is a relevant criminal history).
• Applicants are required to include certified copy of their qualifications with their application.