Youth Diversion Case Manager (Female Identified)

The Gap Youth and Community Centre Aboriginal Corporation 

Position:  Youth Diversion Case Manager- Female Identified (Alice Springs)    

Division:  Community Youth Diversion 

Section:  Youth Diversion Program (YDP)

Level:  SCHADS Level 3-4 (Pay point to be determined based on qualifications and experience), plus leave loading, superannuation, and salary sacrifice

Position Reports to:Youth Diversion Coordinator

Location:  The Gap Youth and Community Centre, 91 – 93 Gap Road, The Gap, Alice Springs NT 0870

Hours: Full time, hours may vary

Last Review: 8 Mar 2024

Eligibility: Indigenous applicants strongly encouraged to apply and must possess senior level case management skills

About the Gap Youth and Community Centre

The Gap Youth and Community Centre Aboriginal Corporation, a not-for-profit community-based organisation, has been providing assistance and support to at-risk children, young people, their families, and their communities in Alice Springs since 1977. As a multi-service organisation funded by Territory and Federal government, Gap provides a range of support programs and activities to assist and empower young people to make positive choices and decisions for their future.

For over 43 years, Gap has been providing support and assistance to children and young people based on individual need including assistance with educational engagement, housing and homelessness, vocational training, employment assistance, crime prevention & intervention, information, referral, advocacy, practical assistance, drop-in, and recreational activities.

The Youth Diversion Program works with children and young people aged 10 to 17 years of age who have been referred to the program by the Northern Territory Police Force. The program also has capacity to support children at risk of contact with the Youth Justice system, who may have not had formal diversion involvement. The program is under pinned by a strengths-based, trauma informed approach and operates within a Restorative Justice framework. 

The primary purpose of the position is to engage with, build rapport with and support young people who are engaged in formal Youth Diversion, and/or are at risk of offending or entering the formal youth justice system. The Case Manager provides direct support and supervision to the young people in the Youth Diversion program and provides case management and support to assist the young person to meet their obligations and reduce the risks of unhealthy behaviours.

Main Duties:

• Deliver high quality case management that is culturally appropriate and tailored to the needs of the individual, compliant with statutory obligations, consistent and professional.
• To ensure the support to Aboriginal children and their families incorporates the appropriate delivery of information, advocacy, support, and referral to relevant services and programs.
• To provide professional case management support to YD Case Managers as designated by YD Coordinator
• When appropriate and advised, participate in network meetings relevant to the program, with YD Coordinator or Program Manager.
• Engage in recreational and educational activities that are both safe and culturally appropriate.
• Together with coordinator, review program activities and case management practices, frameworks and tools to best support Aboriginal children and their families involved in the criminal justice system.
• Undertake assessments, maintain case files, and prepare reports in relation to young people as required
• Engage in recreational and educational activities that are both safe and culturally appropriate.
• Build rapport with young people that is appropriate and reflects the values set out in the Code of Conduct.
• Work within the team to achieve the goals that the YD Coordinator has set.
• Other duties, as required.

Work Organization:

• Accept redeployment across the organisation where operational necessity requires
• Be an active team member and support a service-based work culture showing commitment to the organisation's strategy, mission, vision, and values outlined by the board. 
• Plan to meet daily operational administrative requirements. 

Work Health and Safety:

• Take reasonable care for your own health and safety and for the health and safety of others in the workplace.
• Work in accordance with the Gap’s WHS policy, the WHS Act, Regulations and Code of Practices. 
• Ensure reporting of WHS non-conformances or incidents/injuries 

Values and Behaviours:

• Conduct all work in line with Gap values of Social Justice 
• Apply strict confidentiality practices and guidelines to all client, program, and organisational information.

ESSENTIAL 

1. Demonstrated experience and sound knowledge of case management and understanding of Youth Diversion, restorative justice principles and practices.
2. Demonstrated understanding and experience in working with Aboriginal children, young people, and families within the principles of trauma informed and strengths-based approaches; and demonstrated understanding of factors that may lead to involvement in the Youth Justice system
3. Demonstrated experience in delivering quality case management support and mentorship to staff from diverse backgrounds.
4. Knowledge of the local community and ability to develop and maintain collaborative relationships across the sector and community.
5. Demonstrated ability to use initiative, solve problems, and make informed decisions.
6. High level of self-motivation and the ability to organise work priorities and the proven ability to work both independently and within a team environment.
7. Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain complete confidentiality.
8. Demonstrated administrative experience and in writing case management assessments and reports. Experience using the Microsoft Office applications and case note IT systems.
9. Hold a current NT drivers’ licence, or the ability to obtain
10. Hold a First Aid Certificate or willingness to obtain.

To apply, please include a resume and cover letter with responses to the selection criteria. Please apply direct on Seek. The advertisement will be withdrawn before closing date if a suitable applicant is hired. 

DESIRABLE

1. Tertiary qualification in Youth Work or related field, or equivalent experience.
2. Ability to speak a local Aboriginal language.

Employment with Gap is conditional on the employee providing NT Working with Children Check (Ochre Card), Satisfactory Criminal History Check. Persons considered for a position with Gap may be required to undergo a pre-employment medical examination and drug screen to determine fitness to perform nominated duties. Indigenous applicants strongly encouraged to apply.

Authorised: Bobbie-Joe Wilson 8 March 2024

Bobbie-Joe Wilson- Acting CEO of The Gap Youth and Community Centre Aboriginal Corporation