Youth Domestic and Family Violence Advocate

Brisbane Youth Service

Since 1977, Brisbane Youth Service (BYS) has worked to create new futures for vulnerable young people at risk of homelessness aged 12-25 years and their children.

We are seeking a highly resilient Youth Domestic and Family Violence [DFV] Advocate to join our team. The successful candidate provide support to young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and who are affected by DFV. This position will provide support to workers and clients across Brisbane Youth Service to respond to DFV experiences and will work closely with specialist DFV services to assess risk, safety plan and provide co-ordinated responses to young people experiencing DFV.

Employment Type: 12-months Fixed-Term Contract

Hours: Working 76 hours per fortnight (with the opportunity to work flexibly)

Award Conditions: Level 5 - Social, Community, Home Care & Disabilities Services [SCHADS] Award 2010 + Salary Packaging

In addition to submitting a resume or CV, applicants must address the selection criteria [below] in their cover letter to be considered for shortlisting.

Selection Criteria:

1. Understanding of & commitment to BYS vision, objectives and practice framework
2. Demonstrated understanding of the issues impacting young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, including a gendered understanding of youth DFV
3. Demonstrated ability to undertake thorough assessments of a young person’s situation and support needs, including risk assessments and safety planning
4. Demonstrated ability to work holistically with vulnerable young people, building trusting relationships and delivering services directly to young people and providing case consults and training to worker
5. Strong communication skills, including interpersonal skills and writing skills and the ability to advocate effectively on behalf of others
6. Strong organisational and planning skills and the demonstrated ability to work independently and prioritise and manage competing demands
7. Demonstrated capacity to collaborate across the service system and effectively network to provide a DFV response, including acting in accordance with relevant legislation

Education, Qualifications, Requirements [Mandatory]:

• A tertiary qualification in Social Work, Psychology, Social Sciences or comparable qualification OR substantial demonstrated experience in a related field
• Current Queensland driver’s license
• Working with Children Suitability Card [Blue Card] / willingness to obtain a Blue Card prior to commencement
• National Police Check clearance
• Evidence of vaccination, immunity, or medical exemption for the following preventable diseases prior to commencement: Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Varicella [Chicken Pox]; Pertussis [Whooping Cough]; and COVID-19
• Three relevant references, including most recent Manager, if relevant

Skills & Experience:

• Experience working with vulnerable young people impacted by DFV
• Experience in a front-line service delivery setting
• Experience working collaboratively with other agencies

Personal Attributes:

• Personal drive and integrity and ability to stay calm under pressure
• Consultative and collaborative working attitude
• Flexible, initiative, inclusive, respectful, ethical, accountable
• Ability to work independently exercising initiative, judgement and decision making
• Commitment to a learning culture and ongoing professional development

Leadership:

• Manage, identify, mitigate and monitor operational risks in service delivery and actively use risk management systems to ensure the safety of staff, young people and the community for those facing DFV
• Demonstrate leadership qualities such as ability to mentor, support and guide; provide debriefing [including incident debriefing] to colleagues, as required, and model the BYS core values of Respect, Optimism, Accountability and Resilience
• Plan and support team induction processes including practice mentoring and shadowing opportunities for new team members
• Use project management tools [Asana] to update projects and prepare reports as required
• Experience in identifying and mitigating operational risks in service delivery

Service Delivery:

• Complete thorough risk assessments and provide support to young people experiencing DFV either through direct involvement with a consenting young person or through consult with their case manager
• Provide centre based, phone support and mobile support including outreach visits;
• Facilitate referrals and support young people to access DFV Specialist services as required
• Develop networks and collaborative relationships with internal and external providers within the DFV integrated service response
• Co-ordinate staff training and professional development activities to support the skilling up of workers across BYS in the provision of DFV informed responses to young people as required
• Participate in case planning, stakeholder meetings and service planning
• Build capacity of BYS workers/teams to identify and respond to violence related issues through practice development, advice and support
• Provide education and support to other staff members including mentoring and guidance in regard to effective support of young people experiencing DFV

People, Culture, Safety:

• Model and drive a culture of respect, optimism, accountability and resilience in line with organisational values
• Participate in supervision to monitor service delivery and evaluation and collaborate on high-risk planned support and self-care initiatives
• Identify and participate in training and professional development opportunities
• Where agreed with the Manager, supervise students, project staff and volunteers
• Participate as a collaborative and supportive team member, contributing to the overall effectiveness of the team and outcomes for young people
• Create a trusting, cohesive environment where people can express opinions and those opinions are heard
• Comply with the BYS Code of Conduct to ensure ethical and professional practice
• Participate in quality practice reviews, all-staff days, organisational planning and identify and participate in training and professional development opportunities
• Protect and promote the rights of children and young people, including making decisions compatible with the Human Rights Act 2019; and responding to and reporting suspicions and disclosures of abuse or harm
• Ensure a healthy and safe workplace for all by adhering to BYS Work Health, Safety and Wellbeing Policy, Procedures and Practices
• Actively participate to deliver the BYS Reconciliation Action Plan [RAP] initiatives and measurable actions that support First Nations equality across our organisation

Administration:

• Undertake all administrative functions relating to the role and ensure accurate and timely records are created and maintained in accordance with relevant legislation and BYS policies
• Ensure the timely, consistent and accurate completion of client data records, including planned support and reviews, intake and outcomes assessment data, to contribute to monitoring, evaluation and reporting on program performance and outcomes
• Submit timesheets and leave requests accurately and on time on a fortnightly basis, in accordance with relevant legislation and organisational policy and procedure
• Collect and maintain accurate client data, to contribute to monitoring, evaluation and reporting on program performance
• Participate in both quantitative and qualitative data collection to support BYS continual quality improvement
• Undertake any other duties or tasks as required

How to Apply

To apply, please attach your (1) Cover letter addressing the selection criteria along with your (2) CV through the recruitment service portal.

To download the full position description, please visit: http://brisyouth.org/employment-opportunities/

I

f you would like to discuss this position further, please contact the HR team via **@brisyouth.org.

Applications for this position close 9:00am, Friday 16 February 2024. Applications will be reviewed and shortlisted as they are submitted.