Youth Participation Worker

The Salvation Army Youth Services offer an integrated suite of programs engaging with young people across Australia. Our services create intentional avenues for young people to explore opportunities, build support networks, and access, participate and contribute to their communities. Youth services provide a diverse range of programs which include housing and homelessness, driver training, education, employment, and training, AOD support, social and community activities, specialist therapeutic responses and youth justice programs.

The Youth Participation Worker works alongside young people to assist with raising voices, expanding choices and creating change in their community and their own lives by developing the capacity of young people to participate in, connect with and contribute to their community.

The successful candidate will ensure high quality outcomes for all young people accessing the service by upholding The Salvation Army Youth Services Model of Care - Journey to Independence and Psychologically Informed Environments.

This is a 12 month Max-Term Full-time role based in Shepparton VIC. Compensation is in accordance with the Social, Community, Home Care a Disability Services Award Level 5.

• Drive the Youth Services Youth Participation Portfolio at a strategic and program level by embedding genuine opportunities for Youth Participation, social enterprise activities, leaderships opportunities and roles for young people across The Salvation Army (TSA);
• Promote and integrate a culture of Youth Participation across the NE Youth services. Coordinate all Participation and contribute to the Youth Participation and Social Inclusion Portfolio Group and other relevant Youth Participation networks developing, facilitating and reviewing youth programs.
• Possess a strong commitment to working with trauma and in a Psychologically Informed Environment and the ability to establish effective relationships with young people that encourage self-determination and participation;
• Develop connections and formalise partnerships with key stakeholders such as local government and community organisations to create opportunities for young people in their local community. Building partnerships for continued growth and funding opportunities.
• Create opportunities for employment and education through the development of partnerships with relevant stakeholders. Promote social inclusion through facilitation of events that celebrate diversity and inclusion. Develop, facilitate and reviewing with opportunity to develop funding partnerships.
• Respond effectively to critical incidents as per policy and procedure, including reporting all incidents and risks to management; be accountable for all financial and administrative processes are followed as detailed in program policy and procedure manuals and engage in opportunities for reflective practice and opportunities for professional development and participate in supervision with line manager.

• A Tertiary qualification in social sciences, welfare or related field with a degree qualification preferred.
• Relevant experience in a social service environment.
• Strong verbal and communication skills.
• A valid Employee VIC Working with Children Check (WWCC)

As a registered NFP we offer our eligible employees real and meaningful benefits such as;

• NFP salary packaging ($15,900 tax free) plus meals and entertainment benefit ($2,650)
• Flexible working conditions
• Health, fitness and financial discounts / benefits
• Paid parental leave - 12 weeks
• Up to 8 weeks leave per year through our purchase leave scheme
• Up to 5 days paid leave per year to 'volunteer' in a TSA program or activity
• Purpose driven career which has positive social and sustainable outcomes
• Employee Assistance Program - Independent confidential counselling service;
• Opportunity for career development;
• An inclusive culture of dedicated, passionate and professional team members
• Positively supporting and impacting the lives of others through your career contribution

The Salvation Army is a Christian movement and one of Australia's largest and most-loved charities, helping thousands of Australians every year find hope in the midst of all kinds of personal hardship. The Salvation Army offers the opportunity to use your professional skills and expertise to make a real difference in the lives of people who need help most.

If you're excited by this unique opportunity, the above sounds like you, and you have a heart for working for an organisation that truly does transform lives, we would love to speak to you. We are looking for compassionate people who share our mission and values. If you have the passion and drive to commit yourself to a challenging and rewarding role; we invite you to apply via the link and submit a current CV and a cover letter which details your alignment with the essential requirements of the role.

Applications will close as soon as a suitable candidate is secured.

The Salvation Army is an Equal Opportunity Employer who provides an inclusive work environment and embraces the diverse talent of its people. We value people of all cultures, languages, capacities, sexual orientations, gender identities and/or expressions. We are committed to achieving a diverse workforce and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The Salvation Army is a child safe organisation and is committed to protecting children and young people from harm. All child facing roles will require the successful completion of a Working with Children Check. Applicants for all roles require a mandatory National Police Check.

We value integrity, Compassion, Respect, Diversity, and Collaboration.