Youth Programs Coordinator

Job Summary

We're looking for a hardworking, passionate, and fun Youth Programs Coordinator. This position reports to the Manager of Internal Programs. As a member of an energetic and dedicated Youth Programs Team, including Magic the Therapy Dog, you will be responsible for conducting structured intake and assessment, providing short-term case management, and delivering group work readiness and life skills programs to marginalised young people aged between 16 and 24, to assist them to become work ready across their time at STREAT and Moving Feast organisations. You will use your skills and experience to make complex and sophisticated professional judgements, have excellent personal/professional boundaries, and provide tailored, wrap-around support in an empathic but direct manner. 

Company Overview

STREAT, a Melbourne-based social enterprise and youth organisation, provides comprehensive work readiness support to individuals aged 16-24, helping them secure and sustain employment. We offer holistic support, life skills training, and work experience, with job opportunities and ongoing support for graduates. STREAT operates food-related businesses, striving for industry leadership and sector growth. We’ve assisted nearly 4,500 young people, with 781 receiving intensive support, enabling successful transitions to work or further education/training while aiming to be sector leaders and contributors. www.streat.com.au  

STREAT values diversity and inclusion. We promote an equal opportunity workplace that actively seeks to include, welcome and value unique contributions. We specifically encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people who identify as non-binary or transgender, or LGTBQIA+, women, and applicants from diverse cultural backgrounds to apply for this position. STREAT is a Child Safe Organisation committed to promoting the wellbeing of children and young people with diverse backgrounds and a range of life experiences. We provide a safe and friendly space for children and young people while recognising, respecting, and promoting their rights. All people who conduct work for STREAT, paid or unpaid, are expected to act ethically to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children and young people.   

Key Duties of the Role

The primary responsibilities of the Youth Programs Coordinator position include (but are not limited to): 

• Strategy and Planning – Assist in the planning, development, and ongoing review of STREAT Youth Programs. Contribute ideas for program improvement. 
• Service Delivery – Respond to incoming referrals and conduct intake and assessment to determine program suitability for young people. Provide high-quality, individual short-term case management and direct support whilst creating a safe environment for young people. Develop and deliver internal group work-readiness and life-skills training programs. Facilitate work experience shifts and liaise with operational staff to ensure holistic support for young people. Build and maintain relationships with support workers, young people, and their families to provide holistic support during the program. Collaborate with colleagues to monitor trainee progress and continually reflect on practice and service delivery. Deliver information sessions about STREAT's programs to young people and their support workers. Always maintain appropriate boundaries and professionalism. 
• People and Culture – Active collaboration with colleagues to cultivate a positive team culture. Participate in staff development activities. Stay informed about STREAT policies and procedures and always maintain the highest ethical standards, particularly in ensuring young people's and children's safety and welfare. Support student placements by demonstrating your role. 
• Stakeholder Relations – Forge strong connections with STREAT's other business units and operational staff to ensure the seamless implementation of work experience for our trainees. Offer support to our hospitality and horticulture staff so they can effectively guide trainees in developing their skills. Build relationships with parents, guardians, referring agencies, service providers, and care team members involved with young people in STREAT's programs. When needed, you will also represent STREAT in various capacities. 
• Impact Measurement – Provide accurate and timely data reporting for program monitoring evaluation. Provide feedback on program effectiveness. 
• Learning and Growth – Assist in developing and delivering STREAT staff training and professional development programs. Contribute to organisational innovation and growth initiatives. Maintain own professional development. 
• Administration – Implement administrative processes and ensure compliance with regulations. Complete administrative tasks as required. 
• Other duties as required and/or as agreed. 

 Key Selection Criteria

• Leadership Knowledge and Experience – Post-qualification experience working with young people who present with complex needs, including experiences of social isolation, mental health challenges, youth justice involvement, out-of-home care, and AOD use. Demonstrated experience and understanding of the needs and sensitivities of working with young people from diverse backgrounds (including young people with Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander, CALD, LQBTQIA+ backgrounds). Specific experience working with people in the refugee, migrant and humanitarian entrant sector is required for this role. 
• Relationship Focus – Demonstrate excellent communication skills with the ability to build relationships with services, trainees/young people, and employers. Excellent attention to detail whilst being a flexible team player. Possess a ‘can-do’, hard-working, fun, and innovative attitude towards work. 
• Performance Focus – An organised person with good time management skills. Outcome focused on ensuring the best possible case management, delivery of programs and support for trainees. Assist in selecting recurring cohorts of marginalised and complex young people who are suitable for a work-readiness program with an explicit goal to work. You are committed to evidence-based practice, continuous improvement, and measurement and evaluation. 
• High-Level Judgement and Independence – Operate with independence, good judgement and uses personal energy to drive change. Accept personal responsibility for the outcomes of decisions and risks taken. 
• Relevant Tertiary Qualifications – Relevant tertiary qualifications in a demonstrably related field (such as Youth Work, Social Work, Community Services, etc). 

 Working With Children Check (WWCC) and Police Check 

• WWCC – The successful applicant's appointment is conditional on a current Working with Children Check. STREAT will reimburse you for the cost if you do not already have one. 

Hours Required 

Full-time. Fixed term until December 2024 with possibility to transition to permanent. 

Remuneration

SCHADS Industry Award (MA000100) Level 3, Point 1 $71,128.20 + 11% Superannuation + generous salary packaging.

Location 

STREAT Youth Programs – at STREAT head office, Collingwood.  

There is no work car park – most staff use public transport, walk or ride. 

Closing date 

Applications close 17th April 2024 

Contact person 

Keely Flinn, Manager Internal Youth Programs, 
Email:  ***********@streat.com.au
Ph: 0490 955 ***. 

When you join STREAT, you can expect: 

• Meaning and purpose – as a social enterprise, STREAT is purpose-driven and recognised as leading in social innovation. What you will do in your role will make a difference every day. Plus, there are opportunities to get involved in other sector and system-level change initiatives. 
• 11% superannuation. 
• Professional development – access to monthly YP in-house training, free STREAT-wide quarterly professional development sessions such as Youth Justice, Alcohol & Drugs in the Workplace, Gender & Sexual Diversity, Trauma-Informed Practice, cultural awareness, accredited Mental Health First Aid, etc. We invest in you and provide opportunities to upskill in your specific areas of need/interest. 
• Salary Packaging Options –as a Registered Charity, STREAT offers income tax benefits through salary sacrifice options for General Expense Reimbursement, Meals & Entertainment Cards, and Novated Leasing. 
• Ability to purchase additional annual leave. 
• Free access to professional counselling and wellbeing services via an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). 
• One complimentary coffee/tea/hot beverage a day and discounted meals at our awesome Cromwell Street Café. 
• Opportunities for career progression and growth. 
• A supportive and friendly team that is always there to support you. STREAT has a deliberately inclusive, energetic, and creative work culture. 
• Endless cuddles and time with our wonderful Therapy Dog Magic!! 

How to Apply 

Please apply via SEEK. Please don’t write us a long application, but instead send us: 

• A cover letter outlining why you really want to join our team. 
• Your current CV, including qualifications, WWCC, and relevant technical skills and experience.  
• Write no more than two pages for a combined cover letter/selection criteria. 
• Please note the selection process for this role will involve 1-2 interviews, a personality questionnaire and referee checks for shortlisted applicants.