Youth Worker Engagement And Support

About our Organisation:

Youth Off The Streets is a not-for-profit youth organisation that provides safety, support and opportunities for young people to build a positive future. We offer crisis accommodation and housing services, alternative high school education, alcohol and other drugs counselling, youth justice support, life skills and employment programs, cultural support and community engagement, among other services. We focus on early interventions that empower young people and strengthen communities.

The Role:

• The position focuses on engagement of at risk young people and identifying their issues and Support needs as well as taking steps to address these needs through provision of client centred individual support and advocacy. 
• The role responds directly and immediately to a young person’s needs and circumstances. 
• This is done through street based engagement, establishing rapport with young people, and building trusting and professional relationships that foster person centred practice.

Some of the functions of the role include:

• Build trusting and professional relationships with individual young people, groups, family networks and community
• Utilise strong communication and interpersonal skills to enhance and increase young people access to services and Support
• Develop and implement programs that address current and emerging needs and issues
• Develop strong networks with service providers, local community groups, and Government bodies
• Consultation and collaboration with the community to identify, develop and implement effective and meaningful activities and programs
• Implement mechanisms for local youth engagement which facilitates youth empowerment within a community development framework

Qualifications required:

• Minimum certificate IV Qualifications in Youth Work or Community Services

Experience:

• 2+ year’s sound knowledge, and experience in the youth services field.

Skills and knowledge:

• Experience in individual support, group facilitation, child protection procedures.
• Experience in facilitating capacity building workshops in a group setting.
• Ability to apply a harm reduction approach in assessing the needs of vulnerable and disadvantaged families where there are concerns for safety and wellbeing of young people
• A clear understanding of the issues confronting vulnerable young people and their impact on families and the community
• Ability to apply Trauma Informed Care principles
• Demonstrated capacity to respect and work effectively with young people of diverse cultural backgrounds including culturally sensitive practice
• Strong administrative skills and understanding of the importance of Evidence Based Quality Practice
• Ability to use Person Centred Practice in empowering young people
• Excellent communication and empathy skills, demonstrating confidence in engaging young people and making meaningful connections.
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Understanding of basic computing concepts
• Ability to work in a team environment and independently.
• Possess a thorough understanding of the mandatory child protection reporting procedures and values that underpin a child safe organization
• Have an understanding of adolescent development

A valid and current NSW Working With Children Check, Drivers Licence and unrestricted Australian working rights are essential for this position.(YOTS will do the processing for the police check if successful)

Please ensure you enclose a copy of your resume and cover letter addressing the essential criteria (2 pages maximum).

At Youth Off The Streets, diversity, equity and inclusion are part of our DNA. Together, we continue to build an inclusive culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates the diverse voices of our people. It fuels our innovation and connects us closer to our customers and the communities we serve.

Youth off The Streets is an EEO Employer

We encourage people who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander to apply for this position.

Youth off The Streets is an EEO Employer and a child safe organisation