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 Youth Worker’s role is the primary contact with the program target group of young people aged 12-24 and is responsible for providing support to acquire, develop and maintain skills that will enable them to successfully connect with their community. 

• 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 program facilitation & attendance of programs, 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:

• Establish rapport with young people who are involved with or at risk of involvement with the justice system who are from varied backgrounds and levels of ability and assist them to develop skills for living within the community.
• Consults and collaborates with the community to identify, develop and implement effective and meaningful activities and programs that assist with the individual’s development and inclusion 
• Facilitates local youth engagement activities which promote youth empowerment within a community development framework 
• Provides holistic individual support for young people to improve life circumstances and enhance well-being
• Develops strong networks with service providers, local community groups, and Government bodies and provides a platform for young people to access services from these multiple service providers
• Promotes and maintains a safe and inclusive environment 
• Maintains awareness of local needs and emerging issues 
• Maintains a high standard of reporting and data collection 
• Maintains professional boundaries with clients and stakeholders
• Collaborates with all YOTS Service areas and other agencies to achieve positive outcomes for young people. 
• Provides individual support and group facilitation and adheres with child protection legislation, procedures and best practices
• Facilitates capacity building workshops in a group setting.
• Build referral pathways and promote service in community to support business growth and achieve KPI targets
• Collaborate with youth justice and law enforcement agencies to advocate for and support young people involved in the youth justice system
• Offer guidance and support to young people navigating the court system to help achieve more positive outcomes

Qualifications required:

• Minimum certificate IV Qualifications in Youth Work or Community Services

Experience:

• Sound knowledge, and experience in the youth services field.

Skills and knowledge:

• Maintain a high degree of objectivity, integrity, empathy and compassion
• Build trusted and professional relationships with young people, groups, family networks and community
• Balance conflicting priorities and tasks
• Ability to apply a harm reduction approach in assessing the needs of vulnerable and disadvantaged families 
• Ability to apply Trauma Informed Care principles 
• Respect and work effectively with young people of diverse cultural backgrounds 
• An understanding of the importance of Evidence Based Quality Practice
• Ability to work flexible working hours to meet service delivery requirements, including evenings. 

To Apply 

Please ensure you enclose a copy of your resume with your contact details 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 and a child safe organisation. YOTS is committed to providing a safe environment where all children and young people are treated with respect and are protected from harm. We have zero tolerance for child abuse.

This is a rare opportunity to join a passionate and high profile not for profit organisation that values the current youth of today and the youth of tomorrow.

The successful candidate will be requested to submit applications for a NSW Working With Children Check and Police Check. You will also be required to have a valid Australian Drivers Licence and unrestricted Australian working rights.

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