PRIMARY ROLE

The Youth Support Worker is responsible for providing individualised support to young people aged 8 to 21 who are at risk of disconnection from family and community, disengagement from education or employment, harm (including self-harm), or homelessness.

This role focuses on helping young people:

• Connect to positive family and support networks
• Engage in education, training, or employment
• Lead a healthy and violence-free life
• Secure safe and stable housing

The Youth Support Worker delivers tailored support through a case management approach, facilitating access to essential services such as mental health, housing, education, and family violence support. The role also involves providing referrals to specialist services where appropriate.

Working towards the Association’s vision of building stronger, safer, and more resourceful communities, the Youth Support Worker ensures young people receive the necessary support to participate positively in their community. The level of support is determined by individual needs, ensuring a flexible and responsive approach to service delivery.

SUMMARY OF DUTIES

• Provide individualised support to young people in line with program guidelines.
• Conduct intake and assessments using the Common Assessment Tool (CAT) to identify needs and develop case plans.
• Offer information, advice, and referrals to connect young people with relevant services.
• Engage young people using flexible support strategies, including crisis intervention.
• Maintain accurate client records and ensure timely reporting.
• Promote the Youth Support Service and strengthen referral pathways.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with policies, procedures, and funding requirements.
• Keep the Centre Coordinator informed of program activities and critical incidents.

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• It is desirable, but not essential, for the successful candidate to hold or be working towards a relevant tertiary qualification in Youth Work, Social Work, or a related field.

SKILLS, COMPETENCIES AND ATTRIBUTES REQUIRED (selection criteria)

• Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with young people aged 8-21.
• Knowledge of local community groups, referral pathways, and key service providers.
• Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience in maintaining accurate client records and service data.
• Good computer skills, including the ability to use Microsoft Office and other relevant software.
• Strong time management and organisational skills.
• Ability to work effectively in cross-cultural environments.
• Understanding of child protection reporting requirements.

Note: Induction and training will be provided as required, with ongoing support from the Centre Coordinator and relevant Committee Members.

GENERAL TERMS OF APPOINTMENT

• Ability to contribute positively to a team environment and maintain a professional and welcoming work environment.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Commitment to adhering to organisational policies and procedures.
• Commitment to workplace safety, accurate record-keeping, and principles of anti-discrimination and equal opportunity.
• Demonstrates trust, respect, integrity, and fairness in all interactions.
• Effective workload management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and adaptability to other computer applications.
• Strong interpersonal skills.

SALARY AND AWARDS

• Staff are employed under the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Service Industry Award 2010.
• Staff are eligible for Salary Packaging through the Community Business Bureau.
• All new staff are subject to a six (6) month probationary period.
• Staff must have a current employee Blue Card and police check at time of commencement and throughout their employment duration.
• This position is reliant upon service agreement funding received by the organisation. If this funding were to cease, the Charleville and District Community Support Association Incorporated may not be able to maintain this position.

ORGANISATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

• Reports to Centre Coordinator.
• Internal Liaisons – Program Workers and Centre staff.
• External Liaisons – Relevant external stakeholders and community agencies.
• Nil direct reports.

This is a permanent part-time role, 20 hours per week. For more information, please contact the Centre Coordinator on (07) 4654 1307