PROGRAM
The Safe and Connected Youth (SaCY) program provides children and young people aged between 8-15 years and their families with support to improve family functioning and reduce the risk of homelessness and the harms and risks linked to homelessness. SaCY works with children and families experiencing family conflict and where there is a risk of youth homelessness to address their complex and intersecting risk factors through a child centred/family focused integrated service model. The Program aims to improve family functioning and address the diverse needs to improve outcomes for individuals and families and reduce the risk of family breakdown and youth homelessness.
The program consists of Therapeutic Case Workers, Family Mediators, Youth Workers, Program Counsellor and Senior program staff who work together to provide intensive and holistic, wrap around support to reduce the risk of youth homelessness due to family conflict. When a need is identified, young people are able to access therapeutic accommodation through the Safe and Connected Youth program.

POSITION OVERVIEW
The Youth Worker provides quality support to young people accessing accommodation services due to family conflict, with a trauma informed and strength-based approach. This role involves weekend shifts, active nights, sleepover shifts and on-call responsibilities.
The Youth Worker is a key operational role within our therapeutic accommodation, with responsibility for all daily activities with young people and ensuring a safe and therapeutic environment throughout their stay. The Youth Worker works closely with the House Coordinator and Counsellor to ensure holistic therapeutic supports for young people and their families.

We are currently recruiting to casual positions. We may offer full time and/or part time positions in the future.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Client Service Delivery
o Understand legal and ethical considerations for working with young people under 16.
o Engaging with young people and their family members in line with the program’s principles, ensuring a constructive environment where positive change can be facilitated.
o Supporting and guiding all young people while on shift.
o Developing and facilitating activities for young people that will enhance their living skills and help them achieve their goals of family reunification.
o Maintaining contact with young people’s parents/carers.
o Collaborating with the Counsellor, and the House Coordinator to support young people and their families
o Organising celebrations and participate in marking rites of passage for young people as per the service model.

Quality Assurance
o Perform regular review and reassessment processes with clients to ensure information is correct, risk is regularly reappraised, goals remain relevant, and success is celebrated
o Engage in regular supervision
o Maintain detailed and up to date case notes and documentation

Policies and Procedures
o Adhere to CRS policies, processes, and procedures
o Adherence to of respective program policies and guidelines, including identifying any gaps to ensure:
- Alignment with regulatory and statutory requirements
- Best practice in service delivery
- Confidentiality and privacy
- Staff welfare and wellbeing.

Administration and Records Management
o Accurately and timely recording of client information, case notes and outcome measurement tools.
o Meet the requirements of the Privacy Act in managing data and liaison with other services.

Reporting
o Assist where necessary to internal and external reporting including:
- Report to the House Coordinator and Program Manager of Safe and Connected Youth

Other duties as directed.

Safeguarding Commitment
CRS prioritises the safety and wellbeing of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. All staff must follow our Safeguarding Policy and contribute to maintaining culturally safe and protective environments.

SELECTION CRITERIA

• Understanding and demonstrated use of a client-centred, holistic approach when working with clients
• Knowledge and experience in trauma informed practice
• Proven ability to work in collaboration with other professionals to improve quality of life for young people and/or families
• High level interpersonal and problem-solving skills
• High level understanding of safeguarding
• Well-developed written and communication skills and ability to document comprehensive case notes
• Ability to be flexible and adapt to changing environments
• Capacity to work with high needs and complex families.
• Availability to work various shifts including weekend shifts, active nights, sleepover shifts and on-call responsibilities.
Desirable
• Previous experience working in the not-for-profit sector
• Mental Health First Aid Training
• Family Violence Training.
• Safeguarding Training

QUALIFICATIONS/CERTIFICATIONS

• Certificate IV in Youth Work or the equivalent.
• At least 2 years’ experience working with complex young people and/or families.
• Full driver’s license
• WWVP clearance (mandatory)
• National Police Check clearance (mandatory)

HOW TO APPLY

Submit a brief cover letter addressing the selection criteria and your resume via seek.

Questions

Should you have queries related to the position, please email brendan@crs.org.au

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