The Casework Support Program provides support to help young people at risk of ongoing involvement with the criminal justice system to achieve positive change in their lives. The target group for the Program is for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal young people aged between 12 - 18 years:

being supervised by YJNSW

young people transitioning from custody into the community

young people with a Youth Justice Conference (YJC) referral and

young people receiving Bail Support.

The program provides a range of supports including mentoring, cultural activities, and practical support that is responsive to the needs of each young person, to address their underlying needs and issues that contribute to their offending, promote prosocial behaviour and achieve their goals. For example, supports may include connecting young people to cultural activities, helping with financial support (Centrelink) and ID certificates, mentoring support, support to re-engage with school and/or training, apply for work and be job ready.

Key Accountabilities

· Relevant qualifications in Social Work, Youth Work (or similar qualification) and/or commensurate high-level experience.

· Well-developed communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills.

· Extensive experience working with at-risk young people with complex needs.

· An understanding of the issues for young offenders, their families and the Juvenile Justice system (NSW).

· A knowledge of local supports services relevant to young people at risk.

· High level organisational and time management with an ability to effectively set priorities, meet deadlines, demonstrate flexibility and show initiative.

· Demonstrated cultural capability, which includes lived experience, knowledge and understanding of contemporary social issues affecting Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander young people, including skills in identifying and/or responding to the diverse needs of Aboriginal young people experiencing significant trauma and disadvantage.

Key Challenges

· Adhere to policies, procedures and statutory legislation (eg: racial, sex and disability discrimination & WHS acts).

· Undertake Risk Assessment and Management to identify risk posed to the community by clients and how this can be minimised through intervention, supervision and risk management strategies and ensure the safety (physical and psychological wellbeing) of staff in the field and in the office.

· Provide culturally safe and trauma-informed case management and support to Aboriginal young people.

· Managing disadvantaged and complex young people (and their families) who face issues of mental health, family dysfunction, alcohol and other drug misuse, intellectual disability, cognitive impairment, lack of educational /employment success, anti-social peers and violence. Communication and negotiation to facilitate engagement is crucial.Key knowledge and experience

Work with Aboriginal families and communities, candidates will need to demonstrate cultural capability, which includes lived experience, community connection, relationships with Aboriginal organisations, walking in two worlds, and historical context and impact.

Essential requirements

· Working With Children Check (WWCC) clearance for roles with direct access to clients/client information.

· Current Drivers Licence (class C or above) and willingness to travel for work purpose occasionally outside normal business hours, and willingness to obtain a minimum Light Rigid (LR) Drivers Licence.

· As an Identified role, this role is open only to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander persons, Australia’s First Nations people.

There are two alternatives to confirming your Aboriginality, one of which must be included in your application to be considered for the role as follows. Either will be accepted:

Confirmation of Aboriginality form

or

Written confirmation from 2-3 Aboriginal organisations within the community in which you live/work, which addresses the three criteria listed below:

· is of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent, and

· identifies as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person, and

· is accepted as a such by the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community.

Appointments are subject to:

· Reference check.

National Criminal History Record Check in accordance with the Disability Inclusion Act 2014.

Working with Children Check clearance in accordance with the Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012.

Mandatory Drug and Alcohol testing.

How to Apply

If you are interested in this role, please apply online and attach a covering letter (max 2 pages) addressing how you meet the Key Accountabilities and your resume (max 5 pages). It is a requirement that you include the name and contact details of two referees.