Berry Street is one of the largest independent agencies within Australia, providing diverse programs to over 35,000 young people, children and families across Victoria each year. We pride ourselves on our ingenuity, evidence based and multi-dimensional thinking to provide the best outcomes for our young people.

We believe children, young people and families should be safe, thriving and hopeful and strive to make this happen each day!

• Noble Park location, bordering Wurundjeri & Boonwurrung Country
• Full time, Fixed Term position until June 30th, 2026 (due to funding)
• $100k pa + plus super & salary packaging pro rata

The Opportunity

Berry Street provides services to children, young people and their families across the South East Victoria region.

The Youth Justice Act 2024 will raise the age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 12 years from 30 September 2025. This means that children aged 10- and 11-years will no longer be subject to statutory supervision by Youth Justice and will not be eligible for most programs delivered by or on behalf of Youth Justice.

To support these changes, the 2023-24 Victorian Budget allocated $5 million “for early intervention, diversion and family therapy programs for 10- and 11-year-old young people in contact, or at risk of contact, with the justice system”.

This will be a voluntary service targeted to children and families with the most complex needs, where the child’s behaviour and other factors place them at risk of future engagement with the justice system.

Key Responsibilities

• Assisting children and families who are at risk of justice engagement to access appropriate support services
• Address the underlying drivers of high-risk behaviour through tailored interventions and supports
• Provide evidence informed child focused behaviour change supports that consider a child’s developmental needs, risks, identity and interests
• Work with families and communities to increase social supports for the child, which can be used to promote sustainable change
• Work with children and families to keep children safely at home and to works towards reunification when it is safe to do so.
• Support the wider South Eastern Case Management (SECMS) with case work and assistance, as needed

Role Requirements

We are looking for a practitioner who has experience working with evidence-based models (EBMs) and working with children who are displaying high risk, or high harm behaviours is desirable.

A Bachelor degree level qualification in Social Work/ Youth Work or relevant field is required for this role.

Berry Street Benefits

• A culture that values and support professional development
• $15,900 pa (pro rata) Salary Packaging + Additional Salary Packaging for meals/accommodation
• Flexible work arrangements
• Access to the Employee Assistance Program, with access for staff's immediate family
• Leave loading 17.5%

How to Apply

Applications including resume and cover letter addressing your suitability for the position to be submitted ASAP, applications will be reviewed upon receipt. This role closes 11pm, Sunday 19 October

Queries to Andy Bowmar - Senior Manager on 03 9239 1458

Please Note; the successful applicant will be subject to comprehensive reference and background checking prior to employment, including a Working with Children Check and National and International Police check if required and Workers Carer Exclusion Scheme clearance if applicable.

Berry Street is committed to being a child safe, child friendly and child empowering organisation. In everything we do we seek to protect children. We are committed to the cultural safety of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children; children from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds; children with a disability; children who identify as LGBTQIA+. We aim to ensure every individual is treated with dignity and respect regardless of their cultural background, ability, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, spirituality or religion.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people; people from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds and people with a disability are encouraged to apply.