Part time contract working 18.8 hours per week to 30 November 2027 (Job #01425)

$91k - $98k pro rata + 12% Super – dependent on relevant experience, skills and knowledge.

About the Position

The Youth Program Officer is responsible for delivering the Ignite Futures project, funded through the Strong and Resilient Communities program. This is a two-year, externally funded position within a passionate team dedicated to empowering young people through programs that build confidence, develop skills, and create real-world opportunities.

Working within the Onkaparinga Youth Team, you will plan, coordinate, deliver, and evaluate the Ignite Futures program, engaging young people aged 14–19 across the City of Onkaparinga. You’ll design and deliver initiatives that enhance young people’s confidence, life skills, and employability particularly in the areas of hospitality and entrepreneurship.

Collaboration is central to this role. You’ll work alongside local partners, schools, businesses, and community organisations to co-create opportunities for young people to connect, learn, and thrive. The role also supports the development of pathways into employment and self-employment, contributes to community engagement, manages budgets and procurement, supports program reporting, and coordinates volunteers and placement students to deliver high-quality, inclusive programs that reflect community needs.

About You

You’re a community-minded professional with a youth background who’s passionate about addressing social and economic barriers that impact young people’s ability to realise their potential. You thrive in environments where every day brings new opportunities to collaborate, connect, and empower others.

Delivering programs across some of our Youth and Community Centres, you’ll bring experience and/or understanding of hospitality industry, youth and community development and engagement with the ability to design and deliver meaningful activities that foster resilience, confidence, inclusion, and pathways to employment and self-employment.

You’re comfortable working alongside young people aged 14–19, helping them turn ideas into reality through provision of wrap around support including skill development, mentorship, work experience and job readiness.

Your ability to build trusted relationships, manage multiple projects, and bring positive energy to your work will make you a valued member of the Onkaparinga Youth Team.

Key Selection Criteria:

1. Demonstrated experience designing, coordinating and evaluating youth programs that engage and empower young people.
2. Experience supporting young people successfully transition into independence from school to work.
3. A strong understanding of the current impact of youth unemployment on young people.

Working for Council

Some of the benefits of working with us include:

• Competitive salary.
• Fun and energetic team.
• Free parking.

If, after reading the position description you have any queries, or require further information please contact Jenna Bloom, Team Leader Youth on (08) 8301 7351.

Application Process

To be considered for this position, all applicants must submit a resume and a cover letter addressing how they meet each of the key selection criteria detailed within this advertisement. It is mandatory to provide detailed explanations of relevant experience and qualifications related to the criteria outlined above.

Applicants will be assessed based on their ability to demonstrate relevant experience for the position and alignment with the City of Onkaparinga’s Values and Behaviours.

The City of Onkaparinga is committed to a diverse, inclusive, and accessible workplace. We welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and individuals with disabilities. For any adjustments during the recruitment process or on the job, contact [email protected].

The City of Onkaparinga advises that the recruitment process includes a medical assessment, confirmation of experience and stated qualifications and may also include psychometric testing. The successful applicant must possess and provide a current Department of Human Services (DHS) ‘Not Prohibited’ Working with Children Check prior to offer of employment.

Applications close – 9am Monday 17 November 2025