About the Organisation:

Edmund Rice Community Services Ltd (ERCS) is a national not-for-profit organisation that exists to build communities where people thrive and belong. We do this by addressing social isolation, unjust structures, marginalisation, access to appropriate education and learning opportunities.

We support a number of focused communities, that have developed specific responses to solve or improve full engagement in society for people.

About the Opportunity:

The Program Assistant will work under the direction of the Program Coordinator and ERCRS Team Leader in the delivery of the We Connect Mentor Program under the ERCRS Board and Edmund Rice Community Services Ltd objectives. The position responds to long-term, at-risk and socially disadvantaged young people, and pays particular attention to the needs of recent arrivals and refugees in the Western region of Melbourne. The Program Assistant will have key responsibilities in the operational delivery of the mentoring program.

About the Program:

The We Connect Mentor Program aims to increase the social and educational engagement of young people in Melbourne’s outer west. By reducing youth disengagement and vulnerability to risk taking behaviours, the We Connect Program seek to increase access to opportunities and social community connections. The mentor program provides the space for young men and women to find support, build confidence, develop positive networks, and become community role models.

In order to achieve this the We Connect mentor program is delivered in two streams as two separate programs. Each stream focuses on one core activity to engage participants to build skills and learning upon the delivery of this activity. One group is centred around sport and the other will incorporate creative art activities. Running on a weekly basis, these after-school programs will be facilitated by the Program Activity Coordinator, Program Activity Assistant and Volunteer Mentors. Each program will be centred around the following:

• Personal development
• Social activity focuses on social skill and connection, team building, self-esteem
• Career support activity
• Weekly Football to be delivered by our core partner Melbourne Victory FC and additional team building activity of choice

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Assist in the planning and delivery of the We Connect Mentoring Program with the Program Coordinator including design and delivery of activities to engage young people
• Support in the recruitment and supervision of volunteer mentors. Ensuring the management and training of volunteers on the program
• Support in taking attendance of students and inform parents of students not in attendance
• Supervise pickup of all students at the end of a program event
• Set up and tidy up program site e.g. desks, resources, sports equipment etc
• Prepare suitable and appropriate food for students
• Assist Program Coordinator in supervision of young people
• In consultation with the Program Coordinator, organise other relevant activities e.g. excursions, camps, end of term activities etc.

About You:

To be successful in this position you will have the following:

• At least 12 months of previous experience working in community or youth sector in Australia
• Currently undertaking a degree or Certificate IV in community service/youth work or other relevant area of study
• Strong written and spoken English skills
• Demonstrated ability to work with young people
• Ability to establish links with other community programs around the Western Suburbs of Melbourne
• Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills
• Understanding and appreciation of values and ideals of ERCRS
• Apply First Aid certificate (can be acquired after successful in application)
• Working with Children clearance

This position is part time (0.4) for a fixed term of approximately 16 months.

How to Apply:

All applications are via our website and must include a cover letter with responses to the key selection criteria (no more than two pages) and your curriculum vitae.

ERCS is committed to the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults and has zero tolerance to any form of abuse.