About Ladder

Ladder provides development services to young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness who may also be disengaged from employment and/or education. The philosophy underpinning Ladder’s mission is to work with young people using innovative approaches that demonstrate real and lasting changes, with the values of sport at its core. Ladder is the official charity of the AFL Players’ Association and a national charity partner of the AFL.

The Ladder Step Up Sydney program helps young people (aged 15 to 20 years) to develop foundational life skills, build self-efficacy, connect with the community and engage or increase their capacity to engage in education, employment and training. The program is also designed to help young people in care or with child protection experiences build confidence, make connections with people and helpful services and teach living skills.

About the role

The Development Coach role focuses on developing relationships with young people within the context of Ladder programming to increase individual understanding of, and participation in health, wellbeing and personal development opportunities, and EET readiness with a focus on broadening community participation and connection for young people.

The role of Development Coach / Support worker (NSW), forms part of the NSW Program team and reports to the Team Leader (NSW). The role is a fixed-term contract, up until the end of the current funding period; June 30, 2021.

Service delivery locations will vary so the successful candidate must be willing to travel. The position would commence immediately, pending the successful candidate’s availability. The Development Coach role focuses on developing relationships with young people in out-of-home-care within the context of Ladder programming to increase individual understanding of, and participation in health, wellbeing and personal development and EET readiness whilst extending opportunities for community participation and connections for young people.

Key responsibilities and duties – Program Implementation

• Support the delivery and implementation of Ladder Step Up Sydney, ensuring operations are consistent with the Step Up Service Model and integrated effectively with partners.
• Develop positive, professional and strengths focused relationships with young people
• Facilitate health and wellbeing, independent living skills, education, employment and training readiness sessions and build community connections with young people at the program sites using developed materials, and other local opportunities and resources
• Assist young people to build strong, locally-based connections by supporting young people’s access to sporting clubs, community activities and other health and wellbeing opportunities
• Plan and implement community projects and activities for young people, for example community gardens, art murals or participation in fun runs or other community events
• Oversee organisation and implementation of planned recreational events such as day trips, celebrations and end of program events
• Maintain activity records in the Ladder database, and other required reporting systems

Key responsibilities and duties - Planning and Partnerships

• Support relationships with Ladder stakeholders including AFL NSW/ACT, Greater Western Sydney Giants Football Club, corporate supporters, program partners and philanthropic organisations where these are relevant locally
• Take part in Ladder Step Up Sydney program partnership meetings and ensure that all local developments and opportunities are regularly communicated to the NSW State Manager
• Assist in the implementation of new partnerships and initiatives at a local level

Key responsibilities and duties – Administration and Evaluation

• General administrative management, including maintaining financial records, reporting, database and program evaluation
• Report on all activities relating to Ladder Step Up Sydney and identify and report on operational risks
• Promote and present Ladder’s work through provision of case studies, good news stories, photos and social media content
• Support and assist with evaluation activities to improve knowledge and practice
• Maintain own professional growth through staff development courses, professional organisations, seminars, and reading of professional literature.

Key Selection Criteria

• Demonstrated experience in working with young people, through both individual and group work activities
• Demonstrated experience in program delivery; facilitating health and wellbeing sessions, independent living skills, personal development, community coaching/mentoring, employment readiness activities
• Demonstrated experience in project development and delivery, particularly in a youth setting
• Demonstrated experience in building community partnerships and connections at a local level
• Excellent organisational, presentation and communication skills (both oral and written)
• A diploma in community services / youth work or equivalent is desired.

A current clear New South Wales Working with Children Check (WWCC), clear National Criminal History Check (NCHC) and copy of current driver’s licence are required for the successful applicant.

All queries relating to the role can be submitted to Ladder NSW State Manager, John Woodward at [email protected], using the subject line: Ladder Step Up Sydney Development Coach / Support Worker enquiry via EthicalJobs.