Whittlesea Community Connections (WCC) is a place based community agency that strives for the empowerment of individuals and groups within the local community who face disadvantage, isolation and obstacles to effective social and economic participation. The agency is committed to developing responsive approaches to meet the challenges posed by Whittlesea's changing and emerging communities. We have a clear role in advocating to both services and different levels of government through both direct service and policy input. Our services and programs are designed to respect and empower and are free, confidential and impartial. WCC is governed by a community based independent Board of Management.

Whittlesea Community Connections core objectives are to:

• Identify and address information and service needs of residents in City of Whittlesea
• Advocate for and with the community for increased participation in decision making
• Support formal and informal volunteer roles in the Whittlesea community
• Collaborate with agencies and Government to develop and sustain services that serve local community needs
• Continue to develop and improve the quality, efficiency and accessibility of our services
• Identify opportunities for greater community involvement and leadership so that community residents can contribute to decisions that affect their lives.

Position Rationale

This position engages and enables vulnerable young people, including new arrival migrant and refugee young people, to identify and achieve improved health and wellbeing outcomes linked to education, training and community participation opportunities. By working with young people on an individual and group level, this position facilitates connections to services, participation opportunities and peer- led support. This position also position also supports the development of a dedicated youth space, involves assertive outreach and best practice approaches aimed at engaging the most vulnerable young people living in the City of Whittlesea.

Accountability

The Youth Worker will be accountable to the Manager of Community Support through regular supervision, provision of regular reports and participation in performance reviews and appraisals. This position is subject to a three -month probationary period. The Youth Worker will be part of the Community Support team and work closely with WCC’s Settlement and Community Engagement teams.

Overview of Duties

Empower (Victorian Government funded)

• Develop and implement formal and information consultation processes enabling young people from diverse backgrounds to inform and guide key aspects of program and service delivery.
• In partnership with relevant stakeholders, establish outreach service and approaches embedded in processes and systems that facilitate safe, inclusive and responsive youth work. Outreach is integrated with other services (internal and external to WCC) ensuring young people are able to access the information and support they need.
• Undertake a range of communication and promotional activities that inform and connect new arrival migrant, refugee and other vulnerable young people to the service.
• Coordinate and support WCC’s 1:1 tutoring program. Recruiting, coordinating and supporting volunteers to support students with their education objectives

• Provide culturally sensitive casework and advocacy support including through the development, monitoring and evaluation of aspirational plans to help young people identify and achieve health and wellbeing, education/training and career outcomes.
• Facilitate group sessions to develop young people’s social connections, peer support and trusted support networks.
• Plan and coordinate training in response to needs identified by young people that develops new and strengthens existing confidence, knowledge and skills.
• In partnership with relevant stakeholders, establish local work experience and employment opportunities for young people.

Service Development & Integration

• Attend and participate in sector relevant networks and or working groups.
• Work closely with Settlement and Community Engagement teams to ensure approaches and objectives are coordinated and aligned and to continue to build on best practice.
• Contribute to agency and sector planning processes to ensure responses to issues impacting on young people living in the City of Whittlesea are identified and addressed appropriately.
• Support the development of youth projects in the City of Whittlesea by documenting evidence including consulting with young people, developing partnerships and preparing funding submissions.
• Participate in agency and team meetings and maintain a teamwork approach at all times, behaving in accordance with WCC standards and philosophies.
• Recruit, train and support volunteers and students to support program development and delivery.

Reporting and Administration

• Collect and maintain appropriate and accurate records and data in line with client confidentiality policies and procedures.
• Provide timely progress reports as required by WCC and external funding bodies.
• Review policies and procedures as they relate to young people.
• Participate in regular casework meetings and supervision with the Community Support Manager and individual de-briefing when and as required.

Salary and Conditions

• Conditions will be in accordance with the Social, Community, Home and Disability Services (SCHADS) Industry Award 2010, Level 5, paypoint to be determined based on experience
• This position is offered as 0.8 position (30.4 hours per week)
• This is a fixed‐term contract for two years from appointment.
• An above award salary plus super and leave loading, is offered. Generous salary sacrifice arrangements, if taken up by the employee, can significantly increase the net value of the remuneration received.
• 14 weeks paid maternity leave after 12 months continuous service
• The successful applicant will be required to enter into an employment contract
• Occasional after hours work may be required.

Key Selection Criteria

Essential

• Tertiary qualification and/ or equivalent experience in youth work, social work, community development or related field
• Demonstrated experience in the development, implementation and evaluation of activities and programs for young people
• Demonstrated experience in working with diverse and vulnerable young people
• Strong ability to engage young people with complex needs
• High standard of interpersonal skills including effective communication, negotiation, verbal and written presentation skills
• Ability to undertake consultation, research and evaluation within a community setting
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• A positive attitude to working with, and demonstrated capacity, to support volunteers
• Demonstrated capacity for resourcefulness, self-motivation with an ability to manage competing and complex work priorities.

A position description is attached.