The Organisation:

Youth Off The Streets is a non-denominational community organisation working for disadvantaged young people who may be homeless, drug dependent and / or recovering from abuse. Youth Off The Streets supports these young people as they work to turn their lives around and overcome immense personal trauma such as neglect, physical, psychological and / or emotional abuse. It is our goal that these young people will leave our care drug free, with a high school education, living skills and a full time or part time job in hand.

YOTS is committed to providing a safe environment where all children and young people are treated with respect and are protected from harm; we have zero tolerance for child abuse.

At YOTS, diversity, equity and inclusion are part of our DNA. Together, we continue to build an inclusive culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates the diverse voices of our people. It fuels our innovation and connects us closer to our customers and the communities we serve.

Youth off The Streets is an EEO Employer.

Up to date vaccination is required by all employees and contractors.

The Role:

The main function of the role is to undertake case management activities for clients who are involved with or at risk of being involved with the criminal justice system. The program supports young people on bail conditions, pre-release support or exiting custody. Many are from disadvantaged backgrounds, and a disproportionate number are of Aboriginal background. The program aims to reduce the likelihood of the cycle of crime, relapse and reoffending through holistic case management and linking young people with services to address their needs.

Key to the role is effective and holistic assessment to determine the client’s needs and working with the young person in a strengths based approach, to set goals in their case plan. Case work interventions often involve reconnection with family and community, addressing mental health issues, connection to AOD programs, education and employment and housing and homelessness. The case worker will be able to translate these needs into case plans that enable the young person to have the right supports in place, and the opportunity to develop important life and living skills. By creating stability our goal is that they can avoid or prevent cycling through the justice system through better life choices and opportunities. The case worker will implement support approaches that are culturally appropriate and promote the client’s empowerment, autonomy, dignity and independence.

This is a Permanent Full Time position reporting to the Team Leader-Case Work Specialist Interventions. one position is based in Macquarie Fields and involved in our Safer Communities contract focused on youth crime prevention and another one one based in Blacktown.

Selection Criteria, includes but is not limited to:

Qualifications:

• Qualifications in social work, or a relevant field.

Experience:

• At least 2 years’ experience in case management of Young People.

Skills and knowledge:

• Demonstrated experience and sound knowledge of case management theory, best practice principles, and case coordination.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of the youth sector needs and trends.
• Demonstrated ability to utilise referral pathways; apply trauma- and developmentally-informed and strengths based approaches; and to achieve client outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to work with Culturally Diverse and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients.
• Superior communication skills, including written and verbal presentation skills, diplomatic and effective liaison and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to collect, document, evaluate and provide detailed reports on tasks, service delivery and outcomes.
• Demonstrated planning, organisational and superior time management skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours and work afterhours in assertive community outreach as required.
• Ability to apply therapeutic crisis intervention principles in crisis situations
• A valid and current NSW Working With Children Check, Drivers Licence and unrestricted Australian working rights are essential for this position.
• Additional experience working in the Justice space along with knowledge and familiarity of the Western and South Western Sydney Areas and Services are desirable qualities.