• SCHADS Level 5 (0.8 FTE)
• Contract to March 2027
• Location: Inner-city Melbourne (Collingwood, Richmond, North Melbourne, Carlton and other inner-city suburbs)  

This is an identified position and is only open to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants, as permitted under Section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic).

We deeply value the lived experience, cultural knowledge, and community connections that First Nations practitioners bring to working with young people, families, and communities.  

About Drummond Street & The Drum

The Drum is the youth services branch of Drummond Street Services, supporting young people (10–25) to connect, participate, and realise their potential as healthy, resilient, and respected community members. All our work is grounded in youth-led, strengths-based and community development approaches, ensuring young people’s voices are central and respected.

About the Role

As the First Nations Youth Engagement Practitioner, you’ll work as part of a small, passionate team delivering culturally safe, place-based support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people aged 10–17, with a focus on those at risk of justice system involvement.  

Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing trauma-informed, intersectional case management, aligned with DS’s whole-of-family model.
• Overseeing the delivery of 2–4 group sessions per week during school terms, plus excursions/events during school holidays.
• Working collaboratively to design and deliver engaging, relevant youth programs.
• Contributing to quality governance, compliance, and reporting as needed.
• Building meaningful connections with young people to link them with further support when required.

About You

We’re looking for someone who is passionate about youth work, grounded in social justice, and confident working in dynamic environments. This is an identified position and is only open to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants, as permitted under Section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic).

Key Selection Criteria

• Understanding of the social, historical and cultural determinants of health for First Nations young people.
• Experience providing culturally safe, trauma-informed case management.
• Background in assertive outreach or youth engagement programs.
• Tertiary qualifications in Youth Work, Social Work, or a related field.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Commitment to Child Safe Standards and youth safety.
• Reliable, collaborative, and well-organised work style.
• Passion for co-design and youth-led approaches.
• Creativity and initiative in program delivery and engagement.

Please review the attached position description which outlines the full list of responsibilities and key selection criteria.

Other Key Details

• Evening and occasional weekend work required (refer to the Position Description).
• Ongoing professional development and supervision provided.
• Attractive remuneration package including salary packaging available.
• Based across inner-city Melbourne and key public housing communities.

Application process

• Interviews scheduled for 17 and 18 of June.
• All applications will be directed to our careers portal – First Nations Youth Engagement Practitioner.
• All applicants must include a resume and with a cover letter addressing all the key selection criteria for the position.

Applicants shortlisted for an interview will be required to provide evidence of their qualifications during the interview process.

Please contact Ria Pillai, Senior Youth Engagement Practitioner on 0428 714 358 or via email on [email protected] using the subject line: First Nations Youth Engagement Practitioner enquiry via EthicalJobs to discuss your application.