THE ORGANISATION

The Les Twentyman Foundation believes that every child and young person, regardless of economic circumstances, race or gender deserves an equal opportunity in life.

Working across Greater Melbourne, our dedicated team supports hundreds of kids aged between five and 25, who face multiple stresses holding them back from living a life that every child deserves, including poverty, mental health, unemployment, racism, addiction, domestic violence and crime.

Founded by legendary youth worker Les Twentyman OAM, we have a history of more than 30 years supporting at-risk youth. Our work focuses on keeping children and young people engaged with their education, families and connected to the community, building hope and ensuring they do not end up homeless, living in poverty or engaged with the youth justice system.

The Position

The Youth Support Service provides case management for young people (10-17 years) upon first contact with police and who may be at risk of entering the youth justice system. Funded by the Department of Justice and Community Safety, our YSS program operates within the Local Government Areas of Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Moonee Valley and other neighbouring areas as required.

This Youth Worker role is responsible for providing early intervention with the goal of diverting young people away from the youth justice system. The Youth Worker implements strategies and counselling to connect young people with their families, community and education networks, in ways that are developmentally appropriate and responsive to the needs and contexts of individual young people.

Note that this is a full-time contract position until 30 June 2023. A contract extension is dependent on funding.  

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Working as part of the Youth Services Team, the Youth Worker will have the following responsibilities:

1. Undertake assertive outreach to initiate and maintain contact with young people at risk of disengagement from services and community.
2. Implement a range of strategies including but not limited to: intensive individual case management, group work, family work, collaboration and care planning.
3. Advocate on behalf of young people and build collaborative relationships with other key stakeholders to enhance service co-ordination.
4. Support the development and maintenance of family relationships.
5. Provide referral and links to a range of youth services including primary health, housing, legal, justice, employment/educational and recreational activities.
6. Collaborate on the planning, development and delivery of the program including continuous improvement and outcomes evaluation.
7. Using CsNet (client management system), ensure client files, data and reporting are up to date, contemporaneous, accurate and meets both organisational and legislative requirements and timeframes.
8. Support other activities of the Les Twentyman Foundation as required including events, fundraising, public relations and business development.
9. Undertake other reasonable duties as requested by the General Manager, Programs or the CEO.

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

• Relevant qualifications in Youth Work, Social Work, Family Therapy, Psychology or other health/welfare fields.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with stakeholders particularly young people, schools, employment, and recreation services.
• Demonstrated ability to advocate on behalf of young people, in particular with stakeholders across Courts, Youth Justice and Education.
• Demonstrated experience in using a contemporary client management system coupled with a high standard of documentation, reporting, compliance and policy management, legislation monitoring and organisational procedures.
• Knowledge and understanding of adolescent development and ability to practice a range of interventions including assessment, case work, care planning, group work, advocacy, crisis intervention and collaborative outreach based service delivery.
• Highly developed engagement and communication skills with experience working with young people from a range of backgrounds and age groups.
• Demonstrated capacity to work effectively both independently and within a multidisciplinary team setting.
• Excellent computer skills, including a high degree of proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with IT based reporting system.

Employment will also be subject to: current First Aid certificate, current Victorian Driver’s License, “National

Police Record Check” and “Working with Children” check.

A position description is attached.