• Part time – 12 month fixed term contract
• Based in North Melbourne and Campbellfield with some work from home possible
• Work at Australia’s largest not-for-profit animal hospital, bringing the benefits of human-animal interaction to young people at risk

about us:

Lort Smith is an iconic Melbourne institution serving the community for 85 years. The organisation still continues the legacy of Louisa Lort Smith who founded the Animal Hospital in 1936.

Lort Smith’s mission is to improve the health and happiness of animals and the people who care for them. We do this via three very important streams of work; in our Animal Hospital and Vet Clinic by providing exceptional veterinary care and preserving the human-animal bond irrespective of a person’s circumstance; in our Adoption Centre by providing sanctuary, rehabilitation, welfare and a new home for animals; and through our Community Outreach programs by promoting responsible pet ownership and nurturing the human-animal bond.

About the role:

We are currently searching for part-time Pet Therapy Youth Projects Officer. This role is responsible for delivering Lort Smith Pet Therapy’s youth projects in 2022. Your primary role will involve coordinating the trial of pet therapy visits and other animal-assisted activities, which will take place at facilities supporting young people who are at risk of disengagement and/or who are in contact with the justice system.

You will work closely with partner organisations, pet therapy volunteers and other Lort Smith staff to plan, deliver and evaluate a range of animal-assisted interventions to improve outcomes for young people. You will be joining Australia’s largest not-for-profit animal hospital that is committed to the health and wellbeing of animals.

Duties include:

• Work with stakeholders and volunteers to plan and deliver animal-assisted interventions for young people
• Provide guidance and support to volunteers and staff providing pet therapy visits, including debrief session after visits
• Work with staff, volunteers and partner agencies to facilitate the delivery of animal-assisted interventions according to establish guidelines and principles
• Work with other staff and volunteers to plan and deliver workshops on animal behaviour and care
• Foster a supportive, motivating and rewarding working environment for volunteers
• Work with volunteers, partner agencies and evaluation partners to facilitate the evaluation of the youth project
• Support other projects and activities as required

About you:

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Youth Work, Social Work, psychology and/or related behavioural science
• Excellent organisation and time/project management skills
• Experience in successfully coordinating projects or programs
• Track record of developing and maintaining relationships with stakeholders and other team members
• Experience working with young people with complex needs, particularly those in contact or at risk of contact with the justice system
• Understanding of dog behaviour and history of positive relationship with dogs
• Driver’s licence and access to vehicle (roles requires regular travel to partner facilities throughout Melbourne)

Why work at Lort Smith?

We offer a range of benefits that support and reward staff both personally and professionally, which include:

• 25% discount on all goods and services
• Professional training and development to support your career growth
• Access to Lort Smith’s Employee Assistance Program
• Monthly benefits from our Wellness Committee that is committed to providing a healthy and safe workplace

If this sounds like the job for you, submit your application via the Apply Now button below.

If you would like a copy of the Position Description, please email [email protected] using the subject line: Pet Therapy Youth Project Officer enquiry via EthicalJobs.

To learn more about Lort Smith and the wonderful work we do, visit our website.