This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated, experienced community engagement officer to join Relationships Australia Victoria (RAV).

headspace is the National Youth Mental Health Foundation providing early intervention mental health services to 12–25-year olds, along with assistance in promoting young peoples’ wellbeing. This covers core areas including mental health, physical health, work and study support and alcohol and other drug services.

RAV is the lead agency of headspace Wonthaggi, which is governed by a consortium of local community organisations who provide expertise, support and advice to RAV. RAV is a secular, community-based, not-for-profit organisation with no religious affiliations who have been providing services to the Victorian community for over 70 years. Our vision is for “positive, respectful, safe and fulfilling relationships for all Australians”. RAV provides services from centres across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.

About the role

Reporting to the Centre Manager of headspace Wonthaggi, you will work as part of a multidisciplinary team and will be an experienced professional with considerable knowledge and experience in community engagement and youth advocacy. The purpose of the role is to promote the services of the headspace centre and help young people to get early access to health and other services. This includes young people who have or may be at risk of developing a mental health and/or substance use disorder or have economic and social recovery needs.

This role is based at our Wonthaggi centre, is part-time, four (4) days per week, including a Tuesday evening shift. The successful candidate will be offered a fixed-term contract until 30 June 2023, with the possibility of extension subject to continued funding.

Qualifications and Registrations:

• Tertiary qualifications in Health Promotion, Public Health, Community Development, Social/Behavioural Science, Social Work/Planning or a related discipline.

Experience:

• Demonstrated experience working with young people with mental health, alcohol and other drug, and other social issues.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating and facilitating youth programs, events and activities within a community setting.
• Strong experience and expertise with social media as a communication tool.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Exceptional ability to engage and communicate to groups of people, tailoring communication to suit a specific target group or age range.
• Demonstrated understanding of the challenges and experiences of young people from diverse backgrounds including young people who are culturally and linguistically diverse, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, and LGBTIQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex or questioning).
• Broad knowledge of the range of services available to young people in the local government, health, education, employment and youth sectors.

Why join us?

RAV offers hybrid working arrangements, competitive salary conditions and benefits with a base salary range of $88k-(pro-rata) per annum. Your professional development is important to us, we provide best practice training, clinical supervision, work/life balance benefits to staff.

How to Apply

Using the Apply Now button, please include your resume and a brief cover letter broadly outlining your experience and how it relates to this position.

A copy of the position description is available on our website www.rav.org.au/careers.

A position description is also attached.

For confidential enquiries please contact Cate Chaiyot, Centre Manager headspace Wonthaggi by phoning 03 5671 5900.

COVID-19 compliance

Candidates will be required to provide evidence of their COVID-19 vaccination status or medical exemption during their application process.

RAV is committed to building and supporting an inclusive and diverse workforce and encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, those from cultural and linguistically diverse backgrounds, LGBTIQA+ communities and people with disabilities. We are committed to the safety of our clients and staff and promote a child-safe work environment. We recognise the lifelong impacts of childhood trauma and recognise those who had children taken away from them. All staff must undergo a National Police Check, International Police Check (if applicable) and Working with Children Check. RAV is a public benevolent institution.