Are you passionate about working with young people and committed to their health and wellbeing?

About headspace and 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.

Relationships Australia Victoria (RAV) is the lead agency for headspace Bairnsdale, 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”. Our objective is to relieve suffering, distress and helplessness and to enhance physical, social and emotional wellbeing. Our services are for all members of the community, regardless of their religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, lifestyle choice, cultural background or economic circumstances. RAV provides services from centres across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.

About the role

Reporting to the Centre Manager, and supporting the Youth Access Workers, the Youth Officer is one of the first contact points for young people referred to the headspace Bairnsdale and headspace Sale centres. These positions have primary responsibility for assessing a young person’s psychosocial needs and will need to build positive rapport with a wide range of young people, as well as their family and friends.

Excellent opportunity for two (2) youth officers looking for meaningful work to support young people affected by the 2019/20 bushfires and COVID-19 with one position based at our headspace centre in Bairnsdale and the other at our headspace centre in Sale. We are offering part-time hours, three (3) days per week, on fixed-term contracts ending 31st December 2021. There is the possibility, pending funding review and contractual obligations, that both employment contracts may be extended.

Qualifications and Registrations

• Tertiary level qualification (or near completion) in counselling, social work, psychology, social welfare or other health related degree.
• Diploma in relevant field such as youth work, community development, alcohol and drug, mental health support or social welfare.

Experience

• Ability and experience to undertake intake and screening activities to determine client needs, and to assist clients to access appropriate services.
• Experience in the youth and/or mental health sector.

Knowledge and Skills

• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to work with a diverse range of people, the ability to engage with young people and advocate on their behalf.
• Broad understanding of the challenges and experiences of young people in Australia, including specific community factors.

What we offer

A competitive sector remuneration package is on offer to the successful candidates with a base salary range of $74,634 (pro-rata) per annum, superannuation and access to PBI tax-free salary packaging. RAV is an ‘employer of choice’ in the community sector who provides best practice professional development, training and supervision and work and life balance conditions and benefits.

To apply for this position, use the APPLY button and attach your covering letter responding to the above job requirements “Qualifications and Registrations, Experience and Knowledge and Skills” and your current resume/cv.

For specific queries about this position contact Hayley Davidson, Centre Manager (Acting) headspace Bairnsdale and headspace Sale by phoning 03 5141 6200.

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. All headspace services are funded by the Australian Government Department of Health. Administration of funding is carried out by the headspace centre’s local Primary Health Network, in this case, Gippsland Primary Health Network.

A position description is attached.