EVERY PERSON COUNTS EVERY SYSTEM FAIR 

For 50 years South East Community Links (SECL) has delivered life changing economic and social outcomes for people in the community with the belief ‘Every person counts, Every system fair’. With several locations across the South – East of Melbourne our services include emergency relief; case work; homelessness - housing support; youth and family services; employment support; domestic violence support; financial counselling; resettlement services for refugees and asylum seekers. 

SECL has a wealth of amazing outcomes that deserve elevating, and as a skilled professional you will see we are sitting on ‘gold,’ and you will have an immediate impact. The main purpose of the role is to increase the positive awareness of the organisation through translating our stories, data, and outcomes to stakeholders. Reporting directly to the CEO you will have the opportunity to work and build strong working relationships with various stakeholders both locally and nationally. You will also be tasked to implement and monitor strategies to raise impact & awareness with key stakeholders such as government, funders, peaks, NFP’s, business partners and key decision makers. 

Position Description 

• Terms of Employment: Full-time 
• Hours: 38 hours per week 
• Reporting to: Marlena Kupczyk Head of Youth, Housing and Employment
• Location: 60 Douglas St, Noble Park
• Position supervises: Students and Volunteers (on occasion) 
• Award Classification: Employment in accordance with the SCHADS Award Level 3.2 (will be based on qualifications and experience)

The total salary package includes 10% super and salary packaging (while allowed under tax law and without incurring any Fringe Benefit tax liability). A probationary period of six months applies to this position. The incumbent will be required to support SECL policies and procedures. 

Position Purpose 

The Empower Youth program is a youth-led and evaluated program that builds the capacity of a culturally diverse youth consultancy group to work closely with young people in their communities to facilitate positive outcomes across four key areas of health and wellbeing, community participation, education and training, and pathways to employment.

The Empower Youth practitioner is instrumental in building the capacity of the youth consultancy group to be informed and active members within their communities. Empower Youth program engages young people from at least 5 different ethnic backgrounds and the Empower Youth practitioner is to ensure each consultant develops an aspirational plan with the support of SECL staff and work towards achieving some, if not all of their identified goals.

This role requires IT skills to ensure service and participant data/information is recorded accurately and, in a time, efficient manner. An ability to identify service trends, and emerging needs, through front line service delivery is also a requirement. This role focusses on the achievement of outcomes for participants and communities rather than activities.

Time management, flexibility and a strong ability to prioritise in a fast paced environment are critical skills in this role. An ability to manage oneself in times of change and uncertainty is essential. 

Responsibilities

• Engage young people between the ages of 12 to 25 from at least 5 different ethnic backgrounds
• Develop and build capacity of a youth consultancy group through the delivery of workshops and training
• Identify and design effective youth led responses to issues with the support of the consultancy group
• Develop local partnerships and engage with local networks that will support in achieving positive outcomes
• Contribute to on-going interaction with stakeholders to develop and implement the work plan
• Record activities, workshops and casework in SECL’s client systems database with accuracy, efficiency and within prescribed timelines

Key Selection Criteria

• Experience in and understanding of contemporary youth work theory and practice principals
• A strong understanding of key issues impacting young people from culturally diverse backgrounds
• Demonstrated experience, skills and knowledge working with culturally diverse communities and individuals.
• Contemporary knowledge of community development principles with strong skills in empowerment, engagement and community capacity building
• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with a diverse range of people and professionals.

Safety Screening checks required prior to commencement of employment include: 

• At least two professional references  
• Proof of your right to work in Australia 
• A satisfactory national police record check 
• A satisfactory international police record check 
• A valid employment Working With Children Check  
• A valid digital copy of vaccination certificate (including Booster)

For more information about the role, please contact Junior Melo at [email protected] using the subject line: Youth Support Practitioner - Empower Youth enquiry via EthicalJobs or 0435 916 339.