THE BIG ISSUE COMMUNITY STREET SOCCER PROGRAM

The Big Issue Australia is an independent community organisation that develops and operates social enterprises and creative, sustainable solutions to homelessness; providing opportunities for homeless and marginalised people to positively change their lives.

Our innovative programs and services focus on helping people who are socially disadvantaged and may otherwise slip through the cracks, to build confidence and the capacity to help themselves.

The Community Street Soccer Program, known as Street Soccer, uses the power of sport to empower homeless, marginalised and disadvantaged to achieve positive personal outcomes to reach their potential. It changes lives and creates healthier communities across Australia.

Street Soccer involves males and females getting together once a week for fun soccer training and matches. Equipment and a dedicated Street Soccer coach are provided at each location.

The program aims to achieve outcomes for its participants in three key areas: sports access/participation, health and social inclusion.

POSITION DESCRIPTION - COACH

The main task is to run a session every week and ensure effective coordination of activities and support to participants. The Ballarat Coach will work with other staff on the coordination and growth of the Ballarat Community Street Soccer Program. This will include supporting the coordination of volunteers, administering and developing the program to meet strategic objectives e.g. Health promotion.

KEY RESULT AREAS

• Ensure effective growth and ongoing performance of the Ballarat Community Street Soccer Program
• Meet all KPIs for the Ballarat program including:
  • Weekly Training Sessions
  • Provision of Peer Support
  • Player support and informal mentoring
  • Linkages to community
  • Specialist activities
  • Community events and promotional activity
  • National championships/Homeless World Cup (if required)
• Ensure strategies are implemented to increase participation numbers and create opportunities to improve the health of participants as per CSSP Operations Manual.
• Foster relationships with community organisations and football associations and clubs with the aim to increase player participation, reach attendance targets and ensure support for the CSSP in Sydney.
• Attend and provide coaching support to the program in Ballarat.
• Offer information and refer participants on a range of issues such as housing, drug and alcohol dependency, vocational training and mental illness as required and as will improve their overall health.
• Coordinate a team of volunteers to support training sessions and other events in all areas.
• Build CSSP to become embedded into the community for a sustainable future.
• Assist with the coordination of Ballarat players for National Championships / Homeless World Cup (if required).

Key Skills and Knowledge

• Highly developed interpersonal skills
• Identifiable leadership skills
• Ability to engage and develop relationships with disadvantaged people
• Ability to engage and develop relationships with community agencies, government and business
• Some understanding of factors in the health and well-being of homeless people including people with substance abuse issues and mental illness
• Ability to recruit, train and supervise volunteers
• Experience in running leisure recreational activities for disadvantaged people would be desirable but not essential
• Experience in community and/or project development, also desirable but not essential

Specific Tasks - Coordination of Street Soccer Program

• Liaise with the Ballarat Coordinator to organise and manage activities and overall program objectives
• Work with the State Manager to implement and monitor program initiatives to reach health related KPIs for the Sydney program and to create participation and social inclusion outcomes.

Ensure Effective Administration of the program

• Regular briefing to the Ballarat Coordinator and State Coordinator on all relevant matters.
• Maintain records and correspondence.
• Work within the budget guidelines
• Maintain professional standards for the organisation.
• Maintain effective project and participant monitoring of performance outcomes

Our Values

• We treat all people with dignity and respect
• We operate ethically and with integrity
• We think creatively and without limits
• We strive for continuous improvement
• We apply prudent financial and business practices
• We are economically, environmentally and socially responsible
• We value, encourage and support our employees

Prior to an offer of employment all applicants must undertake a National Police Check.

Enquiries about the role can be made to State Operations Manager – VIC & TAS Gemma Pidutti via [email protected] using the subject line: Community Street Soccer Program Coach - Ballarat enquiry via EthicalJobs.