Youth Worker

Youth Worker

Employer: Rei Fong Pty Ltd

Location: Box Hill, VIC 3128

Employment Type: Full-Time

Salary: $75,000 – $85,000 per annum + superannuation, depending on qualifications and experience

About Rei Fong Pty Ltd

Rei Fong Pty Ltd provides support services to young people and individuals experiencing a range of social, emotional, developmental and community support needs. The organisation is committed to providing person-centred, culturally responsive and practical support that promotes safety, wellbeing, independence and positive participation within the community.

We are seeking a suitably qualified and experienced Youth Worker to join our team on a full-time basis. The successful applicant will provide practical, emotional and social support to young people, assist them in addressing personal and social difficulties, and work collaboratively with families, carers, professionals and community service providers to promote positive outcomes.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

The successful Youth Worker will be responsible for:

1. Assessing the individual needs, circumstances, strengths and support requirements of young people.
2. Providing practical, emotional and social support to young people experiencing personal, social, behavioural or financial difficulties.
3. Assisting young people to identify challenges and develop practical strategies to address their individual circumstances.
4. Developing, implementing and reviewing individualised support programs in consultation with young people and relevant professionals.
5. Providing information, guidance and referrals to appropriate health, welfare, housing, education, employment and community services.
6. Assisting young people to access appropriate services, programs and community resources.
7. Supporting young people to develop independent living, communication, social and practical life skills.
8. Encouraging young people to participate in education, training, employment, recreational and community activities.
9. Providing mentoring, guidance and encouragement to promote confidence, independence and positive decision-making.
10. Monitoring young people's circumstances and progress and identifying changes in their support needs.
11. Maintaining accurate and confidential case notes, client records, support plans, progress reports and other required documentation.
12. Liaising with families, carers, Social Workers, Welfare Workers, case workers, healthcare professionals, educators and other service providers to coordinate appropriate support.
13. Advocating for young people and assisting them to access appropriate services, resources and support networks.
14. Identifying and responding appropriately to risks relating to the safety, wellbeing and protection of young people.
15. Participating in case meetings, team meetings, service reviews and discussions concerning young people's support needs.
16. Maintaining professional boundaries, confidentiality and culturally appropriate practices when working with young people.
17. Working collaboratively with relevant agencies, community organisations and service providers to support young people's individual needs and goals.
18. Performing duties in accordance with relevant legislation, organisational policies, safeguarding requirements and applicable community services standards.

Qualifications and Experience

Applicants must have:

1. A Certificate III or Certificate IV in Community Services, Certificate III or Certificate IV in Individual Support, Certificate IV in Youth Work, Certificate IV in Child, Youth and Family Intervention, Diploma of Youth Work, Diploma of Community Services, Diploma of Community Services Work, Diploma of Child, Youth and Family Intervention, or another relevant youth work, community services, welfare or family support qualification.
2. At least 1 year of relevant experience working with young people in youth services, community services, welfare, disability support, family support, residential care or a related setting.
3. Demonstrated understanding of youth development, person-centred support, safeguarding, risk assessment and wellbeing.
4. Knowledge of health, welfare, housing, education, employment and community services available to young people.
5. Demonstrated ability to assess young people's circumstances and identify appropriate support and referral pathways.
6. Strong written and verbal communication skills.
7. Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills and the ability to establish respectful professional relationships with young people.
8. Demonstrated ability to maintain accurate case notes, client records, reports and confidential documentation.
9. Ability to identify risks and respond appropriately to behavioural, safety, wellbeing and safeguarding concerns.
10. Ability to work independently and collaboratively with families, carers, Social Workers, Welfare Workers, healthcare professionals, educators and other service providers.
11. A current Working with Children Check (WWCC), or willingness and ability to obtain one where required.
12. A current National Police Check, or willingness and ability to obtain one.
13. A valid Australian driver's licence.

Salary and Employment Conditions

The position offers a salary of $75,000 – $85,000 per annum plus superannuation, commensurate with the successful applicant's qualifications, skills and relevant experience.

Employment conditions will be provided in accordance with applicable Australian workplace laws and relevant industrial requirements.

How to Apply

Suitably qualified candidates are invited to apply by submitting:

1. A current resume outlining relevant qualifications and employment experience; and
2. A cover letter outlining their suitability for the Youth Worker position.

Applications will be assessed based on qualifications, relevant experience, skills and suitability for the position.

Rei Fong Pty Ltd is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from suitably qualified candidates.