Expressions of interest: Youth Development Worker

Help Young People Build Bright Futures

At Berry Street Yooralla, we believe children, young people and families should be safe, thriving and hopeful. We are seeking passionate and committed Casual Youth Development Workers to join our Education First Youth Foyer team in Shepparton and support young people to develop the skills, confidence and opportunities they need to create sustainable, independent lives.

The Education First Youth Foyer is an innovative program that combines safe accommodation, education, training and personalised support for young people who are committed to their learning and working towards their goals. Working within a strengths-based and talent-focused framework, you'll play a vital role in creating a safe, supportive and empowering environment for young people

The Opportunity

• Casual Roles Available
• Shepparton location on Yorta Yorta Country
• $58.38 p/h + Super & Salary Packaging

As a Casual Youth Development Worker, you will coach, mentor and support to young people living in the Foyer, helping them build independence, life skills and meaningful connections within their community. You'll work collaboratively with the broader team to create a safe and inclusive environment while responding to the individual needs of young people.

You will support young people in helping them to complete their Certificate 1 Developing Independence, facilitate workshops as the Health and Well-being coach and provide advice in living and life skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the daily operations of the Youth Foyer program.
• Build positive, professional relationships with young people and provide mentoring, coaching and practical support.
• Encourage participation in education, training, employment and community opportunities.
• Promote the Open Talent and Advantaged Thinking approaches through daily practice.
• Maintain a safe and supportive living environment.
• Support young people to develop life skills, confidence and independence.
• Contribute to group activities, workshops and community engagement opportunities.
• Complete case notes, reports and other administrative requirements.
• Respond appropriately to critical incidents and emergencies in consultation with program leadership.
• Work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team and contribute to a positive workplace culture.

About You

We're looking for people who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people and who bring:

• Experience working with young people, particularly those experiencing disadvantage or housing instability.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• The ability to remain calm and flexible in changing and sometimes challenging environments.
• A commitment to strengths-based, trauma-informed and person-centred practice.
• Experience working both independently and as part of a team.
• An understanding of youth development, education pathways and community engagement.
• A genuine belief in the potential of young people and the ability to support them to achieve their goals

Our Benefits

• A culture that values and support professional development
• Regular reflective supervision from leadership
• Access to the Employee Assistance Program, with access for staff's immediate family
• Make a meaningful impact in the lives of young people.

Interested?

We'd love to hear from you!

• Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your interest and suitability for the role.
• For more information, contact: Matthew Jobling - Team Leader, Youth Foyer on 0447 182 986

We believe in diversity, inclusion and equality and are committed to ensuring that our workplaces are a reflection of the Victorian community. We recognise the benefits that diversity and inclusion brings, and in turn encourage talented people from all backgrounds, abilities and identities to apply to our vacancies.

We encourage applications from people with lived experience of disability. You'll receive adjustments and support throughout the whole process — from the application stage to starting in the workplace. If you require the position description in a different format or any accommodation or assistance during the application and interview stages please contact the person listed on the ad or alternatively email recruitment@berrystreet.org.au

Berry Street Yooralla is committed to being a child safe, child friendly and child empowering organisation. In everything we do we seek to protect children. We are committed to the cultural safety of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children; children from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds; children with a disability; children who identify as LGBTIQA+. We aim to ensure every individual is treated with dignity and respect regardless of their cultural background, ability, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, spirituality or religion.

Please Note; the successful applicant will be subject to comprehensive reference and background checking prior to employment, including a NDIS Screening Check, Working with Children Check and National and International Police check (if required) and NDIS training.