Community Youth Worker

Are you an experienced Youth Worker… interested in working with young people and animals in a Farm environment? We need YOU!

Community Youth Worker, Fixed Term, Part Time

• 28-35 (negotiable) hours per week, Mon – Fri
• Until June 2024 (with view to extend)
• SCHADS Award – CASH Employee Level 3, starting $47.50 per hour
• Based on-site with our partner program RUFFTRACK, Riverstone Farm, Hawkesbury
• Occasional weekend work
• First Nations Peoples are encouraged to apply

Benefits

• Work with Young People (12-18 years) and animals to make a real difference within the local community - Nepean, Blue Mountains and Hawkesbury LGAs
• Increase your take home pay with Salary Packaging options available to NFP sector
• Staff Supports – Monthly Supervision, Learning & Development, Team Building activities, opportunity to work across teams, Employee Wellbeing program, Employee Assistance Program, Flexible Work Practices and additional cultural supports for Aboriginal staff, just to name a few!

Details

Qualifications

Qualifications, Checks and References

•         Completed Diploma in Youth Work, Community Services or Welfare qualifications (min. Certificate 4 in Welfare/Community Services/Youth Work) or equivalent work experience

•         Ability to work in Australia

•         Unrestricted Current `C` class Driver’s Licence

•         A valid National Police Clearance, Working with Children Check, First Aid Certificate and CPR Certification

•         Two referees, including current or most recent manager.

Essential Criteria

The minimum requirements to be considered for this role include:

a. Minimum 12 months experience working with vulnerable young people and a knowledge of the range of issues facing vulnerable youth

b. Sound Knowledge of Child Protection Systems and Mandatory Reporting Practices

c. Proven ability to work confidently with challenging behaviours within a trauma informed and Client Centred Framework.
d. Strong client negotiation and conflict resolution skills
e. Ability to facilitate interactive group work with young people

f. Familiarity with Positive Behaviour Intervention and Support (PBIS) or other behavioural intervention frameworks

Desirable Criteria

General knowledge and/or experience in agriculture, dog handling and training & skilled trades such as woodwork & Metalwork would be highly desirable or a keen interest & willingness to learn.

Other Information

About the role

This position is a key role in our new partnership with the RuffTRACK farm based day program for at risk young people.

The Community Youth Worker will provide hands on program support to clients within the farm environment, including participating in and facilitating agricultural group work activities such as animal care and training, farmyard maintenance and horticulture, skilled trade and tool work, sporting and other recreational activities and community events.

The position will also participate in and facilitate daily circle work and provide emotional and practical support building trust with all staff and young people, following therapeutic practices to assist young people to achieve positive outcomes, independence and focus on their educational/employment goals as well as daily living skills. The position will support building positive relationships and conflict resolution, displaying positive role modelling to young people participating in the RuffTRACK program.

We are looking for an experienced, motivated and dedicated Youth Worker to join our dynamic team who possesses the following personal attributes:

• Passionate about working with young people, dogs and other animals in a farm environment, including working outdoors in the elements and meeting the physical demands involved in supporting young people within the farm environment during activities.
• Highly motivated individual with loads of initiative
• Keen to participate in innovative partnerships
• Ability to multi-task and work under pressure
• Strong team player with a collaborative working attitude
• Ability to engage, relate and communicate successfully with young people from diverse backgrounds.
• Commitment to a learning culture and ongoing professional development

How to Apply

If you are passionate about helping young people and believe your experience and values align with our organisation, please forward:

•  A cover letter (max 2 pages), including:

-          a brief summary of your experience against each of the selection criteria (i.e. a-f)

• A copy of your resume

to jobs@platformys.org.au by close of business on Friday 29 September 2023.

Should you have any questions, please email jobs@platformys.org.au

Platform Youth Services

Platform Youth Services is a growing not-for-profit based youth homelessness service, that has provided holistic services to vulnerable young people who are at risk of homelessness or who are experiencing homelessness in the Nepean, Blue Mountains and Hawkesbury areas for over 40 yrs. Please visit www.platformys.org.au

RuffTRACK supports vulnerable young people in education and skill development through a farm based, agricultural education which builds relationships, community engagement, animal care, connection to country and assists them to meet their goals. Please visit www.ruffTRACK.org.au