Position Description: Youth and Family Worker (Youth Support Services)

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1 Vision: Purpose: Values: A community where all young people are valued, included and have every opportunity to thrive To enable young people experiencing serious disadvantage to access the resources and support they require to lead healthy and fulfilling lives. Honesty Empowerment We are impartial and authentic in our practice and in how we relate to colleagues within and outside of our organisation We create a positive environment for staff and young people to make valuable contributions Acceptance Respect We accept and value the diversity of people, cultures and life s experience We respect the rights of others and treat others as we would like to be treated Location: Employment Status: Remuneration: Responsible to: Direct reports: Key responsibilities: Box Hill Full-Time Ongoing (some weekends and after hours may be required) Annual salary SCHADS Level 5 (dependant on qualifications and experience) plus 9.5% Employer superannuation and salary packaging. Manager, Southern and Eastern Regions NIL Direct Client Service Activities, Referral Networks and Pathways, Administration, Program Development and Evaluation, Compliance and Professional Conduct. Primary Purpose: An integral aspect of the role is to provide interventions that target the whole family, particularly parents/carers. It is a dynamic role that incorporates general youth work as well as potential family meetings and informal mediation. Therefore, some after-hours work will be required to meet the needs of young people and families. 1

2 Key Responsibilities Key Area Key Responsibilities Agreed Achievement Direct Service Activities Undertake service delivery to ensure a developmentally appropriate and responsive service for vulnerable young people aged 10 to 18 years; Work in a family inclusive manner, where appropriate including family in conducting assessments and developing support plans; Undertake intensive outreach to initiate and maintain contact with young people at risk of entering the Criminal Justice system; Implement a range of modalities including but not limited to: brief interventions, intensive individual casework, group work and family work; Promote a safe and friendly environment in order to facilitate the communication between young people; Professional relationships are maintained with internal and external stakeholders; Manage a case load and maintain YSAS espoused service delivery response and organisational culture; Undertake community development activities that build strong working relationships with our community partners Advocate on behalf of young people, in particular with stakeholders within the justice sector. Model appropriate behaviour and facilitate positive communication between young people; Referral Networks and Pathways Develop and maintain referral networks and pathways with stakeholders (police, courts, legal services, family services, schools, education/ skills providers etc.); Articulate YSAS relationship based approach with relevant stakeholders; Demonstrate professional and ethical communication with all stakeholders; On every occasion YSAS is represented ethically and professionally; Develop and maintain formal/informal networks in order to achieve goals; Provide information and feedback to stakeholders about the activities of the program on a regular basis. 2

3 Key Area Key Responsibilities Agreed Achievement Administration Program Development and Evaluation Continuous Improvement Ensure client files and data base are up-to-date, accurate and meet both organisational and legislative requirements; Ensure incident reports are timely and meet organisational procedures; Other- Participate in regular supervision with Team Leader YSS West Contribute to the development and maintenance of an innovative service delivery model for young people; Where possible include young people in the evaluation of the service. Contribute to continuous quality improvement in relation to service delivery Developing linkages with referral services Participation in evaluation and ongoing monitoring of the program Include clients in the evaluation of the service where appropriate Collaborate with other support services and community based activities to integrate support and provide optimal service provision Maintain a high standard of documentation and reporting Commitment to the best Interests of Young People Provision of a quality service to young people Professional Conduct and Relationship Management Adhere to all YSAS policies and procedures including the Code of Conduct, Confidentiality Agreement, EEO policy Demonstrated commitment to YSAS organisational values Provide highest ethical standards at YSAS; not only to young people in the communities we serve, but to our co-workers and ourselves Undertake proactive identification and on-going management of stakeholders, including suppliers and auditors On every occasion YSAS is represented ethically and professionally. Good working relationships with stakeholders Organisational needs understood Work collaboratively with staff across the organisation to ensure organisational needs are understood, recognised and responded to, as well as staff are supported in their services 3

4 Position Requirements Education Relevant qualifications in in Youth Work, Social Work, Community Services or other health related qualifications (i.e. Social Work, Youth Work, Family Studies, etc.) and/or extensive experience in the field; Further study in therapeutic interventions appropriate for young people at risk will be an advantage Experience Expertise and/or experience in working with young people at risk and their families Knowledge and Skills Personal qualities Previous experience in Community and Youth not-for-profit organisations Well organised but able to flex and manage competing priorities and deadlines Excellent written and oral communication skills, as well as highly developed interpersonal, coaching, and consultative skills Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills and ability to deliver innovative solutions Good judgment, able to influence others and seen as a credible source of advice A team player, able to work in a collaborative way. Supreme tact, sensitivity and diplomacy; ability to think on feet and act proactively with discretion. Commitment to personal learning, development and improvement in pursuit of own performance objectives and those of the team and organisation. Commitment to YSAS values and a working style that reflects these Other Requirements Current Victorian Driver s Licence Current and ongoing successful National Police check Current and ongoing Working With Children Check Current First Aid Certificate (level 2) 4

5 Key Selection Criteria Understanding of and experience in working with young people at risk of entering the Criminal Justice System, especially those who have had recent contact with Victoria Police; Skills in engaging and working with young people, ranging from advocacy, conducting street based outreach, case management, group work and intensive individual casework; Ability to assess (young people s health and well-being, risk situations) and to formulate and implement case plans based in evidence and aligned to the practice standards and values of YSAS; Understanding of adolescent development and specific circumstances which impact on consent and family involvement. Inherent in this is the ability to communicate effectively with family members and involve family members in assessment and support plans; Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with stakeholders particularly Courts, family services, mental health providers, schools, etc. I accept the PD as acknowledged above and understand that the PD will be reviewed as required. I also understand that the PD may need to be amended occasionally due to variations in responsibilities and organisational requirements. Changes to the PD will be consistent with the purpose for which the position was established. SIGNED Youth Worker Youth Support Services Name: Date: Manager, YSS Southern and Eastern Regions Name: Date: 5