Aboriginal Youth and Family Worker Youth on Track This position is an identified Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Role. Work unit Award Reports to Supervisory responsibilities Duration Probationary period Hours Based at Youth on Track, Community and Family Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Award (SCHCADS) Level 4 5 (depending on qualifications and experience) Youth on Track Program Manager Nil Continuing, subject to availability of funding 6 months from date of appointment Full time 38 hours per week (negotiable) Grafton or Coffs Harbour Position description created October 2016 Approved by CEO Review date July 2017 Purpose of the Position Youth on Track is an early intervention scheme for 10-17 year olds that identifies and responds to young offenders at risk of long term involvement in the criminal justice system. Predictions and statistics indicate that 79% of the youth the Youth on Track program supports will be Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders. The Aboriginal Youth and Family Worker will work with high numbers of indigenous clients, providing culturally appropriate case management and service responses. Key objectives of Youth on Track include engaging and supporting young people and their families to: Voluntarily participate in the early intervention program Engage with education, training and/or employment Participate in assessments of needs in order to develop case plans Access mainstream health, mental health and wellbeing services Engage with the broader community to support their successful transition into independence Service provision includes outreach to smaller town centres within the catchment. Page 1 of 7
Mandatory Requirements Current National Police Check Current Working with Children Check Current Valid Drivers Licence Essential Selection Criteria Essential Selection Criteria 1. Identify as being Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and be an active member within your community. Cultural competency: awareness, knowledge, empathy and the capacity to respond in a culturally 2. safe way to the individual and changing needs of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people we work with. 2. Demonstrated experience working with young people (10 to 17 years) with complex needs and /or a history of trauma, offence and disrupted attachment Knowledge and understanding of interventions which may assist families and young people 3. including case management, counselling, evidence based assessment and offence focused behaviour intervention 5. Well-developed communication skills, including effective problem solving, dispute resolution and advocacy. 6. Capacity to develop and work to formal behaviour management plans, and deliver cognitive disability screening tool and YLS/CMI-AA (Training will be provided); 7. Relevant tertiary qualifications and/or a minimum of 3 years experience in a relevant sector 8. Knowledge and understanding of ways to engage involuntary clients and rapidly engage with young people and families in a planned, outcomes driven model 9. Ability to work collaboratively with other stakeholders, including government agencies Key Responsibilities and Duties Key Responsibilities Deliver high quality client-centred case management Focus Areas Provide holistic support and case coordination Facilitate quality of life outcomes for young people and their families; improved self-care and wellbeing, safety and security, connections to support and community, engagement with education/training. Delivering high quality strengths-based, person-centred, trauma informed intensive case planning Involve young person and family in case planning Provide targeted family interventions to young people and their families who have complex needs, including domestic and family violence Provide evidence-informed behaviour interventions in response to anti-social behaviour and challenging behaviours; and pro-criminal attitudes Effectively engage involuntary clients and mitigate against the risk that clients may be reluctant to participate in the service Complete an initial safety and risk assessments Deliver cognitive disability screening tool and YLS/CMI-AA Develop and work to formal behaviour management plans Provide a client centred approach to understand needs, risks and strengths and build capacity and independence Page 2 of 7
Key Responsibilities Collaborate with other service providers and stakeholders to provide integrated service delivery Foster innovation and culture of continuous improvement Focus Areas Incorporates conflict management and family mediation when working with young people, their families and their communities Service responses that are developmentally and culturally appropriate to the target group Collaborate with other service providers and stakeholders to support integrated service delivery Ensure clients understand their rights and responsibilities, supporting informed consent, active participation and client empowerment Complete brokerage assessments and procedures as per organisational policy and procedure guidelines Develop, document and maintain case plans in accordance with program guidelines and the Practice Framework Ensure that measurable and achievable case plan goals are developed to support the client Collaborate and innovate when immediate solutions are not available. Maintain accurate records that are clear and comprehensive Plan transitions, exits or disengagements from the service Evaluate and review client outcomes, prepare reports and communicate findings Monitor and manage risk at all times. Discuss identified risks and risk management practices with colleagues and supervisor Regularly reflect on work practice Positively promote the service and contribute to community knowledge of issues that affect young people Participate in multi service/ disciplinary case management processes Maintain up-to-date knowledge about relevant services, support agencies and initiatives available to young people. Share this knowledge and the availability of services and resources Create and maintain collaborative relationships with stakeholders, brokers, subcontractors and other service providers. Communicate with relevant individuals, services, organisations and departments to advocate on behalf of and meet the needs of the clients Develop and maintain strategies to provide service to isolated communities Plan and conduct community education and group work as required Maintain up-to-date knowledge of evidence-based practice and policy developments relevant to service delivery Regularly reflect on work practice Seek and obtain stakeholder feedback on service delivery and incorporate feedback in future activities Promote and participate in evaluation and research Accurately document, all client service complaints, grievances and critical incidents in accordance with relevant policies and procedures. Ensure that clients understand that complaints are welcomed and viewed as opportunities to improve. Maintain consistent and high quality standards of program reporting Create and maintain confidential up to date client records as required by Social Futures and funding bodies Contribute to Social Futures results based accountability framework data collection processes Maintain up to date work plans and summary of activities for inclusion in project reports and data collection processes Page 3 of 7
Key Responsibilities Actively contribute to team and organisational culture Work to achieve organisational goals Focus Areas Be an active, contributing team member, working to the values of the role and organisation and strategic objectives Attend relevant meetings including: Social Futures Staff meetings, supervision and performance reviews, ensuring a partnership approach Provide support and share your knowledge and expertise across the organisation Regularly seek, respond to, and be open to learn from feedback and suggestions for improvement, including participating in training and development opportunities Work proactively to resolve complaints, concerns or conflict in a positive manner Model inclusiveness and organisational values Foster a culture of child safety Be flexible and willing to work in various areas of the organisation Mentor, support and/or supervise trainees, student placement or new staff members as required Demonstrate commitment to and promotion of a culture of service excellence and continual improvement Participate in promoting the service and organisation based on values and principles and ethics of the organisation Have a comprehensive understanding of and comply with Workplace Health and Safety, Child Protection, EEO, Ethical Work Practice and other legislative requirements Attend relevant meetings including: Social Futures Staff, Family and Community services division, Case review, local inter-agencies and other meetings as required. Assist Social Futures to develop projects which are consistent with strategic aims and objectives Project a positive image to the community on behalf of individual clients and the organisation Any other duties as required to support the projects and/or the objectives of Social Futures Page 4 of 7
Competencies, Skills and Attributes Technical 1. Tertiary qualification and / or extensive experience relevant to social services 2. Current National Police Check 3. Current Working with Children Check 4. Current valid Driver Licence Experience and Knowledge 1. Ability to incorporate and apply theoretical concepts from a practice framework 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Knowledge of and skills in application of client centred, strength based case management framework including holistic planning Demonstrated knowledge and skills in the assessment of young people at risk, including the ability to integrate family background and dynamics to ongoing intervention, including conflict resolution and family mediation and referral recommendations Demonstrates skill in developing productive therapeutic alliance with young people and their supports displaying empathy, respect, support and problems solving Demonstrated awareness and sensitivity to diversity issues and recognises triggers, biases, beliefs and does not allow them to interfere with service delivery or job performance Demonstrates understanding of the issues which may impact upon clients such trauma, sexual identity, domestic, violence, mental illness, A&OD use, physical or cognitive disabilities Demonstrates a thorough knowledge and understanding of the Child Protection sector and other key referral agencies and ability to coordinate service delivery through appropriate referrals Presents clear, informative, accurate, and prompt observations (written and verbal) in relation to Case Planning goals/objectives Excellent understanding of current evidence base and best practice in human services including: person centred, trauma informed and developmental approaches in relation to service provision Attributes and Values 1. Demonstrates openness to supervision and training and a flexibility to incorporate other points of view to improve performance. Engages in reflective practice and responsiveness. 2. Demonstrates behaviours that treat others with respect, care and compassion 3. Shows concern and respect for others and promotes a collaborative work environment 4. 5. 6. Excellent service standards that ensures that those who seek assistance are either provided support or a next step Excellent cultural competency informing culturally appropriate communication and engagement skills underpinned by awareness, knowledge, empathy and the capacity to respond in a culturally safe way to the individual and changing needs of the ATSI people we work with Recognises the value in people s different opinions, lifestyles and approaches and the learning opportunity it presents 7. Ability and desire to learn from others in the organisation and share knowledge and learnings 8. Proven history of following up commitments with action Compliance 1. Understands and complies with company policies and procedures Page 5 of 7
2. 3. Willingness and desire to comply with health and safety policy and procedure to ensure safety of self and others Follows guidelines, policies and procedures when committing financial resources or processing financial transactions 4. Maintains appropriate boundaries in all interactions with children, young people, families and staff according to Social Futures Code of Conduct, policies and procedures 5. Demonstrates knowledge of applicable regulatory requirements governing mandated child abuse/neglect reporting requirements Page 6 of 7
Inherent Requirements of the Work Activities/Environment The following table identifies the physical and psychological work environment characteristics that are inherent requirements of the role. Where possible Social Futures will make reasonable adjustments to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their roles. Element Key Activity Frequency Manage demanding and changing workloads and competing priorities Work in a team environment Work in different geographic locations Work Environment Be exposed to all outdoor weather conditions Work office hours with the possibility of extended hours Work in an open plan office Work in buildings which may have multiple stories Sit at a computer or in meetings for extended periods Reasonably high levels of mobile phone use Liaise with our staff People Contact Liaise with government, non-government, businesses, and other community organisations Liaise with clients/customers Undertake intensive administrative tasks, which include computer work, report writing, participating in meetings Administrative Tasks and concentrating for long periods of time Use technology including photocopier, telephones including mobiles, fax, overhead projectors, televisions, videos, electronic whiteboards Transport Drive vehicles possibly over long distances and in all traffic and weather conditions Use public transport including trains, buses, trams and taxis Page 7 of 7