Baabayn Aboriginal Corporation seeks to appoint a part-time Youth Worker to lead the delivery of Speak Up Sis, a youth group for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander teenage and immediately pre-teenage girls in the greater Mount Druitt area. The group meets for 3 hours after school on Thursdays.

This is a one-day-per-week position. You will be required to work on Thursdays from midday to about 8.00 p.m.

If you have what it takes to run a cultural playgroup for children aged 5­–13 and would enjoy doing so, we may be able to offer you additional hours on Monday evenings to facilitate the Jarjums Club that happens while parents and carers are enjoying their weekly yarn-up.

Speak Up Sis and Your Role in it

Speak Up Sis meets after school from 4.00 to 7.00 p.m. on Thursdays during the school terms. Numbers are capped at 12 girls. Sessions provide opportunities to connect with culture, build friendships and engage in a range of enjoyable and skill-building activities.

Intergenerational trauma is widespread in our community because of the impact of failed government interventions. Among other purposes, this program is run as a “primary prevention” initiative to counter the temptations posed to teenage girls in our community by alcohol and other drugs. All our work at Baabayn is strengths-based, and this program is designed to nurture self-esteem and pride in identity and culture.

If you are the successful applicant, your primary responsibilities will be:

• Delivery (including coordination and facilitation) of a weekly evening youth group open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls aged 11–16;
• Planning, administration and logistical arrangements for the program;
• Mentoring and supervision of a Youth Programs Support Worker who makes a significant contribution to the facilitation of group sessions and has cultural skills that she can share with participants;
• Individual support, guidance and referral for youth group participants as required and as possible within the time available.

For details of your responsibilities, please see the position description that is available via this job-board.

SELECTION CRITERIA

A. Essential -- The minimum qualifications and core competencies we will require you to demonstrate in your written application and/or at interview

1. Demonstrated ability to work with Aboriginal people in a culturally appropriate and empowering manner
2. Demonstrated ability to work with young people who may be experiencing complex issues
3. Certificate IV in Youth Work or equivalent qualification (or ability to demonstrate skills and competencies to an equivalent standard)
4. At least one year of experience in youth work, paid or unpaid
5. Demonstrated administrative and organisational ability
6. Excellent communication skills, both orally and in writing
7. Understanding of, and commitment to, trauma-informed and strength-based practice
8. Ability to work both independently and in a team environment

B. Desirable—any of the following would stand you in good stead for success in this role:

• Working knowledge of one or more Australian Aboriginal cultural forms, e.g., painting, dance
• Experience of providing “edutainment” to school-age children up to age 13
• Diploma in Youth Work
• Experience of advocacy
• Demonstrated success in applying for funding
• Demonstrated knowledge of the not-for-profit sector
• Excellent networking skills

A current, valid NSW Working With Children Check clearance & current, valid NSW driving license will be conditions of employment. Any offer of employment will also be subject to the provision to Baabayn of evidence of your relevant qualifications and a satisfactory National Police Check certificate.

You will be expected either to hold a current First Aid certificate and Aboriginal Mental Health First Aid Certificate or to acquire these as soon as possible after appointment.

Baabayn Aboriginal Corporation considers that being Aboriginal is a genuine occupational requirement for this position under Section 14 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW).

Baabayn Aboriginal Corporation considers that being a woman is a genuine occupational requirement for this position under Section 31 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW).

Your pay, conditions and length of employment with us

If you are the successful applicant, we expect to pay you at Level Four, Pay Point 1 of the Social, Community, Home Care & Disability Services Award scale. However, we may make an offer at a higher pay point if your qualifications and experience merit extra consideration and if our funding permits. Other conditions and benefits will be in accordance with the National Employment Standards and the above award. Salary packaging can be negotiated with our financial manager, preferably before your first payday with Baabayn.

Your contract will be for one year, until 30 June 2023. An extension for one additional year may be considered subject to funding, your performance, and on-going need for the position.

Please feel free to email Amanda at [email protected], using the subject line: Youth Worker enquiry via EthicalJobs, if you have questions about the position or the application and selection processes.