• Are you a youth worker with a passion for social justice?
• Are you looking for a vibrant and dynamic setting that is working towards creating positive systemic change in our community to support our most vulnerable children, young people and families?
• Want a flexible part-time position?
• If you are, THEN THIS IS WHERE YOU WANT TO BE!

ABOUT US

Banksia Gardens Community Services is a vibrant community service charitable organisation operating in the northern suburbs of Melbourne. Our programs focus mainly on education and training, young people, early childhood, environmental sustainability and community participation and advocacy.

An exciting position is available in our Banksia Community Youth Justice Alliance (BCYA) program, which provides support to young people aged 10-24 in Broadmeadows and surrounding suburbs, who are involved in the justice system. Our aim is to help change the lives of the young people we work with for the better, and to reduce crime and increase community safety. The program provides a mixture of case management services and group programs that address young people’s needs and help them navigate a path to a socially included and meaningful adult life. BCYJA links program participants into our broader organisational programs, which include social and emotional literacy and skills groups, sport and recreation programs, art and other activities, depending on the needs and interest of the young people themselves.

BCYJA relies on strategically co-located services and strong partnerships to improve access for our participants and address equity issues.

The project is underpinned by the following principles:

• Youth-centred, relationship-driven, strengths-based model
• Trauma informed practice
• Assertive outreach
• Family engagement.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Your role will be to establish positive relationships with the young people who are in contact with the justice system, and who are referred to our service to help them disengage from it. You will identity their unmet needs and unresolved issues in order to provide them with support and advocacy, including helping them navigate service systems, including educational and employment opportunities. You will be responsible for a case management load, including associated case planning, referral, advice and practical assistance, and monitor and assist your clients realise their case plan goals. You will need to working collaboratively with other Banksia Gardens Community Services programs, in keeping with our culture of collaboration, and establish and maintain partnerships with relevant stakeholders to increase access to services and equitable treatment by government and other agencies.

In short, this is your opportunity to make a difference to the lives of young people!

ABOUT YOU!

• You are passionate about youth work and community development, a great communicator with a genuine desire to make a difference within local communities experiencing disadvantage.
• You show genuine compassion and warmth when working with young people and their families, using a strength based and trauma informed approach.
• You are degree qualified in youth work or social work.
• You are creative, highly organised and take a proactive approach to working within a fast paced workplace environment.
• Fluency in a relevant local language is desirable

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• A flexible part-time position (30 hours per week)
• Join a passionate and dedicated team making a positive difference in our community.
• Organisational support for a work-life balance and a broad range of leave entitlements, including annual leave, personal leave, purchased leave, leading paid parental leave, study leave and paid family and domestic violence leave.
• Access to a range of mental health and wellbeing supportive initiatives, including confidential counselling services and education programs, through our Employee Assistance Program.
• Salary packaging and novated lease arrangements on offer with leading provider, AccessPay, reducing your tax.
• Access to a range of ongoing learning and development opportunities, including professional development from a range of highly experienced practitioners and mentors, that will support you and help build your career.

BGCS is a child-safe organisation and is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children and young people with zero tolerance for child abuse. All successful applicants will be required to undertake a National Police Record Check and Working with Children Check prior to commencement of employment and periodically following commencement.

A full position description is attached below.

To discuss the role before applying, contact Peter on 0403 367 108 (Wednesday to Friday).

To submit your application click Apply Now.