• Eaglemont location, Wurundjeri Country
• Part Time, fixed term 12 Months
• Salary package full time equivalent up to $110,000 pa (inclusive of base salary $88,761.92 + Super + Salary Packaging)

For over 140 years, Berry Street has adapted to a changing world, and we will continue to adapt to achieve our purpose. We believe children, young people and families should be safe, thriving and hopeful. Our Vision for 2022: Together we will courageously change lives and reimagine service systems. We look forward to working with children, young people, families, carers, staff and partners to achieve this vision. Together.

The Opportunity

Better Futures key workers facilitate support to care leavers, engaging with young people and their support networks, including case managers and care teams early in their transition from care. Utilising the Advantaged Thinking model across five service offers, housing and living skills, education, employment health and wellbeing and community connections young people are provided with levels of support which flex up and down according to their needs, existing support networks and the transition goals they have identified.

Better Futures is a part of the broader Leaving Care response provided to young people who are or were in Out of Home Care funded by the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) across the Northern Metro, Hume Moreland and Western Melbourne Brimbank Melton areas.

This position sits in the Better Futures team which is part of the broader Youth team.

Key Responsibilities

Better Futures recognises that all young people require ongoing support to develop and maintain their independence. 

Better Futures aims to engage earlier with care leavers, supporting them to have an active voice in the transition planning and providing access to brokerage and support to young people transitioning from care in the Northern and Western Metro area as often as required up until the age of 21.

Better Futures provides support and referrals to specialist services in the areas of counselling, accommodation, employment and training, education, health and well-being and social and family relationships. 

Additionally, the role offers support to young people transitioning from care who have been approved for rental subsidies under the Homestretch program that sits alongside the Better Futures service.

About You

• A tertiary qualification in Youth Work, Social Work or associated human service field are deemed essential. 
• Staff must hold a valid WWCC, current drivers licence at all times and undergo a Criminal Records Check prior to employment. Subsequently, staff must report any criminal charges or court appearances.
• Highly effective communication, conflict and negotiation skills.
• Have a passion and commitment to supporting vulnerable young people.
• Demonstrated ability to flexibly manage competing priorities and stressful situations, monitoring own stress levels and practising and promoting self-care strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to undertake assertive outreach to young people.

The Benefits

• Additional salary packaging available for meals/accommodation.
• Flexible work arrangements and generous leave conditions.
• Access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), including access for staff members’ immediate family.

How to Apply

Applications including resume and cover letter addressing your suitability for the position to be submitted. 

Queries to Lyn Fletcher, Manager Youth Housing and Better Futures on 0419 899 614.

Please Note; the successful applicant will be subject to comprehensive reference and background checking prior to employment, including a Working with Children Check and National Police Check.

Berry Street is committed to being a child safe, child friendly and child empowering organisation. In everything we do we seek to protect children. We are committed to the cultural safety of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children; children from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds; children with a disability; children who identify with a sexual and or gender minority identity. We aim to ensure every individual is treated with dignity and respect regardless of their cultural background, ability, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, spirituality or religion.

Aboriginal people; people from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds and people with a disability are encouraged to apply.

A position description is attached.