About us

Canteen is dedicated to supporting young people and their families affected by cancer. Founded by young cancer patients, our mission is to provide essential programs, services, and resources that positively impact the lives of 12-25 year-olds facing their own diagnosis, dealing with a close family member's cancer, or grieving the loss of a loved one. We believe in the transformative power of our team, and together, we aim to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.

Canteen’s success is built on the capability and motivation of its people. We are now seeking a Programs Officer to join our team where you will be responsible for designing, delivering, and evaluating a portfolio of peer support, psychosocial and recreational initiatives for Canteen’s service users. You will play a key role in Canteen’s psychosocial practices and act as a key support worker for participants where appropriate, safeguarding the wellbeing of young people through their Canteen experience. This is a high-energy role for a natural communicator who can engage young people, volunteers, and the general public about our work. Above all, you are dedicated to meaningful impact.

About our benefits

Canteen’s culture is unique, offering you an inspiring, rewarding, and purposeful work experience with endless opportunities. Check out our LinkedIn Life Page for insight into our employee experience.

• Base Salary + Superannuation + Not-For-Profit Salary Packaging (up to $15,900 of your salary tax-free).
• 5 Weeks Annual Leave.
• Learning & Development opportunities.

About our role

• Design, deliver and evaluate a portfolio of peer support, psychosocial and recreational initiatives for Canteen’s service users.
• Design and plan a yearly calendar of events including recreation activities and day and overnight programs for young people living with cancer.
• Travel frequently to Melbourne to support the development and facilitation of programs and events.
• Travel interstate to support and attend other states programs, national camps and multi-day events, and training opportunities.
• Induct and retain volunteers for events, recreation activities and psychosocial day and overnight programs in line with Canteen’s volunteer management processes.
• Ensure events, activities and psychosocial day and overnight programs are actively promoted with all promotional materials and social media activity compliant with Canteen’s brand guidelines.
• Attend and promote Canteen at relevant conferences and networking forums as identified in your state/territory plan.
• Conduct thorough risk analysis of all activities in line with Canteen’s risk management guidelines and ensure all sign off is completed to timelines specified in Canteen’s operating procedures.
• Adhere to all child protection policies and procedures including monitoring ‘working with children checks’ for volunteers and local leadership participants.
• Plan accurate estimation of yearly events, recreation activities, psychosocial day and overnight programs costs with Team Leader

About You

• Tertiary qualification in youth work, social work, education, human services, or related fields.
• Certified in First Aid and Mental Health First Aid or ability to attain both certificates.
• ASIST or similar suicide prevention training (desirable).
• Current driver's license
• Background in supporting young people experiencing significant life challenges.
• Demonstrated skills designing and delivering engaging events, recreation programs and programs with significant psychosocial practice elements (e.g. structured group work time).
• Strong organisational/project planning and time management skills.
• Ability to think creatively and innovatively regarding recreation and other program activities.
• Strong communication and networking skills.
• Approachable, ability to listen actively, friendly, and professional.

Nature of Work

• Location: Tas - Hobart
• Job Type: Permanent F/T
• Hours and Days of Work: Monday to Friday, with afterhours and weekends work required

*Due to the nature of Canteen’s work, you will be required to (very) occasionally work weekends and evenings. Advance notice will be given when this is the case, and Canteen does have a Time off in Lieu policy for taking leave as agreed with the supervising manager.

If you’re passionate about what you do and are ready to make a difference, apply now. Applications close on Sunday the 19th of November.

Do not delay in applying as we will be reviewing applications periodically during this time. Please submit your Resume and Cover Letter outlining your relevant experience.

Only applicants selected for interview will be contacted. Canteen acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as Australia’s First Peoples and sovereign custodians of this land. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. Canteen is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and people of all ages. We welcome all people including those from diverse backgrounds, faiths, sexual orientation and/or gender identities.

Employment Expectations

To ensure an ongoing commitment to the success of Canteen, all applications must be able to:

• Successfully complete and maintain a current National Police Check and Working with Child Check relevant to the individual’s state jurisdiction.
• Undergo an extensive screening process prior to appointment to guarantee the safety of all Canteen’s stakeholders.
• Provide at least two direct referees to ensure a successful reference check is completed.
• Provide relevant copies of professional qualification/s stated on the application.
• [If a COVID-19 Vaccine is recommended] Canteen employees are encouraged to have received the recommended doses of an approved COVID-19 vaccine