• Newman location
• Flexible 38-hour week, workdays/nights to fit with programs.
• Full time (2-year Fixed Term Contract) $39.01 per hour + 17.5% leave loading
• Level 4.1– Crisis Assistance, Supported Housing Industry Award (WA)
• 5 weeks annual leave per annum pro rata
• Regional Location allowance for Newman as per Award
• Superannuation as per Superannuation Guarantee
• Subsidised housing and utilities in Newman (if relocating to Newman and residing in staff housing)
• 1 return flight between Newman and Perth per annum (after completing 12 months)
• Access to NWS Employee Assistance Program
• Opportunity to enter into a salary sacrifice arrangement. 

About Us

Newman Women’s Shelter (NWS) is a small Not-For-Profit community organisation based in Newman providing Family and Domestic Violence support and accommodation, Youth services and Emergency Relief Services for Newman, Nullagine, Marble Bar and surrounding Aboriginal communities in the East Pilbara region. 

Services include:

• Family and Domestic Violence (FDV) support and advocacy, FDV 24hr accessible women and children shelter, FDV crisis accommodation and transitional housing 
• Mobile Outreach Support Programs in the East Pilbara region 
• Emergency Relief Programs (Food in the Park Project, Financial assistance and material aid)
• Youth Services (Martu Night Patrol, Safe Space, holiday program in Punmu Community)

NWS is a culturally safe, diverse and environmentally conscious organisation. NWS are signatories of the Cultural Compact and recognise Nyiyaparli Traditional Owners of the Country on which Newman stands and the Martu people as the Custodians of Jigalong which sits in Nyiyaparli Country. 

About the role

The Martu Support Youth Worker (MSYW) will work with at-risk young people accessing Martu Night Patrol (MNP), Food in the Park Project (FIPP) the upcoming new program Safe Space (KJ and NWS collaboration) and deliver youth focused activities in Punmu community during the school holidays.

The MSYW will work with MNP/FIPP/Safe Space and our key stakeholder partnerships to reduce drug-related crime and anti-social behaviour among Martu youth. It will trial a targeted support and engagement program addressing issues like substance abuse, lack of activities, purpose, and family violence.

The role will contribute to achieving the initiative's intended outcomes, including:

• Prevent or reduce offending among target participants.
• Reduce antisocial behaviour in the target location.
• Provide additional supports and linkages to these supports.
• Improved wellbeing through health and social support.

In doing so, the initiative will benefit Martu youth through enabling:

• Improved sense of wellbeing through increased health and social support
• Improved sense of connection through increased engagement
• Increased sense of purpose and pride through personal development activities.

The initiative will also provide indirect benefits to:

• Parents and family members of Martu youth through strengthened family relationships 
• Reduced or prevented dealings with the criminal and justice systems.
• Newman community through improved social cohesion and perception of safety, and cultural understanding.

Key accountabilities

Key Activities:

• Diversionary Activities: Develop and implement age-appropriate activities including sports, arts, music, movie nights, and community activities.
• Personal Development: Culturally sensitive activities aimed at personal growth, skill development, and building confidence.
• Case Management and Referrals: Support plans, advocacy, court support, follow-up support and monitoring referrals.
• Relationship Building: Strengthen relationships with Martu youth and families through intensive case management, follow-up support, and proactive community outreach
• Community Collaboration: Enhance collaboration between local agencies through advocacy, improved processes, and sharing information to better support Martu youth.
• Activity Coordination: Develop and deliver a schedule of events aimed at alleviating boredom, addressing peak times of antisocial activity, and providing information and awareness on the effects of substance abuse. To be done in 
• Data Collection and Reporting: Collect and manage key project data, including participation rates, feedback from activities and events, and relevant statistics through the MNP monitoring and evaluation system, development of case studies.
• Provide monthly reports to support funding contractual requirements
• Maintain the outreach vehicle, ensuring it is clean and operational for service delivery.

Special Note

School Holiday Activities are provided by MSYW in collaboration with Punmu Community 4x2 week periods annually according to Outreach Community Trips Schedule.

MSYW will provide activities everyday whilst based at Pumu travel time inclusive. MSYW must seek permission from the Community CEO to deliver these programs should LORE or Sorry Camp occur.  Cultural/On-Country Activities are in collaboration with KJ/School to maximise engagement with young people.

The MSYW reports to the Community Services Manager and will attend regular monthly supervision and support as required. 

• Attend MNP/FIPP/Safe Space staff meetings where relevant
• Attend quarterly Organisation meetings (compulsory)
• Collect and manage project data, including participation rates, case management notes, and activity logs.
• Collaborate with the MNP TL/FIPP TL/Safe Space youth workers, and external consultants for evaluation and reporting.
• Familiarise self with NWS Policies and Procedures and systems.

Selection Criteria

• Knowledge and experience in culturally sensitive practices, with a deep understanding of Indigenous culture, issues impacting at-risk Indigenous youth, and the ability to communicate effectively with Indigenous people.
• Experience in case management.
• Ability to relate, encourage, and support at-risk young people to feel safe in various settings
• Implementing age-appropriate activities.
• Ability to advocate for young people and their needs with external agencies and stakeholders.
• Excellent role modelling.
• High-level accountable and transparent communication skills (written and verbal), including maintaining statistics, writing reports, and facilitating meetings and group activities.
• Excellent time management, with the ability to manage competing demands within limited timeframes.
• Non-judgmental and flexible attitude, including excellent listening skills.
• Understanding of the principles of Community Development.
• Ability and willingness to work as part of a team approach.
• Excellent negotiation and networking skills, with the ability to network and liaise with local agencies and key stakeholders.
• Maintain professional boundaries and adhere to privacy and confidentiality principles.
• Must be physically fit and capable of performing physically demanding tasks as required.
• Commitment to working within NWS’s Vision and Mission.
• Willingness to live in Newman full time

DESIRED

• Experience working with Martu at-risk youth
• Knowledge of trauma informed and strength-based practice. 
• Group facilitation skills
• Event planning (basketball carnivals/evening discos/music events etc.)

Relevant Experience, Qualifications and Training

• Qualifications: Certification either in Youth work, Community Services, AOD, OR
• 5 years’ minimum experience in a community organisation working with at-risk young people and Indigenous youth. 
• Valid Working with Children Check Card
• Valid Driver’s License
• Valid Police Check 
• First Aid Certificate
• Food handling Certificate
• Cultural Awareness Training or willingness to obtain
• Experience in 4WD or willingness to obtain
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and data entry

To Apply

Please submit your application which should include a cover letter outlining your skills and experience relative to the essential criteria and your resume with contactable references via the "Apply Now" button.

Applications will be reviewed and shortlisted as received.

Please note: Applications for this position will only be accepted from those with Australian residency or a valid work permit.  All candidates will be assessed based on their suitability to the criteria. The organisation reserves the right to employ their candidate of choice. There will be no appeal process.