ABOUT THE LES TWENTYMAN FOUNDATION

The Les Twentyman Foundation believes that every child and young person, regardless of economic circumstances, race or gender deserves an equal opportunity in life.

Working across Greater Melbourne, our dedicated team supports hundreds of kids aged between five and 25, who face multiple stresses holding them back from living a life that every child deserves, including poverty, mental health, unemployment, racism, addiction, domestic violence, and crime.

Our work focuses on keeping children and young people engaged with their education, families and connected to the community, building hope, and ensuring they do not end up homeless, living on the streets or engaged with the youth justice system.

Founded by legendary youth worker Les Twentyman OAM, we have a history of more than 30 years supporting at-risk youth. We know that keeping kids connected and engaged with their education is key to helping young people realise their true potential and to create a brighter future for themselves and their families.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Fautasi (meaning 'Build Together') Pasifika Youth Outreach Program is a community based early intervention program for young people from Pacific Island and Māori backgrounds living in Brimbank and Melton in Melbourne's northwest, who are at risk of disengaging from school or becoming involved in the Youth Justice system.

This Youth Worker role is responsible for providing early intervention with the goal of diverting young people away from the youth justice system and re-engaging young people with school, employment pathways and the community. The Youth Worker implements strategies and counselling to connect young people with their families, community and education and employment networks, in ways that are developmentally appropriate and responsive to the needs and contexts of individual young people.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Working as part of the Youth Services Team, the Youth Worker will have the following responsibilities:

1. Undertake assertive outreach to initiate and maintain contact with young people from Pasifika and Māori backgrounds who are at risk of disengagement from services and community
2. Implement a range of strategies including but not limited to intensive individual case management, group work, family work, collaboration, and care planning
3. Advocate on behalf of young people and build collaborative relationships with other key stakeholders to enhance service co-ordination
4. Support the development and maintenance of family relationships
5. Provide referral and links to a range of youth services including primary health, housing, legal, justice, employment/educational and recreational activities
6. Collaborate on the planning, development and delivery of the program including continuous improvement and outcomes evaluation
7. Using CSnet (client management system), ensure client files, data and reporting are up to date, contemporaneous, accurate and meets both organisational and legislative requirements and periods
8. Support other activities of the Les Twentyman Foundation as required including events, fundraising, public relations, and business development
9. Undertake other reasonable duties as requested by the General Manager, Programs, or the CEO.

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

• Relevant qualifications in Youth Work, Social Work, Family Therapy, Psychology, or other health/welfare fields
• Demonstrated understanding of and/or experience working with young people from Pasifika and/or Māori backgrounds
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with stakeholders particularly young people, schools, employment, and recreation services
• Demonstrated ability to advocate on behalf of young people, in particular with stakeholders across Courts, Youth Justice, and Education
• Demonstrated experience in using a contemporary client management system coupled with a high standard of documentation, reporting, compliance and policy management, legislation monitoring and organisational procedures
• Knowledge and understanding of adolescent development and ability to practice a range of interventions including assessment, case work, care planning, group work, advocacy, crisis intervention and collaborative outreach-based service delivery
• Highly developed engagement and communication skills with experience working with young people from a range of backgrounds and age groups
• Demonstrated capacity to work effectively both independently and within a multidisciplinary team setting
• Excellent computer skills, including a high degree of proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with IT-based reporting systems.

Employment will also be subject to current First Aid certificate, current Victorian Driver’s License, “National Police Record Check” and “Working with Children” check.

A position description is attached.