Senior Outreach Youth Worker

Job Location: Melbourne Western Suburbs
Employer: Melbourne City Mission
Full time

Summary

• Join our passionate North West Youth Outreach team to make a difference in young people’s lives
• Be part of an engaging team that thrives on challenges
• Ongoing full time position with salary packaging benefits available

About the program

Melbourne City Mission Youth Refuges aim to provide safe, secure short-term accommodation for young people 16 – 24 years of age experiencing homelessness, and assist them in moving toward independent living. The service provides accommodation, support, counselling, information and assistance to young people based on their needs (e.g. Centrelink, health and legal services) and support in finding suitable accommodation options.

The Refuge and North West Youth Outreach (NWYOT) programs work within a strength-based framework, and focus on assisting young people to build their existing skills and develop their own capabilities. Referrals are accepted under the Opening Doors Framework from Homelessness Access Points and direct from MCM Youth Refuges. 
Melbourne City Mission operates four Youth Refuges situated in the North West and North East of Melbourne:

• Stopover Youth Refuge is situated in North Fitzroy and can accommodate 9 young people.
• Iramoo Youth Refuge is located in Footscray and accommodates 8 single young people with the capacity to accommodate 2 sibling groups or couples.
• Vicky’s Place Youth Refuge accommodates up to 8 young women and their children in Rosanna. This is a secure address.
• Western Region Accommodation Program (WRAP) Youth Refuge is located in Sunshine and is a cluster model refuge that can accommodate 2 single males, 2 single females in shared spaces, and has 2 family units.

Melbourne City Mission Refuges and the North-West Outreach team work closely with NWYOT being based at the WRAP Youth Refuge. The team provides early intervention, post refuge support, community development and Youth Refuge capacity building activities within an outreach and In-Reach capacity

About the role

To oversee the day to day operations of the NWYOT, lead and supervise the team, and be responsible for ensuring that young people receive a high-quality service. 

As a leadership role, the Senior Worker is expected to operate autonomously with the support and direction of the Operations Manager and undertake a range of functions for which operational practices and guidelines may need to be developed. With the support of the Operations Manager, the Senior worker will have responsibility for decision making for the NWYOT , in line with divisional and MCM strategic plans, and will provide expert advice relating to Youth Refuge provision. 

Skills and experience

• A bachelor degree in Social Work, Youth Work or related fields with extensive experience of working with young people from a diverse range of backgrounds.
• Demonstrated experience leading a team of professionals working in a youth homelessness context with the ability to oversee a range of crisis interventions and management strategies to young people at risk.
• A demonstrated ability to lead, guide, supervise and support employees with a sound understanding of supervision guidelines and best practice principles.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and delivering high quality programs and services.
• Strong ability to actively and assertively engage young people with complex needs, with a focus on assertive outreach within the community
• A comprehensive understanding of the homelessness service system with specialist knowledge of patterns, trends and systemic issues, and principles in working with at risk young people.
• Knowledge of statutory requirements and legislation relevant to youth homelessness.

Download a position description for the full duties and key selection criteria

How to apply

For more information, including a position description, closing date and how to apply, please click “apply for this job” to be redirected to our website.

For more details or assistance with application submission please email: [email protected]

 

Applicants will be required to undergo a pre-employment safety screening process as part of the MCM selection process. Appointments to MCM roles will be subject to the following safety screening checks (as applicable to the role): National (and International if applicable) Police Check (which includes Proof of Identity Check), Victorian Employee Working with Children Check, Qualification Verification Check, Employment History Check, NDIS Worker Screening Check, Right to Work in Australia and current and valid driver licence. All costs associated with safety checks (except National Police Check) will be at applicants’ expense. Applicants will also be required to provide proof of their COVID-19 vaccination status as part of their application process.

Our commitment to diversity
At MCM, we embrace differences in gender, age, ethnicity, race, cultural background, disability, religion and sexual orientation. We know that diversity and inclusion help us to attract, recruit, engage and retain a team of talented people. If you require specific support to apply for this position, please advise the recruiting manager whose contact details are listed in the advertisement. We will work with you to identify the best way to assist you.  

Our commitment to safety
MCM is committed to the safety of its clients and employees, taking a zero-tolerance approach to violence within the workplace and abuse, including child abuse and abuse of people with disability. All employees are required to comply with the Child Safe Standards.

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