Youth Specialist – Staying on Track

Job Posting Organization:
54 reasons is Australia’s leading child rights organisation, part of the Save the Children Australia Group and a global movement dedicated to ensuring that children and young people have their rights met and thrive in all their diversity. Established to provide quality services to children and their caregivers, 54 reasons operates across every state and territory in Australia, including remote areas and capital cities. The organization is committed to nurturing potential, renewing hope, and empowering young people to build brighter futures through community support and tailored initiatives.

Job Overview:
In this full-time permanent role, the Youth Specialist will work closely with young people aged 10-17 who are transitioning from youth detention back into their communities. The position is based in Doomadgee and is part of the multidisciplinary Staying on Track team, reporting to the Team Leader. The role focuses on providing intensive case work, follow-up, and referrals to specialist services, ensuring that the support provided is culturally responsive and incorporates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives. The Youth Specialist will be responsible for case management that is collaborative and client-centered, helping young people meet their individual needs while fostering self-reliance and independence. The position also involves monitoring and evaluating program outcomes to ensure effectiveness and responsiveness to the needs of the participants.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Youth Specialist will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including:

• Providing intensive case work support to young people involved in the youth justice system, ensuring follow-up and referrals to other specialist services as needed.
• Designing and delivering culturally responsive services that embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives.
• Collaborating with young people to develop case management plans that are tailored to their individual needs and goals.
• Supporting young people in their transition back to the community, helping them to build self-reliance and independence.
• Monitoring and evaluating the outcomes of programs to assess their effectiveness and make necessary adjustments.
• Engaging with local mentors and community leaders to foster reintegration and long-term wellbeing for participants.
• Maintaining accurate records and documentation related to case management and program outcomes.
• Participating in team meetings and professional development opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires several key qualifications, including:

• Demonstrated skills and experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, particularly those in contact with the justice system.
• Proven experience in youth work or case management roles, with a strong understanding of the challenges faced by young people in these contexts.
• An understanding of complex intergenerational trauma and its impact on young people's lives.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, enabling effective interaction with young people, families, and other stakeholders.
• A commitment to child protection and the ability to respond safely and effectively to concerns.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage and plan one's own workload effectively.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a relevant qualification in social work, youth work, psychology, or a related field. Candidates with a degree or diploma in these areas will be preferred, as they provide the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for effective case management and support of young people in the justice system.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 2-3 years of experience working in youth services, particularly in roles that involve case management or direct support for young people. Experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and understanding the unique challenges faced by these populations is highly desirable. Familiarity with the youth justice system and its processes will also be beneficial.

Languages:
While English is the mandatory language for this position, proficiency in Aboriginal languages or other community languages would be considered an asset, enhancing communication and rapport with young people and their families.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time permanent role based in Doomadgee, Queensland, Australia. The organization offers generous relocation assistance for candidates moving to the area. The salary is competitive, with an award rate of Level 4.1 at $44.58 per hour, plus superannuation and full salary packaging benefits. Employees are entitled to extra leave and access to a range of wellness programs, including a confidential Employee Wellbeing Program. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all employees feel supported regardless of their background. All employees must undergo a National Police Check and a Working with Children Check as part of the hiring process.