Youth Specialist – Mount Isa Next Generation Strong

Job Posting Organization:
54 reasons is Australia’s leading child rights organisation, established as a not-for-profit entity that is part of the Save the Children Australia Group. The organization is dedicated to ensuring that children and young people have their rights met and thrive in all their diversity. With a workforce of approximately 600 employees, 54 reasons operates across every state and territory in Australia, including remote areas and capital cities. The organization focuses on providing quality services to children and their caregivers, emphasizing the importance of the child's voice in all its programs and support services.

Job Overview:
In this full-time, permanent role, the Youth Specialist will play a crucial role in establishing the Mount Isa Next Generation Strong program, which aims to provide holistic case management to young people aged 10-16 who have been involved with the youth justice system. The position requires innovative, creative, and compassionate individuals who are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of these young people. The Youth Specialist will be responsible for case planning and one-on-one mentoring, facilitating activities that enhance social and emotional wellbeing, and developing trusting relationships with young people and their families. The role also involves identifying additional assistance and external services needed for the youth, ensuring they receive the appropriate support and referrals to help them succeed in their education, training, or employment pathways.

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

• Developing and implementing individualized case plans for young people based on their specific goals, educational needs, and cultural backgrounds.
• Conducting one-on-one mentoring sessions to support young people in achieving their personal and educational objectives.
• Facilitating activities that promote social and emotional wellbeing, life skills development, and educational attainment.
• Building and maintaining trusting relationships with young people and their families to foster a supportive environment.
• Connecting young people to community resources and cultural activities to enhance their sense of belonging and identity.
• Identifying and coordinating additional support services as needed, providing information and referrals to external agencies.
• Collaborating with a multidisciplinary team of specialists, including teachers, youth support staff, and family support staff, to ensure comprehensive support for each young person.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Youth Specialist position must possess demonstrated skills, knowledge, and experience in working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth and families, as well as families at risk and young people involved in the youth justice system. A degree or diploma in a related field is required, or significant relevant experience may be considered in lieu of formal qualifications. Additionally, candidates should have strong interpersonal skills, the ability to work collaboratively within a team, and a commitment to supporting young people in achieving their goals.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a degree or diploma in social work, psychology, youth work, or a related field. Candidates with significant relevant experience in lieu of formal qualifications may also be considered. The organization values diverse educational experiences that contribute to the candidate's ability to effectively support young people and their families.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have substantial experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth and families, as well as experience in case management or mentoring roles. Familiarity with the youth justice system and an understanding of the challenges faced by young people in this context are essential. Candidates should demonstrate a track record of successfully supporting young people in achieving positive outcomes in their lives.

Languages:
While there are no specific language requirements mentioned, proficiency in English is mandatory. Additional languages, particularly those spoken by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, would be considered advantageous and beneficial for effective communication with the youth and families served by the program.

Additional Notes:
This is a full-time, permanent position based in Mount Isa, Queensland. The organization offers a competitive salary at the award rate (Level 4.1 currently $44.58 per hour) plus superannuation and full salary packaging benefits. Employees are entitled to a generous annual remote location allowance, return flights home every 12 months for those relocating, and five weeks of annual leave, along with additional leave options. The organization emphasizes workplace wellness and provides access to a confidential Employee Wellbeing Program. There are opportunities for internal deployment and career progression within one of Australia’s largest non-profits. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates to apply.