Community Development Worker

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. The organization operates across every state and territory in Australia, providing quality services to children and their caregivers. With a workforce of approximately 600 employees, 54 reasons is committed to making a difference in the lives of children and young people, focusing on community partnerships and collaboration.

Job Overview:
The Community Development Worker position is a full-time, maximum term role that will last until the end of September 202

• This role is pivotal in supporting communities in the wake of the Bondi terrorist attack, aiming to build stronger, more connected support pathways for young people across Sydney. The position requires significant travel (up to 75%) throughout the Sydney metropolitan area and potentially to regional locations to reach young people in various communities and settings. The successful candidate will engage young people through proactive outreach, work within existing community networks, provide case coordination, deliver psycho-education groups, and build strong relationships with schools, youth services, community organisations, and families. This role is hands-on and community-embedded, offering the opportunity to make a real difference as part of a meaningful, government-supported community recovery initiative.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Community Development Worker include: engaging young people through proactive outreach across Randwick, Waverley, and Southwest Sydney; identifying individuals who may benefit from additional support within existing community networks; providing case coordination to ensure young people are connected to the right services at the right time; delivering psycho-education groups to empower young people with tools to understand and manage their wellbeing; building strong relationships with schools, youth services, community organisations, and families; and strengthening coordinated community responses to help services work together more effectively. This role requires a hands-on approach to community engagement and support, with a focus on creating lasting change for children and young people.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires proven experience working with children and families in community settings to achieve measurable, agreed outcomes using strengths-based approaches. Candidates should have strong capabilities in engaging, advocating, and partnering with families to support positive change in culturally diverse communities. Experience in delivering impact through place-based work with CALD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse) and/or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families is essential. Additionally, candidates must demonstrate the ability to collaborate with local services and community stakeholders to coordinate effective, outcome-driven support, possess sound knowledge of local community resources, and have the ability to work autonomously and drive results in dynamic environments. Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to navigate service systems are also critical for this role.

Educational Background:
While the job description does not specify exact educational requirements, candidates are typically expected to have relevant qualifications in community development, social work, psychology, or a related field. A background in child welfare or youth services may also be beneficial, as it aligns with the organization's mission to support children and young people.

Experience:
Candidates should have significant experience in community or youth-focused services, demonstrating clear and empathetic communication skills and strong problem-solving abilities. The role requires a deep understanding of the challenges faced by at-risk youth and the ability to create long-term support pathways for them. Experience in program development and implementation that builds resilience and provides support to at-risk youth is highly valued.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is essential. Additional language skills, particularly in languages spoken by CALD communities, would be advantageous and considered a plus for this role.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time role with a maximum term until the end of September 202

• The salary is awarded at Level 4.1, currently $44.58 per hour, plus superannuation and full salary packaging benefits. The organization offers individual learning plans for career development, internal employment opportunities, supportive management, and workplace wellness programs. The organization encourages diversity and inclusion, welcoming applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates and individuals from diverse backgrounds. All employees are required to undergo a National Police Check and a Working with Children Check, and must adhere to the Child Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct.