Youth Worker

Aspire Homes Australia is an accredited provider of residential out-of-home-care, and the preferred provider for Individual Placement Arrangements in several districts throughout NSW.

We are currently recruiting for Youth Workers in Wagga with Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander heritage. This is an exciting opportunity to provide trauma-informed therapeutic care for children and young people who have experienced significant adversity.

Aspire Homes Australia is an Equal Employment Opportunity workplace and we welcome all applicants who meet the position requirements.

**Position objective**:
To supervise, support and promote positive outcomes for children and young people in placement with the agency with specific supports provided to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people.

**Primary Role responsibilities**:
Youth Workers will commit to rostered hours by negotiation with the Team Leader.

Youth workers will engage positively with all children and young people and always promote their best interests, safety and well-being while holding a trauma-informed lens.

Youth workers will ensure cultural safety through fostering a positive cultural identity within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people.

Youth workers will seek positive, collaborative relationships with extended family and the local Aboriginal community.

Youth workers understand that safety comes from predictability and will function as part of a care team, undertaking tasks and actions as agreed by the team.

Youth workers are bound by the code of conduct and will maintain professional relationships at all times and in all circumstances.

**Operational Role Responsibilities**:
Youth Workers will contribute to day to day needs and schedules within the house.
- Ensure a healthy, well-kept living environment that is clean and reflects a home environment.
- Promote healthy routines, meals, activities and interests tailored to each resident.
- Contribute to the development of daily planners, attend appointments and meetings as requested.
- Promote positive relationships with family and friends where safe and appropriate
- Complete mandatory reporting and daily agency reporting accurately and within timeframes.
- Monitor daily workplace health and safety matters and report concerns.
- Actively engage in cultural activities and education for Aboriginal children and young people.
- Promote collaborative relationships with Aboriginal families, communities and networks to enhance shared care and decision-making that is culturally respectful and appropriate.

**Professional attributes**:
A Youth Worker understands the complexities and challenges facing children and young people, and is committed to providing high quality care and attention to each resident.
- Has a commitment to professional growth and developing therapeutic practice skills.
- Embeds therapeutic practices, routines and responses tailored to each resident.
- Assists to create a team culture that reflects positive care experience for each resident.
- Is punctual, reliable and communicates their needs and/or concerns clearly.
- Understands professional boundaries and abides by the code of conduct.
- Successfully completes training and development opportunities as requested.
- Actively seeks engagement with Aboriginal services, communities and networks.

**Personal attributes**:
Youth Worker are people-centred and enjoy building and holding relationships, and:

- Are respectful, listen deeply and reflective of their own responses.
- Compassionate and empathic with self-initiative and awareness.
- Has a sense of humour and an energy for being fun.
- Can accommodate changes at short notice and adjust priorities.
- Possesses good internal resilience and practices self-care.
- Understands the complexity of working with Aboriginal families and the importance of connection, collaboration and participation within Aboriginal communities.

**Qualifications**: Relevant tertiary qualification and/or experience are desirable. Aspire can support you to upskill.

**Reports to**:Team Leader/House Manager/Program Manager

**Essential criteria**:

- Current NSW Working with Children Check for paid employment
- Current National Criminal History Check Certificate
- First Aid Certificate, preferred but not essential
- A valid driver’s licence
- Roadworthy and comprehensively insured vehicle

We are also recruiting for Youth Workers from all cultural backgrounds. Please see our other job posts if interested.

**Job Types**: Part-time, Casual

Pay: $45.00 - $90.00 per hour

**Benefits**:

- Professional development assistance

Schedule:

- Afternoon shift
- Day shift
- Evening shift
- Monday to Friday
- Morning shift
- Night shift
- Shift work
- Weekend availability

Licence/Certification:

- First Aid Certification (preferred)
- Driver Licence (required)
- Working with Children Check (required)
- National Police Certificate (required)

Work Location: In person