Youth Worker

Ongoing learning and development
- Flexibility of a casual roster - work life balance
- Supportive and passionate team

At Southern Cross Support Services (SCSS), we are dedicated to delivering exceptional care and support to young people in residential placements and within the community. Our mission is to create a safe, nurturing, and empowering environment where young people can flourish and reach their full potential.

We value and prioritise the well-being of both our clients and our team members. By adopting frameworks such as The Sanctuary Model, a trauma informed model of care, we foster the emotional, social, moral physical and cultural wellbeing of everyone associated with SCSS.

**Job Summary**:
SCSS / Children, Youth & Family Services are seeking a passionate and proactive Youth Worker to join our Family Support team. The Family Support Program provides targeted assistance to vulnerable families with children and young people (unborn to 18 years) currently engaged with the statutory child protection system. Our team collaborates with families, carers, and Child Safety to identify and prioritise their needs, delivering intensive support interventions and connecting them with specialist services.
As a Youth Worker, you will play a vital role in providing in-home support to families using evidence-based interventions designed to enhance parenting skills, strengthen child-parent relationships, and create a safe and nurturing home environment. Your responsibilities will include conducting needs-based assessments, providing psych-education, linking families to appropriate services and supports, building trusting relationships, offering guidance, and advocating for the families’ best interests.

**Key Responsibilities**:

- Operate within an environment supporting families with highly complex behavioural needs.
- Conduct home visits to provide direct support to families, utilising a professional practice framework.
- Advocate for and support families in developing routines, planning daily activities and schedules based on needs, problem-solving, implementing safety plans, and employing behaviour management strategies to de-escalate situations.
- Deliver intensive personal support through interpersonal and life skills coaching, fostering a safe and supportive environment for families.
- Provide psychoeducation based on assessed needs to enhance family understanding and capability.
- Engage in continuous professional development to maintain a comprehensive understanding of trauma, attachment, behavioural triggers, and responses.
- Adhere to and implement organisational policies, procedures, frameworks, and maintain professional boundaries.
- Ensure compliance with policies and procedures at all times.
- Facilitate and transport individuals and families to activities and appointments in alignment with departmental policies.

***What we’re looking for**:

- Completed Certificate IV in Community Service, Child Youth and Family Intervention. Diploma or bachelor’s degree qualification in a Human Service-related field is highly desirable.
- A genuine passion for supporting and empowering family’s carers and young people.
- Understanding of child development and trauma-informed care practices.
- Flexibility to work shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Prior to commencement in this role, team members must hold or be eligible to hold: Blue Card for Working with Children, NDIS Worker Screening, Child Safety and Personal History Screening Check (LCS2), hold or be willing to enrol into a Cert 4 or higher recognised qualification and a valid unrestricted driver’s licence.

**What can SCSS offer you?**
- Ongoing Learning & Development
- Annual FREE Flu Vaccination
- Reimbursement to maintain First Aid & CPR
- CEO Scholarship Program
- Sonder complete care platform - 24/7 support
- Corporate Health Care Partners
- Recognition - Employee of the Month, 5 & 10 year Service Awards
- SCSS and our partner companies are committed to an inclusive environment where people feel comfortable to be themselves. We want our people to feel that all voices are heard, all cultures are respected and that a variety of perspectives are not only welcome - they are essential to our success._