Youth Worker

POSITION DESCRIPTION – Youth Worker

Position Title: Youth Worker (Female)

Program: Youth Services

Employment Status: Full-time (38 hours per week)

Reports To: Youth Services Manager

Direct Reports: Nil

Location: Wurundjeri Country, Northern Metropolitan Melbourne

Position Contact: Mario Canas

ABOUT DARDI MUNWURRO

Our Vision

Dardi Munwurro (Strong Spirit) is a specialist Aboriginal family violence service. Our vision is to build stronger families and safer communities.

We aim to empower and inspire individuals to heal the past, acknowledge the present and create a positive vision for the future.

We do this by delivering a range of culturally safe family violence and healing programs designed to break the cycle of intergenerational trauma.

Our Work

Established in 2000, Dardi Munwurro provides leadership, healing and behaviour change programs for Aboriginal men, youth and families.

Our Statement

Building Stronger Families and Safer Communities

Our Values

Diversity - Accountability -  Respect -  Determination - Integrity

ABOUT THE PROGRAM - YOUTH SERVICES

Youth Services provides high-quality, culturally safe early intervention and diversion activities to Aboriginal young people aged 10–17 and their families in Melbourne's north. Activities include:

• Group programs
• Individual support
• Engagement events
• Cultural strengthening activities
• Camps and on-Country experiences

Programs are delivered by a gender inclusive Youth Services team and supported by Elders, with a focus on strengthening identity, culture, resilience and life skills across domains such as:

• Culture (Country, Community, Identity)
• Physical & Mental Health
• Alcohol & Other Drugs
• Communication & Connection
• Respect & Healthy Relationships
• Education & Re-engagement
• Physical Activities & Therapeutic Exercises
• Goal Setting
• Life Skills
• Peer Mentoring
• Family Support

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Delivery

• Work collaboratively with Youth Workers and the Youth Services Manager to plan and deliver weekly group programs, including promotion, registrations, facilitation, evaluation and review.

• Support the coordination and delivery of:

• At least one statewide youth camp each year (in partnership with other Aboriginal youth services)

• Two in-house on-Country youth camps each year

Individual Support

• Deliver culturally safe individual support to young people at risk of Youth Justice involvement, including intake, assessments, case planning, case work, reviews and exit planning.
• Ensure practice is trauma-informed, culturally grounded and responsive to each young person's needs and risks.

Practice & Teamwork

• Participate in supervision with the Youth Services Manager and contribute to team meetings, reflective practice and continuous improvement.
• Support risk assessment and child safety responses in line with Dardi policy.

Community & Stakeholder Engagement

• Support the development and maintenance of referral pathways and relationships with key stakeholders including:

• Aboriginal community

• Police
• Courts
• Child Protection
• Youth Justice
• Education and employment providers
• Health and AOD services
• Family and support services
• Contribute to partnerships with services that enhance opportunities for young people, including Mental Health, Sexual Health, LGBTQIA+, Legal, Sports and Creative Arts.

Volunteers & Mentors

• Support engagement of volunteers and people with lived experience in Youth Services programs in line with Child Safety and Privacy requirements.

Program Administration

• Assist with critical incident documentation and reporting.
• Contribute to program evaluation, data collection, reports and funding acquittals.
• Support ongoing improvement of Youth Services activities, systems and practice.

Role Modelling

• Model positive behaviour, cultural respect, emotional regulation and healthy communication for young people at all times.

KEY ORGANISATIONAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Adhere to the Dardi Munwurro Code of Conduct and organisational policies.
• Participate in induction, mandatory training and ongoing professional development including First Aid, Child Safety and MARAM.
• Contribute to Dardi Munwurro's strategic planning and organisational development.
• Use organisational resources responsibly.
• Participate in supervision, debriefing, meetings and reflective practice.
• Work safely and comply with OH&S legislation and workplace procedures.
• Maintain privacy and confidentiality.
• Support community participation and ongoing client engagement.
• Participate in policy reviews and quality improvement.

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

Essential

• Experience delivering group activities, events and individual case work with young people in complex environments.
• Qualifications in Youth Work, Social Work, AOD, Community Services or related areas; or extensive relevant experience.
• Demonstrated experience working with at-risk Aboriginal young people and their families.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with ability to build effective relationships with stakeholders.
• Strong time management, organisation, and reporting skills.
• Ability to provide trauma-informed and culturally safe support.
• Knowledge of the youth service system and resources for young people with complex needs.
• Commitment to Dardi values: Diversity, Accountability, Respect, Determination and Integrity.
• Current Victorian Driver Licence.

Mandatory Checks

• National Police Check
• Working with Children Check
• (International checks where applicable)

Priority Applicants

We strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants. We aim to establish a gender inclusive team.

CHILD SAFETY

Dardi Munwurro is a child safe organisation. Employment is subject to a satisfactory National Police Check and Working with Children Check prior to commencement.

HOW TO APPLY

Send the following to

• Cover letter addressing the Key Selection Criteria
• Resume
• Academic transcript (if applicable)