Casual Youth Mentor

Location: Greater Brisbane LGA and Toowoomba LGA

Reports To: Program Coordinator and Managing Director

Position Type:Casual

About the VSL

Village Support Limited is a dedicated not-for-profit charity based in Australia, committed to assist people of African heritage and others to overcome systemic barriers, recover from past injustices, trauma or adversities to contribute positively and fully to the social and economic development of Queensland and Australia. We work in partnership with our clients, staff, volunteers, and stakeholders to deliver impactful programs and campaigns that drive lasting change to African communities.

Our Mission

Assist people of African heritage and others to overcome systemic barriers, recover from past injustices, trauma or adversities, and that every African Australian child in Queensland, and Australia grows up feeling adequately supported, belonged, culturally connected, ambitious and optimistic about their future.

Our vision

Ambitiously optimistic, culturally and professionally connected African children, young people, adults and communities, positively contributing to the wider Australian community.

Our Purpose

Supporting children, young people, adults and communities of African heritage and others by delivering quality services that are grounded in the African Village Model and underpinned by both strong collectivist and individual cultural values and support systems.

Further information about VSL can be found on our website

About this Position of role

Primary purpose of this role is to work with other youth mentors and staff to design and deliver activities that support the social, cultural and mental health wellbeing of African young people and their families, particularly young people at risk of disengagement from education, employment, family and culture and those in contact with the youth justice systems.

Duties and responsibilities

· In consultation with young people and the community, plan, develop and implement youth engagement programmes with particular focus on enhancing school engagement, reducing the risk of engagement in antisocial or criminal activities.

· Consult with relevant stakeholders in planning and delivery of the projects to ensure collaboration and strategic partnerships and avoid duplication of services.

· Establish and keep consistent professional and supportive relationships with young people and their families.

· Encourage young people to identify and work toward personal, educational and career goals.

· Provide guidance on positive life choices and handling challenges through case management, activities and education.

· Facilitate and support young people with activities, workshops, outings, group cultural activities.

· Maintain accurate record including activity reports and other data including financial records as per organisation polices.

· Monitor activity plans progress and report any deviations or concerns.

· Adhere to all policies and procedures.

· Act as a suitable adult role model and facilitate the implementation of a 'good practice' model of the African Village to meet the needs of disconnected young people.

· Support young people to engage in education, training and employment.

Essential criteria

· Demonstrated understanding of the challenges and needs of African young people and

families.

· Demonstrated strong knowledge of, and ability to address the challenges faced by African children, young people and their families.

· Experience working with African young people and their families, particularly young people at risk.

· Experience planning, delivering and evaluating effective early intervention programs to support young people and their families.

· Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and build rapport with African young people, their families and other stakeholders.

· Demonstrated ability to effectively support young people to engage in education, training, employment and strengthen positive relationship with family and community.

· Demonstrated excellent written communication skills with ability to utilise Microsoft Office365 suit and other information technology to plan and produce written reports.

Behavioural Competencies

· Cultural awareness and respect.

· Patience, empathy and no nonjudgemental attitude

· High standard of professionalism and leadership

· Maintaining privacy and confidentiality

· Strong commitment to professional boundaries and relationship

· Positive attitude toward young people and colleagues

Essential qualifications

· Minium certificate IV in Youth Work or Diploma

Requirements

· Blue Card (Working with Children)

· Police Screening Clearance (or willingness to obtain)

· Valid QLD Driver's Licence