Youth Support Officer

Youth Support Officer (Positions at our Dalby, Toowoomba and Gatton sites)

Downs Industry Schools Co-Op (DISCO) is a not-for-profit, community-based youth organisation focussed on assisting young people between 14-24 years of age. The organisation provides services and programs that assist them to make appropriate education, employment and career related decisions. With a history of professionalism, high-standards and a genuine passion for its work, DISCO makes a difference in the lives and career prospects for local youth.

Position Objective: The overall objective of the position is to assist at risk youth to be supported and undertake training to more effectively make the move into adult life and successfully transition into employment, other study or make a successful return to school. The officer will provide support to the Site Coordinator/Manager with the delivery of DISCO programs.

Position Duration: This position will be reviewed annually at which time an evaluation of both the program, salary and the incumbent will be conducted. Confirmation of a contract extension will be subject to continued funding and the achievement of agreed performance objectives.    

Contract Dates: As per contract

Award: Labour Market Assistance Industry Award – 2010

Remuneration: As per contract

Superannuation: 12%

Hours: 38 (Flexible option or Part Time could be considered)

Holidays:Up to 4 weeks available on a pro rata basis per annum

Leave Loading:17.5% (If applicable)

Sick / Personal Leave: Up to 10 days available on a pro rata basis per annum

Accountabilities:The Officer is accountable to the Site Coordinator/Manager or their delegate

Probationary Period: 3 months

Requirements:An employment offer will be conditional on the successful candidate being in receipt of or eligible to receive a 'Suitability Card for Child Related Employment' from the Commission for Children and Young People. This approval is necessary to be able to work in educational institutions with children in Queensland. Details can be found at

A Federal Police Check may be undertaken, and this check must not demonstrate past activity that would prevent the officer from working with young people.

Qualifications & Experience:Experience or relevant qualifications would be beneficial. Undergraduate students are welcome to apply.

Reporting Relationships:

To a greater extent:

· Site Coordinator/Manager and/or

· Operations Manager

To a lesser extent:

· Stakeholders linked to the program

· Parents of participating clients

· Chairperson of the DISCO Management Committee

Key Result Areas:

· Identify and refer clients who can be linked to DISCO's programs

· Work Collaboratively with the Site Coordinator/Manager to establish and further develop links with employers for mutual benefit

· Collaborate with key stakeholders including community representatives, parents, agency partners

· Provide high quality individual pastoral care and support to clients to ensure they remain connected to the program and focussed on the agreed goals and work toward appropriate outcomes

· Facilitate group workshops in both career and personal development areas

· Support and/or deliver accredited training

· Maintain detailed case notes to record client activity and assist with contractual reporting

· Develop an appropriate Training & Support Plan for each client in consultation with relevant stakeholders

· Support the Site Coordinator/Manager to attain program KPI's

Key Selection Criteria:

· Experience or relevant qualifications would be beneficial

· Excellent communication skills coupled with the ability to work independently with a high level of motivation

· Demonstrated ability to liaise with people from diverse backgrounds

· Knowledge of human resource issues including Workplace Health & Safety, EEO and Anti-Discrimination

· An understanding of young people including their support networks and current issues concerning youth in the community

· An operational knowledge of computers and software applications including the Microsoft suite of programs, e-mail and the Internet

· Current Drivers Licence

Responsibilities / Duties / Activities:

The incumbent is expected to:-

· maintain regular communication with the Site Coordinator/Manager

· work toward achieving the goals and objectives of each client's transition plan that may include training, mentoring and other specific activities to support growth and improvement

· where necessary, work in partnership with agencies and build relationships to ensure all activity related to the coordination, development and administration of the respective program is professional

· participate in and be prepared to support training to the organisation's clients

· operate within the respective budget allocation

· market the program and instigate PR activities through the development and coordination of promotional material as required

· implement individual assessments followed by case management and the development of individual client plans to identify specific client needs and aid progression

· provide and record assistance and on-going mentoring support to students based on their identified needs (career, training and employment advice, referrals to other programs, job support and assistance, resume preparation, raising of self-esteem etc)

· liaise directly with employers, schools, and community representatives to enhance the project and build co-operation

· regularly follow up clients to monitor progress and record outcomes as required

· ensure availability of support materials for all stakeholders

· counsel clients if required

· identify and place clients into appropriate work experience which may link to employment vacancies including traineeships and apprenticeships

· support clients to attend appropriate training to create opportunities and improve outcomes

· participate in industry forums to promote the programs and build interest

· liaise and conduct follow up with public and private training providers when required

· work in partnership with other DISCO staff to support schools, educational institutions, employment partners, welfare agencies and other organisations to identify clients who would benefit from involvement with the project

· assist clients in a non-threatening and supportive manner, through mentoring, advocacy, agency referrals and general guidance

· identify (where appropriate) the various support agencies capable of providing assistance to young people experiencing issues with homelessness, anger management, abuse (either sexual, emotional, physical or verbal), drugs or alcohol, low self-esteem or relationship problems and refer clients as necessary

Performance Objectives:

· Successfully provide support and direct case management assistance for a contracted minimum number of clients for the applicable site. Client numbers to be confirmed

· Undertake project work at the direction of the Site Coordinator/Manager to provide support to program participants. Project work upon employment.

To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume. We appreciate all applications; however, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.