Specialist Aftercare Coach

**About the role**:
**_ This is a full-time contract opportunity to October 2025 - 35 hours per week, located in Wollongong NSW. _**_Starting base annual salary of $79,823 plus super, plus access to generous salary packaging options. _**

**About Uniting**:
When you're part of Uniting NSW.ACT, you're part of a diverse, purpose-led team of people who are really making a difference to the world around them.

We contribute to the work and mission of the Uniting Church in NSW and the ACT through social justice advocacy, community services and spiritual care. We provide care and support for people through all ages and stages of life, with a focus on people experiencing disadvantage and vulnerability. Our purpose is to inspire people, enliven communities and confront injustice.

Uniting leaders and employees work together to create a culture that is safe, inclusive and person-centred. We bring this to life every day through our values: compassionate, respectful, imaginative and bold.

Uniting acknowledges the continuing sovereignty and rich cultural diversity of Australia's First Peoples. We pay our respects to all Elders - past, present, and emerging - and to all First Peoples on whose lands we live and work.

Uniting is a Child Safe Organisation committed to promoting the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of children and young people.

**About the opportunity**:
Uniting is seeking a Specialist Aftercare Coach to support care leavers aged 18 to 24 in their transition to adulthood. This role involves casework, coordination, and facilitating access to services to help young people achieve their goals and live fulfilling lives. Coaches provide general and intensive casework, group work, and mentoring, employing Advantage Thinking practice principles to guide young people towards independence.
- Meet contract, performance, and practice requirements, upholding ethical and professional standards.
- Contribute to practice improvements in Aftercare, promoting high standards of service delivery.
- Foster a culture that values young people's autonomy and self-determination.
- Provide advocacy, mentoring, and practical support based on trauma-informed care and Advantaged Thinking principles.
- Develop trusting partnerships with young people, highlighting their strengths and future possibilities.
- Facilitate access to entitlements and assistance, such as allowances, Youth Allowance, and personal files.
- Review and implement aftercare plans, addressing gaps in support and facilitating referrals to necessary services.
- Encourage and support engagement in employment, training, and education.
- Conduct post-exit check-ins to ensure ongoing wellbeing and successful transition.
- Offer intensive aftercare support, including case management, goal planning, and coordination of services.
- Provide direct support in developing independent living skills and improving connections to family, culture, and community.
- Deliver holistic personalized mentoring and facilitate group sessions on various topics, including social skills, job readiness, financial literacy, and health and wellbeing.

**Your Qualifications & Experience**
- Diploma qualifications in community services and/or related field, and/or demonstrated relevant work experience.
- Three or more years of experience working with young people.
- Knowledge or willingness to learn Advantage Thinking practice model, coaching strategies, motivational interviewing, solution-focused questioning, and trauma-informed care.
- Understanding of the complex needs of young people leaving care.
- Ability to develop person-centered case plans and conduct coaching conversations.
- Commitment to creating an environment where young people's voices are heard and valued.
- Ability to provide functional assessments, manage risks, and document incidents appropriately.
- Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with young people with complex needs.
- Effective time management, case note writing, and data recording skills.
- Compliance with NSW Working with Children Check and National Police History Check requirements.
- Computer literacy, including Microsoft Office and client management systems.
- Current NSW driver's license.

**Benefits and culture**:
**_ Working to inspire people, enliven communities and confront injustice brings its own rewards, but there's more._**
- Welcoming you exactly as you are
- Starting base annual salary of $79,823 plus super
- Access to generous salary packaging options - pay less tax
- Career development opportunities
- Amazing workplace culture
- Purpose driven career: Be part of an organisation that's truly making a difference in the lives of families.
- Enjoy training, mentoring, and the chance to develop new skills.

**Closing date: 11:55pm, Monday 14th October 2024