Youth Engagement Officer

**Join YWCA Canberra - Make a Difference**

Are you passionate about empowering young people and fostering community growth? Do you thrive in dynamic, collaborative environments? If so, we have the perfect role for you

**Position**: Youth Engagement Officer
**Location**: YWCA Canberra, Mura Lanyon Youth Community Centre
**Application Deadline**: 20 September 2024

**About Us**:
At YWCA Canberra, we believe in the power of youth and the impact of community. Our Mura Lanyon Community Centre (MLYCC) is a vibrant hub where young people come to learn, grow, and engage. We're committed to creating a supportive environment that nurtures their potential and makes a positive difference in their lives.

YWCA Canberra Youth Engagement Services provide direct service delivery to a diverse range of young people in accordance with YWCA policies and procedures and funding body requirements as well as Child Safety Principles.

**The Role**:
As our Youth Engagement Officer, you'll be the driving force behind a range of exciting initiatives designed to support and inspire young people. Drawing upon community development, youth participation, and strengths-based principles, you'll assist in delivering impactful programs under the guidance of the MLYCC Manager.

**Key Responsibilities**:

- **Dynamic Service Delivery**: Supervise our drop-in centre, facilitate school holiday programs, and engage in targeted outreach activities.
- **Collaborative Efforts**: Work closely with other services, schools, and colleges to identify needs and enhance our offerings.
- **Event & Group Facilitation**: Help organize and deliver events, educational groups, and activities that resonate with our young audience.
- **Accurate Reporting**: Maintain up-to-date records, participate in reporting processes, and ensure our programs are continuously improved through feedback and evaluation.
- **Promotion & Outreach**: Advocate for our Youth and Community Development activities, promoting them to other organizations and stakeholders.

**What We're Looking For**:

- **Passion & Enthusiasm**: A genuine interest in working with young people and making a difference in their lives.
- **Team Player**: Ability to work effectively within a multi-skilled team and collaborate with various stakeholders.
- **Organisational Skills**: Competency in managing administrative tasks and maintaining accurate records.
- **Communication**: Strong interpersonal skills to engage with youth, staff, and community partners effectively.

**About YWCA Canberra**:
YWCA Canberra is a respected feminist, not-for-profit community organisation which has been providing community services and representing women's issues in the Canberra community since its establishment in 1929. Today, we provide leading and innovative services to women and the broader Canberra community in the areas of children's services, community services, housing, youth services, personal and professional training, and women's leadership.

As a values-based organisation, and the only Canberra based Employer of Choice for Gender Equality (WGEA), YWCA Canberra is a great place to work. We have a strong track record in building long-term, sustainable careers with excellent conditions (including charitable salary sacrificing and above award salaries) together with a supportive work environment for all employees to thrive.

**What We Offer**:

- **Vibrant Work Environment**: Be part of a dedicated team making a real impact in the community.
- **Professional Development**: Opportunities to grow and advance within the YWCA network.
- **Supportive Culture**: Work in a space that values collaboration, respect, and innovation.

**The right person will have**:
Vocational or Tertiary qualifications in Youth Work, Community Development or Education or working towards obtaining.
- Demonstrated Experience working with vulnerable community members and proven ability to engage them in a range of activities
- Current and practical knowledge of issues affecting vulnerable people, including Young People, and strategies to address these issues.
- Demonstrated ability in working with young people, particularly with the following target groups:

- Young People with multiple needs
- Homeless or 'at risk'; young people
- Young People from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander or Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Backgrounds.
- Young people who identify as Sexuality and Gender Diverse
- Demonstrated ability in working with service users in informal and formal situations including effective support, referral and advocacy
- Experience and/or training in facilitating small groups
- A high level of computer literacy
- Understanding of and ability to incorporate Social Justice, Strengths based, trauma and gender informed and community development principles within service initiatives
- Program and project and community development origination, implementation and evaluation skills are desirable.

**What's in it for you?