Join Our Team

Practice Leader - housing

The Role

The role is fulltime 38 hours per week and is paid at SCHADS award level 6. 

The Housing Practice Leader is responsible for providing coaching, advice and leadership; supporting and developing youth workers in the integration of theory and practice while demonstrating expertise through trauma informed support planning. The Practice Leader will support in development of plans to bring about the changes necessary to ensure the safety, stability and development of young people living in Project Youths accommodation.  The Practice Leader will provide regular individual staff supervision and coaching, lead practice forums, conduct defusing and debriefing; and support group reflective practice sessions with staff. 

The Practice Leader actively coaches’ colleagues in the application, theory and practice relating to these capabilities; and engages and leads both colleagues and young people in these capabilities.


  • Assessment and analysis – identify strengths, protective factors, patterns, history and elements that can lead to an effective support plan with the young person.
  • Risk assessment - gathering information through a variety of sources and technologies in order to identify, articulate, and plan for the risks relating to each situation. Applies a strong forensic lens, and professional judgement, to analyse the available evidence.
  • Support planning review and support management - draws insights from assessment and analysis to formulate a meaningful and effective support plan, and reviews progress and outcomes. Co-ordinates and leads the planning, review, and management of young people’s support work within Project Youth properties and across other agencies and services.
  • Critical enquiry - uses evidence-based frameworks to investigate issues and is able to understand the root cause of each issue as well as the potential implications.
  • Reflective practice - critically reflects on what they are doing in their role and uses this reflection to influence their practice.

The Main Responsibilities

Essential criteria:

• Degree / Diploma in Social Work, Psychology, Youth Work or other related Social Science qualification

• Possess a minimum of 3 years practice lead experience delivering therapeutic interventions for young people

• Drivers Licence and own vehicle

• Demonstrated experience in the provision of staff supervision and coaching

• Demonstrated experience in program management, including working to a budget

• Proven experience in critical thinking and analysis

• Demonstrated experience in complex reviews, assessment and referral

• Proven experience using group supervision models

• Demonstrated understanding of the role of a youth housing provider in the delivery of housing services

• Ability to relate to and work effectively with young people who face significant disadvantages and complex needs

• Excellent organisational and analytical abilities

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and highly developed interpersonal skills

• Commitment to the principles of equity of access, cultural diversity, client service and accountability

• Possess a good understanding of Trauma informed principles and ability to implement this into practice

• Understanding of, and sensitivity to, the issues faced by young people requiring housing assistance

• Experience and skills in providing support planning and coordination. 


  • Knowledge of youth related social issues and service models.
  • Experience of managing projects independently or with minimal supervision - preparing schedules and plans and delivering against them

Desirable criteria:

• Experience in managing community development or social inclusion initiatives

• Current First Aid certificate


Please refer to seek advertisment https://www.seek.com.au/job/68293961

The Person

The Person:

The Practice Leader role is a new and exciting position which has been developed to support the team to build their own capabilities and resilience while delivering an effective trauma informed service for young people. The role’s purpose is to coach, guide and mentor the team to be able to develop, sustain wellbeing and to deliver effective therapeutic interventions for the young people we serve. The Practice Lead will understand the different challenges that young people face, so they can provide the appropriate support workers to meet these needs.  We are looking for an ambitious, enthusiastic and talented individual with a strong work ethic and collaborative work style, to join our team. 


To Apply:

Applicants are required to submit a CV and Cover Letter (max 2 pages) to kevin@projectyouth.org.au outlining their suitability to the role in line with the essential criteria listed under “the person”

Applications that do not address the essential criteria will not be considered.  

Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa. Work eligibility will be checked as part of the recruitment process. 


Preferred candidates will be required to complete pre-employment screening, including national police check and Working with Childrens Check 

For more information on working with us please contact kevin@projectyouth.org.au or call 0413006440

Please apply to submit your interest in this position.


Closing date for applications: 5pm Friday 21st July 2023 


Interviews will be held Tuesday 1st August 2023

Please note, unsuccessful candidates will not be contacted.