Join Our Team

The Role

This is an exciting new opportunity to join a not for profit addressing the complex social issues of youth homelessness for a fixed term 12 week contract starting ASAP. 

We have a new opportunity through a time limited grant to employ a researcher and/or program designer for 24 hours (3 days) a week for 12 weeks. 

At Project Youth we have a vision of a future where youth homelessness does not exist. We are achieving this through our purpose to PREVENT youth homelessness from occurring and when it does occur to ensure it is BRIEF and NON-REOCCURRING. For over 32 years, Project Youth has supported up to 4,000 young people per year, who face homelessness, disadvantage, trauma, and complex needs. 

We offer individual, group and community programs; crisis and transitional housing programs; and education and employment pathways, all with essential wrap around trauma informed support. This enables young people to break cycles of disadvantage and have hope for a future without homelessness.

All our programs, priorities and strategic pillars are focused on this purpose. We believe all young people deserve the right to a future without homelessness - it is a basic human right - yet so many young people, through no fault of their own find themselves homeless, scared and alone. 

Our vision and purpose drive us to act locally to provide essential support to young people facing trauma, complex needs and disadvantages, while also looking to the system we work in to drive necessary change, so less young people have to face the stark reality of homelessness.

The researcher/program designer will leverage a robust evidence base, integrating local insights with innovative Australian and international approaches to homelessness prevention to co-design a program that offers value for money and significant community benefits by focusing on early intervention and prevention strategies for young people at risk of homelessness.

The role includes conducting thorough data analysis at both local, state, federal and international levels, including the identification of key risk and protective factors to inform targeted interventions. 

Crucially, the research will involve human centered design principles to co-design solutions with young people who have firsthand experience of homelessness, ensuring that the program developed is not only relevant but also empowering. 

By prioritising preventive measures, this initiative aims to create sustainable pathways out of homelessness, ultimately benefiting both the individuals involved and the broader community by reducing the long- term costs associated with homelessness. Through this program we will foster resilience and improve the life outcomes of vulnerable young people in our area. 

The Role: 

The researcher/program designer will leverage a robust evidence base, integrating local insights with innovative Australian and international approaches to homelessness prevention to co-design a program that offers value for money and significant community benefits by focusing on early intervention and prevention strategies for young people at risk of homelessness.

The role includes conducting thorough data analysis at both local, state, federal and international levels, including the identification of key risk and protective factors to inform targeted interventions. 

Crucially, the research will involve human centered design principles to co-design solutions with young people who have firsthand experience of homelessness, ensuring that the program developed is not only relevant but also empowering. 

By prioritising preventive measures, this initiative aims to create sustainable pathways out of homelessness, ultimately benefiting both the individuals involved and the broader community by reducing the long- term costs associated with homelessness. Through this program we will foster resilience and improve the life outcomes of vulnerable young people in our area.

The Main Responsibilities

The role will be responsible for:

Stage 1: Research

• Understand: understand the program scope, process and timeframes

• Plan:  develop a project plan and research methodology

• Do: alongside a lived experience researcher, conduct a range of mixed methods research including but not limited to desk top research, group interviews, 1:1 interviews, data reports and storytelling (case studies)

• Review: collate, analyse and review the data putting it into a format that can be understood by young people with lived experience, CEO and Board

Stage 2: Program Design

• Understand: the data and research in the context of developing a program plan for preventing youth homelessness

• Plan: Set up working groups and scope of planning stage

• Do: conduct co-design workshops and write up final grant proposal

• Review: continue a cycle of ‘Do’ and ‘Review’ until the final proposal is submitted

The Person

The Person

We want someone who is enthusiastic, driven and as excited as we are about this opportunity.

Essential Qualifications and experience:

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in the homelessness, social work, community services, health or equivalent sector

• Minimum 2 years’ experience in project management, research, grant writing, policy development, program development or equivalent work

• Eligible to work in Australia

Desirable Experience and Skills:

• Human-Centered Design Research: Understanding of conducting human-centered design research, including user interviews, surveys, and observational studies.

• Co-Design Methodologies: understanding of facilitating co-design workshops and engaging with young people with lived experience

• Project Management: Experience managing short-term projects, including planning, execution, and evaluation within tight timelines.

• Youth Services: Previous experience working with young people, especially those at risk of homelessness

• Data Analysis: Proficiency in qualitative and quantitative data analysis to inform program design and improvements.

• Program Design: Able to form the research into a prevention program

• Homelessness: An extensive understanding of the issues that impact young people facing disadvantage including homelessness, mental health, trauma, drug and alcohol dependency and domestic violence

• Vision & Purpose: Able to demonstrate a strong commitment to Project Youths vision and purpose

• Research Skills: Strong skills in qualitative and quantitative research methods, including data collection, analysis, and reporting.

• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present findings clearly and persuasively.

• Collaboration: Ability to work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team and external partners.

• Empathy and Sensitivity: High level of empathy and sensitivity when working with vulnerable populations.

• Problem-Solving: Strong problem-solving skills to address challenges and adapt research methods as needed.

• Time Management: Ability to manage time effectively and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Able to demonstrate forward thinking and using initiative

• Highly professional and purpose driven