Join Our Team

The Role

YOUTH AND FAMILY SUPPORT WORKER

Project Youth

Southern Suburbs & Sutherland Shire, Sydney NSW

SCHADS Level 4

Full time – 38 hours per week

We encourage applications from First Nations people, culturally and linguistically diverse people, people with disabilities, neurodiverse people, and people of all genders, sexualities, and age groups

The Main Responsibilities

In line with Project Youth’s strategy, the role will ensure all young people can thrive despite the disadvantages they may face. In line with Project Youth’s trauma informed Framework and our values of partnership, respect, innovation, integrity and quality, the role will provide support to young people, families and carers to prevent and reduce family breakdown which can lead to youth homelessness and disadvantage. This includes supporting reconnection of unaccompanied young people with their families, carers and support networks in South Eastern Sydney.

Project Youth: 

Project Youth, established over 30 years ago, is a non-Government, not for profit organisation based in South Eastern Sydney, providing support and assistance to young people who are homeless or facing disadvantage. 

Project Youth's vision is to create a future where all young people can thrive regardless of the disadvantage they face. To do this Project Youth provides trauma-informed support for young people aged 12-24 who have complex needs, are at risk, come from disadvantaged backgrounds and may not be able to fulfil their potential without additional support. 

Our work is in three main areas: 

1. Homelessness and Housing: Accommodating young people in crisis and supporting transition into independent living or returning to their family home 

2. Early Intervention: Intervening early to reduce and stop escalation of issues 

3. Education, Employment and Training: Providing pathways to employment and education 

The Role:

The role is for someone with at least 1 year experience in youth and family support work.  Who has a good understanding of issues relating to young people and families and is able to provide information, advice and guidance on a range of issues and deliver trauma informed support to facilitate change and family restoration/ reunification and prevention of family breakdown. 

The Person

The Person

• Minimum 1 years working in a youth and family or equivalent role

• Experience working with young people and families to support them to set, review and achieve goals/milestones and coordinated support plans

• Experience working with young people and families who face multiple disadvantages including domestic and family violence, drug and alcohol dependency, mental health concerns, abuse, neglect, homelessness and involvement in the youth justice system

• Thorough understanding and knowledge of the impact of trauma, how trauma impacts young people and how to work actively to reduce re-traumatisation

• Able to work effectively, compassionately and in a trauma informed way with young people Project Youth serves; as well as with staff (paid and not paid) and community members with lived experience of the issues Project Youth addresses through our work

• Thorough knowledge and understanding of mandatory reporting, child protection responses and child safe practice standards

• Ability to work in partnership with a range of stakeholders including Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ), Child and Adolescent Mental Health services (CAMHS), homelessness services, schools, community services and domestic violence services

• Understanding and experience of strengths-based approaches that create change for young people and families

• Exceptional time management skills

• Strong problem-solving skills and a solution focussed approach

• Proven ability to work both autonomously and as part of an outcomes focused team

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and excellent interpersonal skills

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

• Excellent computer and literacy skills

• Able to demonstrate forward thinking and using initiative

• Energetic and a genuine passion for the organisations purpose

Desirable experience and skills:

• Experience working in a youth service

• First Aid certificate