Join Our Team
Youth Support Worker - Music
The Role
• Are you a social worker, youth worker or youth community worker that is ALSO passionate about music?
• Are you looking for a new challenge that includes design and implementation of a therapeutic music program?
• Are you interested in innovative approaches to youth employment?
This is an exciting opportunity to join a not for profit addressing the complex social issues of youth disadvantage and youth unemployment. We have received funding to pilot a therapeutic music program that creates pathways to employment for young people facing trauma and disadvantage and we are looking for the right person to lead this program.
The Main Responsibilities
The role is for a youth worker, social worker, psychologist, or equivalent, who has experience working with young people who face trauma and disadvantages. While we don’t expect you to be a sound engineer, we do want someone with a passion for music and the potential it has to provide therapeutic pathways to employment. This includes willingness to being trained (if required) in using studio equipment to help develop young artists.
The youth support worker role will be based in Menai, Sutherland Shire. The role is fulltime 38 hours per week and is paid at SCHADS award level 4.
The role will set up, develop and manage a therapeutic music program that supports young people 12-24 years old, who face disadvantage, to access education and employment pathways, through the healing power of music.
The role will co-design and deliver a music program that supports young people facing disadvantage on pathways to employment through:
• Brief trauma informed and therapeutic interventions, removing barriers to inclusion and ensuring all participants are connected, achieving, safe and healthy
• Delivery of a creative music program (group and 1:1) using lyrics, song writing and drum work to process trauma, promote healing and develop artistry
• Access to performance sessions/events to create learning in practice and development of employable skills
• Access to a structured job readiness program
• Development of the music studio into a sustainable social enterprise that can continue to deliver support to young people long term, including employment of young people in the social enterprise
Under our policy, this position requires employees to be fully vaccinated against coronavirus (COVID- 19).
The Person
The Youth Support Worker - Music role is a new and exciting position which has been developed to pilot an innovative employment pathway for young people facing disadvantage through music. We want someone who is enthusiastic, driven and as excited as we are about this new funding opportunity, working with the team to make the most of this pilot program.
Essential Qualifications and experience:
• Qualifications in social work, youth work, community work or equivalent
• 2 years + working (paid or unpaid) in a role with young people facing disadvantage
• A passion/drive for music and creative programs to support healing and recovery of trauma
• Be eligible to work in Australia
Desirable Experience and Skills:
• NSW Driver’s License
• Able to work effectively, compassionately and in a trauma informed way with young people
• Thorough understanding and knowledge of the impact of trauma
• Experience working with young people to access pathways to employment
• Experience working with young people using creative programs i.e. music
• Experience supporting young people 12-24 who are facing disadvantages
• Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders
• Understanding of mandatory reporting requirements and child safe work practices/principles
• Experience working in direct partnership with a range of sector stakeholders
• Ability to support young people to build confidence, resilience and connections
• Experience designing programs to support young people
• Understanding and experience of working with strengths-based approaches
• Understanding of the principles of co-design
• Exceptional time management skills
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Proven ability to work both autonomously and as part of a dynamic, outcomes focused team
• Efficiency in administration and reporting
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, along with excellent interpersonal skills
• Financial acumen and working within a budget
• Commitment to the principles of equity of access, cultural diversity, service and accountability
• Excellent computer and literacy skills
• An ability to work to targets and monitor performance against KPIs
• Able to demonstrate forward thinking and using initiative
• Highly professional and articulate, with a genuine passion for the organisation
• Energetic, outcome focussed and resilient
To Apply:
Applicants are required to submit a CV and Cover Letter (max 2 pages) to support@projectyouth.org.au outlining their suitability to the role in line with the essential and desirable criteria listed under “the person”
Applications that do not address the essential criteria in their cover letter 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 support@projectyouth.org.au or phone
0413 006440 and ask for Kevin Crowe, Operations Manager.
Please apply to submit your interest in this position.
Closing date for applications: 5pm Friday 16th June 2023 Interviews will be held Monday 26th June 2023
Please note, unsuccessful candidates will not be contacted.
