Job No: 19580

Location: Longreach, QLD

About Longreach Regional Council

The Longreach Regional Council is a new Local Government organisation formed from the Queensland Government's decision to amalgamate Shires across the state. As a proactive and innovative organisation, Longreach Regional Council endeavours to seek opportunities and identify projects that benefit the surrounding communities. Specifically, the Council is committed to providing a healthy, safe, habitable and sustainable environment through the provision of social and cultural services and essential infrastructure.

Employment opportunities at the Council are varied, ranging from trades and technical positions to general administrative and senior management positions. The organisation currently employs about 150 people and successfully maintains a progressive and collaborative working environment.

About the Region

If you have ever dreamt about escaping the hustle and bustle of the city, and visiting Australia's amazing heartland, now is the time to take your career in a new direction and go bush! The capital of Central-West Queensland, 700km west of Rockhampton, this is your opportunity to soak up history and heritage - cruise down the Thomson River at sunset, stroll along the Machinery Mile in Ilfracombe or breathe in the spectacular views from Mt Slowcombe in Yaraka.

Longreach region has a population of approximately 4,500 and is well served with a kindergarten, two primary schools, a high school, a hospital, an airport (offering daily flights to Brisbane and twice weekly flights to Townsville) and a train service (Spirit of the Outback runs twice weekly to Brisbane). The town is a major centre for government services, as well as the headquarters for the Australian School Of The Air.

About the Opportunity

Longreach Regional Council has an opportunity for a Youth Development Officer to join their dedicated and friendly Community Services team in Longreach.

Reporting to the Manager of Community and Economic Development, the main aim of this role will be to assist young people at risk to overcome challenges and adversity, and implement strategies to enhance the opportunities for young people between the ages of 12-25 years to be involved in the development of their communities. You will also support young people at risk by providing assistance to address their needs in re-establishing connections with their families and communities.

You duties will include, but will not be limited to:

• Promoting and assisting with the provision of alternative and appropriate recreational activities for young people;
• Liaising with community and youth to identify issues relating to the youth of the community;
• Networking with local business, training providers, and other key stakeholders to encourage local employment and training opportunities;
• Facilitating the organisation of appropriate and affordable recreational and cultural activities on a needs basis as identified by the community; and
• Participating in the strategic planning for youth support through consultation with young people and other community members, agencies and local government.

The successful candidate will have tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline (e.g Social Science) and/or substantial years of experience in Youth Development.

Applicants require comprehensive knowledge of health and community service providers, child safety standards and relevant acts relating to Youth. You must also understand the current issues which are affecting youth, and be able to identify and respond to the pressing personal and social needs of young people and their families.

Additionally, you will possess highly developed communication skills, both verbal and written, as well as excellent interpersonal skills as a demonstrated team player.

A high degree of organisational skills, including to the ability to manage a diverse range of individual projects, will be required due to the administrative component of this position. As such, an understanding of clerical and administrative procedures as well as sound computer skills and experience in the use of the Microsoft suite are requirements of this position.

Council is seeking an applicant with a current Senior First Aid Certificate, a Suitability Card (Blue Card) through Commission for Children and Young People, and a current driver's licence. In addition, you must be willing to undergo a federal police check. 

Whilst not essential, a Certificate IV in Workplace Assessment and Training, possession of a 'LR' class licence and previous experience in youth development will be highly regarded.

Longreach Regional Council provides excellent working conditions and a fantastic team culture that maintains a strong customer focus in every aspect of their work. As such, Council is looking for a reliable, proactive individual who will take every opportunity to enhance their skills base by attending the ongoing training sessions on offer.

This is an enjoyable and satisfying role, offering plenty of task variety. Furthermore, working for Council will ensure job security, and will also provide you with opportunities for career advancement.

Longreach Regional Council places an emphasis on maintaining a healthy work-life balance, as you work between the hours of 8am-5pm with 9 day fortnight, allowing you plenty of time to explore the outback wonderland that is the magnificent Longreach region! Due to the nature of the role, candidates will be required to show flexibility in working hours.

The successful candidate will enjoy an attractive salary package circa $53,000 - $57,000 plus 15% loading for after hours, 5 weeks annual leave and 15 days sick leave.

Please note: You MUST fill out the questions below and THEN attach your resume to be an eligible candidate for this role. To apply for this role you must be an Australian citizen.