Youth Development Workers
Job No:
62212
Location:
Lajamanu and Willowra, NT
- Join an organisation dedicated to improving the quality of life for youth living in the community!
- A challenging role based in one of two remote areas - will suit individuals looking to broaden their experience and gain further development opportunities!
- Bring your active lifestyle and passion for working with youth, to this rewarding role!
- Attractive salary circa $55k-$58k PLUS a great range of benefits including salary sacrificing options, fully furnished accommodation, free utilities, phone and internet allowances!
About the Organisation
The Mt Theo Program was started by the Yuendumu Community in 1993 to address chronic petrol sniffing in the area. The Program now encompasses four main arms of service: the Mt Theo Outstation cultural treatment and rehabilitation program; the Jaru Pirrjirdi youth development/leadership and aftercare program incorporating the Yuendumu Youth diversionary program; the Warra Warra Kanyi (WWK) Counselling and Mentoring service; and an Outreach Program providing diversionary and media activities in Willowra, Nyirrpi and Lajamanu.
The Mt Theo Program has dedicated itself to developing strength, health, meaningful pathways and leadership in Warlpiri youth. The sustainable, and notable, success of the program is based on the support, strength and character of Warlpiri youth and their communities, and the outstanding dedication of its staff. The program was created by and for Warlpiri people, and is governed by a Committee of 62 Warlpiri people.
The key aim of this partnership between the Mt Theo Program, Warlpiri youth and their communities is the facilitation of positive and meaningful futures for them as individuals and their families, and their community and culture at large.
For more information, please visit http://www.mttheo.org/home/
About the Location
Located roughly halfway between Alice Springs and Darwin, Lajamanu and Willowra are two local communities - primarily inhabited by Warlpiri people. The Lajamanu Council was formed in 1980, and was the first community government council to be formed in the Northern Territory.
The small towns have a full range of amenities including a community health centre, public transport, police station, sporting facilities, youth centre, primary school and distance education through to year 12.
About the Opportunities
The Warlpiri Youth Development Aboriginal Corporation (WYDAC) has a unique opportunity for a number of Youth Development Workers to join the team within the Mt Theo Program - the nationally acclaimed community response to substance abuse and youth development. Based either in Lajamanu or Willowra, NT, these are FT positions that run a Tues-Sat program with Sunday and Monday off.
Reporting to the Outreach Coordinator, you'll be providing a program of diversionary and development activities responsive to the needs of the youth in the community. These programs provide a focus for building the resilience, confidence and skills, specifically of young Warlpiri men and women, to resist substance misuse and help them reach their full potential.
More specifically, some of your key duties will include:
- Working closely with the community and cultural mentor, and in consult with elders, families and Yapa youth workers, to plan and provide a weekly youth activity program;
- Ensuring all necessary resources for activities are operational and well maintained;
- Providing support in youth development activities through training or career pathway opportunities;
- Engaging with local agencies and other local communities to assist in delivering developmental activities, organise sporting events and competitions;
- Undertaking daily reporting, administration and quality management processes;
- Supervision of Jaru trainees and part time Youth Workers; and
- Monitoring 'at risk' youth for changes in behaviour that may indicate a problem, and make referrals as necessary.
Please note that this position requires someone willing and able to work in a remote area, and who understands and is sensitive to the unique requirements of working within an Indigenous community. It can be a tough job at times, but the satisfaction from 'a job well done' is significant. If you're looking for a position where you can truly make a difference in the community while experiencing the real Australian outback - this is the opportunity for you.
To be successful in this pivotal role, you will have relevant Youth Work qualifications, ideally a Cert IV (or be willing to obtain this qualification) combined with experience. A background working with young people and in the management of recreational programs is essential, as is proven experience in remote and/or cross-cultural communities, preferably in a remote context. Candidates with demonstrated experience in particular with Youth Development, Training and/ or Employment Pathways will be highly regarded.
Warlpiri Youth Development Aboriginal Corporation are after someone who is prepared to step in and get their hands dirty with the program participants. You'll love getting outside and leading youth activities and will have a passion for creating opportunities for young people in a remote location.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are required as you will be working with a number of internal and external stakeholders within the organisation and community. Additionally, you'll be able to work effectively in a team environment, and you'll need to demonstrate your strong negotiation skills, resourcefulness and self-motivation on a regular basis. You'll need to be confident making decisions independently and also be able to manage stressful situations as they arise.
You'll have solid administrative experience along with excellent computer skills, with a proven knowledge of spreadsheets and databases.
Suitable candidates will also possess a current C Class Open Driver's Licence and must be willing to obtain a Police Check and currently hold, or be eligible to obtain a Working with Children clearance (Ochre Card). A current senior First Aid certificate will be highly regarded.
This could be a great opportunity for a couple to apply who are ready to advance their careers in an exciting new location, however individual applicants will be assessed on their own merits.
About the Benefits
In these highly varied roles, you will experience real job satisfaction every day.
For your hard work and dedication, you will be rewarded with attractive remuneration circa $55,000 - $58,000 (commensurate with experience and qualifications) and salary packaging with salary sacrificing to significantly increase your take home pay!
In addition, you will also benefit from fully furnished accommodation, free utilities, phone and internet allowances as well as exciting training and development opportunities!
Please note: Applicants must be eligible to live and work in Australia, with no restrictions.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are encouraged to apply.
Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to truly make a difference - Apply Now!
