Residential Youth Workers (Aboriginal Hostel)

Job No: 36823

Location: Wadeye, NT

Closing Date: 30 Aug 2012 AEST

About the Organisation

Aboriginal Hostels Limited (AHL) has provided temporary accommodation services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people since 1973.

AHL operates its own hostels as well as supporting community organisations to operate theirs. Offering comfortable, homey and culturally appropriate environments, AHL are proud of their involvement in the community and the role they play in helping Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to access the services they need and achieve their goals.

AHL has a policy of offering employment and training opportunities to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Kardu Darrikardu Numida Hostel is a brand new 40 bed secondary education student boarding facility in Wadeye, NT. This facility has been established to assist children attending years 7 to 12 from the Victoria Daly region to access high school.

About the Region

The Northern Territory is one of the most picturesque environments on the planet, spanning more than 1.4 million square kilometres from the centre to the northerly coast of Australia. Ancient woodlands meet sandy beaches and escarpments tower above lush billabongs in this land of diversity.

There's something for everybody in this part of the territory. Whether it's climbing the escarpments, viewing rock art, catching fish, exploring the red desert flora and fauna or trekking through chasms in Central Australia, 4WD'ing experiences abound and there's the opportunity for a photograph in every corner.

Wadeye (pronounced wod-air-yer) is a small remote town situated on the western edge of the Daly River Reserve, about 230 km south-west of Darwin. The town was formerly known (and is still often referred to) as Port Keats. For approximately 8 months of the year during the wet season, the town of Wadeye and outer communities such as Palumpa and Peppiminarti, can only be accessed by air. Local amenities within the community of Wedeye include; a post office, grocery store, a Catholic school, police station, health centre and an airstrip.

About the Opportunities

Aboriginal Hostels Limited (AHL) has several opportunities for full time Residential Youth Workers to join their team within the newly built Kardu Darrikardu Numida Hostel in Wadeye.

Focused on providing high quality support within a residential setting to Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander secondary boarding students, these are newly created positions, working 37.5 hours per week and contracted up until 30 June 2013. The opportunity to extend this period will be discussed with the suitable applicants.

Working closely with the Senior Residential Youth Workers, you'll be responsible for implementing and delivering an out of school hours recreation and social development program for students. This will involve planning and participating in programs that address health and emotional welfare issues for adolescent students in culturally appropriate ways.

The key duties of this position will include (but not be limited to):

• Ensuring that pastoral care and personal development of students is provided;
• Ensuring that cultural gender separation requirements are adhered to;
• Providing ongoing one-on-one support to students and ensuring students are prepared and punctual in their movements to and from school;
• Ensuring students are provided with nutritious well-balanced meals, and encouraging healthy eating patterns and lifestyle choices; and
• Assisting students with the development of their social/personal skills by helping students to understand their responsibilities and to develop positive relationships with others.

The successful candidates will possess an understanding of issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia (ideally gained from personal experience) and the ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. A Certificate IV in Youth Work (Residential) or equivalent is essential in this role.

To be considered, you'll have the ability to support shared purpose and direction, think strategically, and show judgement, along with proven abilities in identifying and using resources wisely, managing work projects and applying your professional expertise. In addition, you'll have exceptional communication skills, including the ability to nurture internal and external relationships, negotiate, listen, understand and recognise the needs of others and share learnings. You'll bring a high level of professionalism and self-awareness to the role, and will display a positive and balanced approach to work and a commitment to personal development.

Your dedication will be rewarded with an attractive remuneration between $58,688 - $59,198 pa, plus superannuation (APS Level 4). Working 37.5 hours per week, you'll also be provided with a healthy work/life balance

To make the transition easier, AHL will also provide you with relocation assistance (negotiable), free shared accommodation and Fly in - Fly out up to 4 times per year to the capital city of your choice, in line with school holiday periods!

Suitable candidates will be appointed subject to a Medical Assessment and Police Records Check. A current driver's licence and Ochre Card are also essential. A Senior First Aid Certificate and bus or 4WD licence is desirable or the willingness to undertake the required training to obtain. A probationary period will apply.

This is a fantastic opportunity to work for a respected Government organisation and really make a difference to the Wadeye community. Don't miss out, Apply Now!

For further information, please contact Stella de Cos on 02 6212 2084 or email at recruitment@ahl.gov.au

Please note: You can also apply for a similar, more Senior role with AHL here: Senior Residential Youth Workers