For some young people, living at home with their families is not possible for a range of circumstances beyond their control. No matter what the circumstance, young people always have a right to protection, support and education.

When these circumstances arise and young people do not have the support to live at home, Merriwa can assist to provide a safe and comfortable environment, supporting and caring for the young person in order to maximise their educational, relationship and social opportunities.

Merriwa is a Child Safe Organisation and services are provided on behalf of the Department of Health and Human Services.

The Youth Engagement and Development Worker (Casual) is required to provide high quality, responsive support to people in out of home care in Wangaratta and the surrounding areas. The position holder actively participates in the person’s day to day living and supports the health, wellbeing and development of the person, undertaking all administrative requirements and household duties. The role contributes to the creation of an environment that embraces diversity, all abilities, and where people and team members feel respected and have purpose.

In your role you will:

• Ensure an encouraging safe and secure environment for people and staff.
• Encourage and support the people to build strong connections within the community, and maintain contact with family, friends and other networks.
• Encourage and model positive behaviour’s and skills required to successfully transition to independent living.
• Support the person to achieve their potential and the desired outcomes of their individual plans and/or aspirations.
• Empower the people to have a voice and actively listen and respond to their views.

Expectations: 

Conduct oneself in accordance with the Merriwa Code of Conduct which is underpinned by the values of prosperity, responsibility, integrity, diversity and excellence within the principles of continuous improvement and health and safety.

Maintain professional standards of care at all times and respect the confidentiality of the people, co-workers and the organisation.

Report any breaches of the Merriwa policies and procedures to your immediate supervisor.

Key Selection Criteria:

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Able to play a key role as a member of the child or young person’s care team.
• Demonstrated ability to flexibly manage competing priorities and stressful situations, monitoring own stress levels and practising and promoting self-care strategies.
• The ability to work collaboratively and effectively in a team to accomplish goals.
• Demonstrated capacity engaging people and the ability to not only work with displays of emotional and behavioural dysregulation but to be able to understand the underlying causes.
• Ability to exhibit empathy for people in our care in an open minded and non-judgemental manner.
• The capacity to advocate, engage and negotiate with relevant stakeholders, including school/educational networks and family were appropriate.
• Demonstrated understanding or willingness to learn appropriate legislation, policy and issues relating to people involved with Children Protection and Youth Justice and Disability Services.
• Highly developed capacity for emotional self-regulation including the capacity to set and maintain consistent boundaries to provide safety, stability and consistency.
• The ability to contribute to creation of work environment that embraces diversity, all abilities employees, and where team members feel respected and have purpose.
• Current Police Check.

Qualifications and other requirements:

Essential: 

• A recognised and relevant qualification e.g. Certificate IV in Child, Youth and Family Intervention, Disability or equivalent (it is a mandatory requirement that all staff without a relevant qualification undertake and complete this qualification within 12 months of employment).
• Completion of or willingness to complete mandatory units of competency, which covers trauma, working in residential care and managing behaviour (it is a mandatory requirement that all staff without the mandatory units of competency commence this qualification within 12 months of employment).
• A valid Working with Children’s Check.
• Current driver’s licence.
• Prepared to undergo a Criminal Records Check prior to commencement.
• Undertake Disqualified Carers Check.
• Undertake Disability, Worker Exclusion Scheme (DWES) Check.

We will offer you:

• A work environment that places significant value on personal growth, respect, dignity and diversity
• A highly supportive business with a diverse workforce
• A challenging and rewarding role
• The opportunity to join an organisation that continues to grow and invest in its people and its future
• Salary packaging
• A competitive salary plus Super

For a confidential discussion please contact Antoinette Barbisan on 03 5722 7600. The Position Description is available here: PD: Casual Youth Engagement and Development Worker

Please email your application to: [email protected]