POSITION DESCRIPTION

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POSITION TITLE: Senior Program Worker

PROGRAM AREA: Big Brothers Big Sisters

LOCATION:12-14 Halstead Place, Geelong West

POSITION HOURS:0.8 to 1.0

CONTRACT TERM:Until 30th December 2012 (employment beyond this date is subject to funding)

AGENCY OVERVIEW

Barwon Youth is a dynamic community service organisation that provides a broad range of youth specific services to young people and their families living in the Barwon South West Region of Victoria. The agency provides a range of responses for ‘at risk’ young people across the region who are experiencing difficulties such as homelessness, early school leaving, substance abuse, unemployment or involvement within the Youth Justice system.

PROGRAM SUMMARY

Barwon Youth has been successfully delivering a variety of mentoring programs for young people in the Barwon South West Region, over the past 20 years. The program is funded through the Office for Youth - Department of Human Services and Give Where You Live (United Way Geelong), to deliver the Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) mentoring program.

BBBS is a mentoring program based on the simplicity and power of friendship. It provides leadership, direction and support to young people in need by matching them with a positive adult role model. The BBBS program provides ‘one to one’ mentor support to young people aged 12-18 years, from the Geelong area who may be disengaged from education and community life and in need of additional adult support. The program facilitates the establishment of positive and sustainable friendships between young people and volunteer mentors which strengthen the skills, knowledge and connection of young people to their local community.

POSITION SUMMARY

The position of Senior Program Worker is responsible, under the supervision of the Manager Community Engagement, for the recruitment, assessment and training of volunteers, ongoing match support and supervision.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Conditions of employment are accordance in accordance with the Social, Community, Home Care & Disability Services Industry Award 2010.

Barwon Youth offers over and above award conditions in the following areas:

  • Generous salary packaging available
  • One week additional annual leave
  • Option to purchase an additional week annual leave

Salary is classified under the Social & Community Services Award as Youth Worker Class 3.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Relevant tertiary qualification in Welfare/Youth Work or associated discipline
  • Current Victorian Drivers Licence
  • Level 2 First Aid Certificate

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

  • A sound understanding of the issues confronting young people and their families and experience in case management of ‘at risk’ young people
  • Demonstrated understanding of child and adolescent development and family dynamics
  • A demonstrated working knowledge of the Child Protection system and relevant legislation pertaining to young people and families.
  • Understanding of the concept of Youth Mentoring
  • Experience and understanding of issues associated with assessing, training, supporting and coordinating volunteers
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, written and verbal communication skills
  • The ability to liaise and collaborate with Government and non-government organisations
  • Ability to handle a variety of tasks concurrently and within specific timelines
  • Administration and IT skills

ACCOUNTABILITY

The worker will be immediately responsible to the Community Engagement Manager, and ultimately to the Barwon Youth Chief Executive Officer and Board of Management.

DUTIES

Under the supervision of the Community Engagement Manager and within the framework of the BBBS Operations Manual:

Volunteers

  • To recruit volunteers from the local community.
  • To facilitate program information sessions.
  • To assess volunteer suitability for the Program.
  • To select those most suitable based on the BBBS Program Guidelines.
  • To supervise a caseload of volunteers and provide ongoing support.
  • To facilitate the training of volunteers and ensure understanding and compliance with necessary policies and procedures.

Young People

  • To assess the suitability and level of need of young people referred to BBBS based on present selection criteria and liaise with referring workers, parents, schools and other referral sources
  • To monitor the welfare of young people on the Program and refer to additional services where appropriate.

Match Support andSupervision

  • To match appropriate young people with suitable volunteers.
  • To supervise the match for its duration, providing support to the volunteer and young person and their family, assessing, reviewing and evaluating the match in accordance with set objectives.
  • To assist families of participating young people in gaining access to services when needed.

Staff Supervision

  • To supervise program staff (as required)

Administration

  • Take responsibility for accurate, confidential and timely case-noting, record keeping, filing and general maintenance of client information, both manually and as part of the Dynamics program data base
  • To submit statistical information as required.
  • Prepare performance reports for the funding body as required and contribute to broader evaluation processes.
  • Participate in regular network meetings/teleconferences held through BBBS Australia.

Program Promotion

  • To assist in the promotion of BBBS as required
  • To liaise, network and strengthen relationships with Big Brothers Big Sisters Australia (BBBSA) , community agencies and groups
  • To participate and assist in recruitment / fundraising activities as part of the program.
  • To assist in preparation of funding submissions
  • To plan and participate in events acknowledging the contribution of volunteers and young people in the program (presentation/awards nights, match activities or other social functions)

Some out of business hours work will be required

AGENCY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Participate in Barwon Youth staff and team meetings.
  • Participate in supervision in accordance with Barwon Youth Supervision Policy
  • Contribute to continuous quality improvement
  • Co-operate with instructions, support and promote Occupational Health and Safety within Barwon Youth workplaces and whilst engaged in Barwon Youth activities.
  • Participate in broader agency committee/s on a rotating basis

TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

Provision is made for staff to access relevant professional development opportunities appropriate to furthering the progress of their program area and increasing work skills.

The successful applicant mustbe in possession of a current Working With Children

Check and must obtain a National Police Certificate prior totheir appointment

Barwon Youth is a smoke free work environment

Barwon Youth is an equal opportunity employer

Barwon Youth is an Accredited Community Organisation

BAYSA Ltd trading as Barwon Youth

Updated: 23rd March 2012

By: Elaine Woods