Youth Worker

About the role

Second Chances Incorporated is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Youth Worker to join our team in Lonsdale, SA. This is a part-time position that plays a vital role in our mission to support young people and families within the community that are affected by the criminal justice system. As a Youth Worker, you will be instrumental in providing guidance, mentorship, and practical support to young people facing challenges, helping them navigate their circumstances and build a better future. This role is central to our commitment to delivering high-quality youth and family services that make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable young people.

Key responsibilities

1. Develop and maintain positive, supportive relationships with young people, building trust and demonstrating genuine care and commitment to their wellbeing

2. Provide one-to-one and group support to young people, addressing their emotional, social, educational and practical needs

3. Assist young people in identifying personal goals and developing action plans to achieve them, offering encouragement and accountability

4. Facilitate engagement in positive activities and programmes designed to build skills, confidence and resilience

5. Liaise with families, carers, schools and other agencies to ensure a coordinated approach to supporting each young person's development

6. Maintain detailed and accurate records of interactions, progress and outcomes in line with organisational policies

7. Contribute to the assessment of young people's needs and participate in planning processes to ensure appropriate and effective support

8. Identify and respond to safeguarding concerns, escalating issues appropriately and following organisational protocols

9. Support the delivery of youth programmes and activities that promote healthy development, social inclusion and positive community engagement

10. Participate in team meetings and ongoing professional development to maintain and improve service quality

What we're looking for

1. Proven experience working with young people, ideally within a community services, youth work, education or social support setting

2. Demonstrable understanding of child development, adolescent psychology and the challenges facing young people today

3. Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport and trust with young people from diverse backgrounds

4. Ability to work with young people displaying challenging behaviour with patience, empathy and professional boundaries

5. Knowledge of safeguarding principles and a commitment to child protection and the wellbeing of young people

6. Excellent organisational and record-keeping abilities with attention to detail

7. Capacity to work independently and as part of a collaborative team

8. A genuine passion for supporting young people and making a positive difference in their lives

9. Relevant qualifications in youth work, social work, counselling, psychology or a related field are highly valued

10. Current Working with Children Check or willingness to obtain one prior to commencement

What we offer

At Second Chances Incorporated, we value our team members and are committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace culture. We offer competitive remuneration for this part-time position, with the flexibility to accommodate your personal circumstances. We provide access to ongoing professional development and training opportunities to enhance your skills and knowledge in youth work practice. Our team benefits from a collaborative working environment where your ideas and contributions are valued and respected. We also provide the opportunity to work in a meaningful role where you can see the direct impact of your efforts on young people's lives and futures.

About us

Second Chances Incorporated is a community-based not-for-profit, faith based, organisation dedicated to providing high-quality support and services to young people and families within the Adelaide metro area. Our mission is restoring hope to people in prison, their children and families, here in South Australia. Our values guide and shape our work, ensuring we collaborate with individuals in a manner grounded in respect, understanding, compassion, commitment, and integrity. We work across child welfare, youth support and family services, offering tailored interventions and programmes that address the diverse needs of the young people we serve. We are guided by values of respect, integrity, compassion and inclusion, and we believe in giving every young person a genuine chance to succeed. Our team comprises dedicated professionals who are passionate about making a positive difference in the community and committed to delivering services that are responsive, evidence-based and person-centred.

Apply now

If you are a compassionate and committed individual with a genuine desire to support young people, we would like to hear from you. Please submit your application, including a covering letter and CV, to Second Chances by clicking Apply Now or email ******@secondchances.org.au.

We welcome applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences and are committed to creating an inclusive recruitment process.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are strongly encouraged to apply for this role.