Youth Development Coach

About the Opportunity

As a service provider Melbourne City Mission’s work is focussed on supporting people to take charge of their own lives and participate fully in community life. Melbourne City Mission’s service profile includes Disability; Employment, Education and Training; Homelessness Justice & Family Services and Palliative Care.

Melbourne City Mission’s Youth Foyers provide integrated support programs for young people who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness throughout Victoria. Youth Foyers concentrate on breaking the cycle of homelessness through the application of the ‘Advantaged Thinking’ practice framework with a significant emphasis on creating direct links to employment, education and training providers.

The Youth Development Coach will assist young people who are experiencing homelessness, or are ‘at risk’ of homelessness, to develop positive pathways towards independence with a focus on employment, education, and training outcomes.

About you

We are looking for someone who can:

• Advocate for clients with community agencies, employment, education and training services, real estate agencies, court, etc.
• Develop and maintain networks with key local services particularly homelessness agencies and specialist support services for young people.
• Assess the suitability of referred clients to the Youth Foyer program and make appropriate recommendations to the Team Leader.
• Provide high quality case management services to young people during their stay at Foyer, and for 6 months after exit (post-program support).
• Participate in the development, coordination and implementation of pre-employment/living skills programs and other group workshops with young people.

Benefits of working with MCM include:

• Inclusive Employer by the Diversity Council of Australia
• Attractive Salary Packaging benefits
• Supportive learning and development environment
• Culture of continuous improvement

Essential:

• Tertiary qualifications in Social Work, Youth Work, Welfare Studies, or related fields and demonstrated experience in working with young people who are vulnerable.
• Demonstrated experience, knowledge and skills relating to current issues, trends and programs relating to homelessness, employment, education and training.
• Demonstrated ability to facilitate group work with young people.
• High level of demonstrated experience working within a case management framework.
• Strong organisational and time management skills with the ability to prioritise tasks.
• Knowledge of local and regional networks and service providers.
• Ability to work independently as well as within a team.
• High level of initiative and motivation.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills and experience in conflict resolution and mediation.
• Knowledge of Youth Foyer principles and practice frameworks, including ‘Advantaged Thinking’.
• An understanding of the requirements for ensuring child safety.

Screening Criteria:

• National Police check
• Working with Children check
• Valid Victorian Drivers licence
• Right to Work in Australia

Applications for this role will close on 24th February 2025 (or Applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early).  Please include your current resume and cover letter.
Please review the position description to understand more about the role and responsibilities. If you have any needs throughout the recruitment process that have not already been catered for, we encourage you to contact recruitment@mcm.org.au to let us know how we can better support you to apply.

About MCM

MCM is an inclusive and equal opportunity employer with a strong commitment to safety. MCM embraces differences because we know that diversity and inclusion help us to attract, recruit, engage and retain talented people. 
We are a leading not-for profit-for-purpose organisation that offer a broad range of services in Disability, Homelessness, Palliative Care and Education.

Our commitment to Safety

MCM is committed to the safety of its clients and employees, taking a zero-tolerance approach to violence within the workplace and abuse, including child abuse and abuse of people with disability. All employees are required to comply with the Child Safe Standards.

Our commitment to Diversity, Inclusion & Equity of Access

At MCM we embrace our differences because we know that diversity helps us to innovate and make the biggest impact possible. Our DEI Strategy supports and drives an inclusive workplace culture. We embrace the learning opportunities that come with authentic commitment to equity of access for all. We particularly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates to apply.