Position Title RESIDENTIAL YOUTH WORKER Employee Name Date Division/ Entity/Location Eastern Victoria Division Organisational Unit/ Department SOUTH EAST SERVICES NETWORK, Peninsula Youth & Family Services RESIDENTIAL YOUTH SERVICES THE SALVATION ARMY INTERNATIONAL MISSION STATEMENT The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human need in His name without discrimination. AUSTRALIA SOUTHERN TERRITORY S MISSION AND VALUES Mission The mission of The Salvation Army Australia Southern Territory is: Transforming lives: working for personal renewal through Jesus Christ, that touches and integrates the whole person Caring for people: engaging with others in need, without discrimination Making Disciples: patterning lives on Jesus Reforming Society: acting on the structures of society to restore justice Values The values of The Salvation Army Australia Southern Territory are: Human dignity: respecting the sanctity of human life as being made in image of God. We affirm the worth and capacity of all people. Justice: acting with integrity and fairness, without discrimination, and being an advocate for the disadvantaged; managing all resources responsibly as stewards. We promote healthy and whole relationships, and good society. Hope: sharing the gospel of Jesus as a gracious invitation to wholeness. We work for reconciliation, healing and transformation for all people and creation. Compassion: engaging with others in the Spirit of Jesus. We feel compelled to stand with and do something about another s suffering. Community: owning our common humanity as we engage with people, working and journeying together, for mutual capacity building. We build community and meet with God in our encounter with others. All employees in non-ministry positions in The Salvation Army are expected to work in accordance with the Australia Southern Territory s mission and values and comply with Official Minutes, policies and procedures. SESN (PYFS Residential Youth Worker Reviewed & Updated May 2012) page: 1 of 6
Position reports to Co-ordinator, SESN-PYFS Residential Unit Reportable Positions NIL Position Purpose Program Description Qualifications The Residential Youth Worker is responsible for ensuring a safe and secure accommodation environment responsive to the needs of statutory young people who are unable to reside with their families. Peninsula Residential Youth Services provides a range of support services to young people unable to live with their families, including alternative accommodation and care, family reconciliation (where appropriate) and/or support during the transition to independent living. The target group consists of young people 12-18 years who are experiencing state intervention in their lives (protective; correctional; psychiatric) and/or are chronically homeless. Peninsula Residential Youth Services currently consists of three services: - PYFS Towerhill Unit - PYFS Bayside Unit - PYFS 2:1 Adolescent Units Relevant tertiary qualification in Youth Work Award (if applicable) Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010 Salary & Conditions Salary Packaging Other Requirements Classification Community Services Employee Level 3 National Police Records Check & Working with Children Check is mandatory; Proof of Eligibility to Work in Australia; Current Victorian Driver s Licence. Resource Management NIL Total staff management (EFT) NIL Organisational Context: The South East Services Network [SESN] is a social service of The Salvation Army. The Network comprises The Salvation Army Peninsula Youth and Family Services (operating throughout the Frankston/Mornington Peninsula), GippsCare, (currently operating in South Gippsland and the Bass Coast) and Doveton Community Support Services. The South East Services Network is managed by the Director, who reports to the Divisional Social Programme Secretary, Eastern Victoria Division. Network Description: The South East Services Network delivers a range of accommodation and support services to youth, single adults and families with a particular focus on assisting those who are highly disadvantaged individuals. The Network offers crisis contact, transitional accommodation and support, information, referral and advocacy, emergency relief, alternative accommodation and care for young people, as well as access to education, employment and training. SESN (PYFS Residential Youth Worker Reviewed & Updated May 2012) page: 2 of 6
Personal Competencies Required Willingness to work in accordance with The Salvation Army s mission and values, and comply with Official Minutes, policies and procedures. Self-motivation & Time Management. Commitment to continuous service improvement practice and principles. Commitment to effective teamwork and ability to work effectively with others. Ability to work with young people who are in crisis and show respect, and a non-judgemental attitude. Job Competencies Required Demonstrated experience, ability and enthusiasm to engage & formulate options, and implement strategies with individuals and their families who may be in crisis within a case management framework. Understanding of and ability to support the Co-ordinator and staff in implementing continuous improvement processes. Knowledge in the areas of trauma & attachment, child & adolescent development, health and family issues. Knowledge of and the ability to access various community resources relevant to the areas of individuals and family needs. Demonstrated ability to effectively advocate and network with relevant support and welfare agencies and the broader community. Honesty, integrity and trustworthiness. Well-developed written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively & creatively with individuals & families. Affirmative belief in social justice. Commitment to working with young people who exhibit multiple needs. Competent written and verbal skills. Demonstrated capacity to work as a constructive team member, as well as independently. An understanding of and experience in data collection processes and requirements. Demonstrated experience, enthusiasm and commitment to the development and delivery of services relevant to the needs of young people placed in residential care. Demonstrated skills as a caseworker, particularly in working with young people who confront multiple complex issues and the ability to assist in the development of an effective approach, including working within a Care Team. Knowledge of the Child Protection and Juvenile Justice systems. SESN (PYFS Residential Youth Worker Reviewed & Updated May 2012) page: 3 of 6
Key Result Areas Key Activities Standard Measures SERVICE USER ASSESSMENT, SUPPORT & ADVOCACY. PROVIDE SERVICE DELIVERY IN LINE WITH AGENCY POLICY AND PROCEDURE, AND DHS REQUIREMENTS. Work within Agency Policy and Procedure, and ensure a high standard of service delivery. Undertake a mutual assessment of presenting issues, living skills and strengths, to work towards a transition to suitable accommodation. Provision of support, advocacy and linkages to young people and their families to improve/enhance access to a range of services. Advocate for young people with relevant government and non-government social services, and where appropriate facilitate referrals and links with these support options. Assist young people to develop realistic goals and assist them to achieve these goals. Inform young people of their inherent rights, assist them to identify their needs and encourage them to make informed choices about their future options. Liaise effectively with relevant services and supports to create linkages and options for young people. Ensure sound practice in accordance with SESN and Funding Body Policy and Procedure, including Registration & CSO Standards, Looking After Children, Duty of Care, SESN Case Management Policy and DHS Fire Compliance. Adherence to legislative requirements including the Privacy Act, Children, Youth & Families Act, and Occupational Health & Safety Legislation. Agency Policy and Procedure, and DHS requirements are followed. Service Users receive a high standard of service delivery. Assessment undertaken to Agency Policy/DHS Standards. Service delivery is provided in accordance with Agency Policies and Procedures. Advocacy occurs in accordance with the Privacy Act and SESN Privacy Policy. Young people are fully involved in relevant decisionmaking processes. Young people are aware of their rights and they are able to make informed choices. Young people have access to community resources. Relevant policy and procedure, and frameworks are followed in day-to-day practice. Legislative requirements are implemented in day-today practice. SESN (PYFS Residential Youth Worker Reviewed & Updated May 2012) page: 4 of 6
Key Result Areas Key Activities Standard Measures PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION TEAMWORK Liaise with relevant community groups and agencies; facilitate linkages with services and programs, which are appropriate to the needs of young people. Participate in networking between agencies, local government and community supports to ensure increased co-ordination and responsiveness to the needs of young people. Assist in the ongoing development of appropriate information, assessment and referral procedures and data collection systems consistent with a co-ordinated response to young people. Participate in the regular monitoring and evaluation of the program, including client outcomes and client feedback. Ensure the completion of client records including communication book, client files, Looking After Children documentation, Incident Reports, Case Management requirements, including the use of CRIS/CRISSP, and to provide an adequate standard of daily reports and staff changeovers. Assist in the preparation of relevant reports and proposals, as required. Maintain accountability of petty cash expenditure and administration of petty cash accounts. Model teamwork and encourage other staff to work as co-operative members of the Residential Youth Services team. Actively participate and contribute to team meetings and other relevant events. Active involvement with and contribution to these processes. Administrative functions are actively undertaken, are accurate and timely, and meet SESN guidelines/standards and funding body requirements. Modelling of teamwork in line with SESN expectations including The Salvation Army Code of Conduct. Co-operative and effective working relationships are developed and maintained. SESN (PYFS Residential Youth Worker Reviewed & Updated May 2012) page: 5 of 6
Key Result Areas Key Activities Standard Measures TEAMWORK [CONTINUED] SUPERVISION & PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY Actively participate in the regular monitoring and evaluation of the program. Provide peer support to colleagues. To work co-operatively with other members of the Residential Youth Services team, SESN and other services. Adhere to and follow the conflict resolution processes as per TSA Grievance Policy and Procedures. Participate in supervision with the Unit Co-ordinator as per TSA MPP/SESN Supervision Policy and requirements. Participate in Performance Plan & Review as per TSA Performance Review Policy & Procedures. Work within TSA OH&S guidelines, OH&S legislation and SESN Policy and requirements. Report incidents and hazards to the SESN Regional Manager PYFS Out of Home Care & Youth Services. To undertake household duties and manual handling (eg. moving furniture) Co-operative and effective working relationships are developed and maintained. Conflict is addressed and resolved in a professional and timely manner as per SESN Policies & Procedures. Supervision with Unit Co-ordinator approached in a positive and constructive manner. Performance Plan & Review approached in a positive and constructive manner. Always comply with and actively support TSA OH&S policies, procedures and guidelines. Work is undertaken within TSA/SESN OH&S Policies & Procedures. SESN Regional Manager PYFS Out of Home Care & Youth Services is notified of any relevant OH&S issues. Incidents and hazards are reported to the SESN Regional Manager PYFS Out of Home Care & Youth Services immediately they occur/are recognised and relevant paperwork is completed. Household duties are undertaken within TSA/SESN OH&S Policies & Procedures in line with Manual Handling Procedures. Employee s Signature: Date: Regional Manager s Signature: Date: Print Name: SESN (PYFS Residential Youth Worker Reviewed & Updated May 2012) page: 6 of 6