Youth Worker (Outreach)

• Fixed term until 30/06/2026
• Full Time
• Remuneration SCHCADS level 5.1 dependent on qualifications and experience
• 5 Weeks Annual Leave
• Up to $15,900 for living expenses + up to $2,600 towards meals and entertainment can be tax free through NFP Salary Packaging

The Youth AOD Outreach Worker is responsible for the provision of specialist Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) outreach and support for clients accessing YSAS Alcohol and other Drugs services. The key responsibilities include AOD support; intake & assessment; brief interventions; care planning; case work; mental health system navigation; motivational interviewing; and single session therapy with young people aged 12-25 years. The role will provide developmentally appropriate, holistic, family inclusive, and culturally sensitive care and facilitate supported referrals to other health and social services to enhance recovery outcomes. Based in Dandenong, the worker will deliver services across the Southern and South Eastern areas of Melbourne.

• Experience in working with young people from CALD or refugee communities with specific and complex needs in an outreach capacity.
• Experience facilitating group work activities (such as recreation/drop in programs) with young people who are experiencing multiple and complex health and social issues.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with stakeholders and maintain service partnerships, with highly developed communication, liaison, and networking skills.
• Ability to practice a range of interventions including completing complex assessments, case work, care planning, advocacy, crisis intervention, and collaborative outreach based service delivery.
• Demonstrated capacity to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to participate in program development and evaluation, including clear and timely written reports on program activities and outcomes.

Young people across YSAS have spoken out and given feedback about the qualities that best describe a good YSAS worker: "A good worker takes the time to understand your interests and doesn't treat everyone the same." "Young people believe that a good YSAS worker is empathetic and good at actively listening in a non judgmental way, is relatable, down to earth, and able to build trust and rapport consistently." "It takes time to trust someone, but it's worth it when you know they've got your back." They have also raised that genuine human connection is an important quality, "being authentically human," while having a holistic, flexible, and adaptable approach that considers the entire context of a young person's life and their intersectionalities. "It's about making sure workers don't just tick boxes but genuinely want to see us thrive."

• YSAS has a true commitment to flexible working, ensuring that individual, team, and client needs are met.
• YSAS offers additional leave entitlements such as gender affirmation, ceremonial leave for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, fertility leave, blood donor leave, a generous Parental Leave Scheme, and the ability to purchase additional leave.
• Access to learning and development opportunities.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

• As part of our employment screening process you will be required to undertake a National Criminal History check and have a current Working with Children Check.
• You must have Australian work rights to apply for this position.

For a confidential discussion about the position, please contact Brett McCaughan, Community Manager, on regarding the Dandenong Youth Outreach position, Recruitment Ref. Number 113_2025.

• YSAS is an equal opportunity employer, and we welcome applications from all sectors of the community.
• YSAS has a zero tolerance for child abuse and is committed to the provision of a child safe organisation.