Youth Worker (Outreach)
- Applications close by COB Friday, 7 August 2026
- Fixed Term
- Part-Time (60.8 hours per fortnight)
- Remuneration SCHCADS level 5 dependent on qualifications and experience + superannuation
- 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
About the position
The Reconnect program is a community based early intervention and prevention program for young people aged 12 to 18 years (or 12 to 21 years in the case of newly arrived youth) who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, and their families. Reconnect services are funded by the Department of Social Services (DSS) and provide counselling, group work, mediation and practical support to the whole family, to help prevent homelessness from occurring. Reconnect service providers also purchase other services to meet the individual needs of clients, such as specialised mental health services. The Reconnect Youth and Family Worker (schools) will provide most services in an outreach capacity to young people and their families in schools-based settings and may be required to conduct co-casework with other YSAS workers or external services. After hours work may be required.
Key Selection Criteria
- Experience in working with young people with complex needs and problematic alcohol or other drug use in an outreach capacity especially issues that place the young person at risk of homelessness;
- Experience in working with families using solution-focused strategies or other appropriate family interventions / modalities including the ability to negotiate successful outcomes between young people and their families;
- Demonstrated understanding of therapeutic case management, care planning and review approaches. In addition to responding to crises and accessing other support services;
- Highly developed engagement and communication skills and styles with young people and their families from a range of backgrounds (including cultural awareness) and age groups, including ability to model appropriate behaviours and motivate young people;
- Demonstrated experience of participation in co-operative and collaborative work practices with other service providers, community groups and schools, including well developed liasion and networking skills.
What our young people request from our workers:
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 in a consistent manner”. “It takes time to trust someone, but it’s worth it when you know they’ve got your back”. Young people 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”
Regardless of where they are based or what position a worker has, everything we do at YSAS is about young people and their families.
For full details of the position, please view the POSITION DESCRIPTION below
Why work with us?
- 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 donors leave, a generous Parental Leave Scheme and the ability to purchase additional leave.
- Access to learning and development opportunities
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Please Note:
- 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.
Further Enquiries
For a confidential discussion about the position, please contact Hayley Gladman, Team Leader, on 0459 698 532 regarding Youth Worker (Outreach) position, Recruitment Ref. Number – 046_2026.
- 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.
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