Youth Worker | Reconnect Program (Fixed Term)

About the role

ac.care is seeking a Youth Worker to work collaboratively as a team member within the organisation to deliver early intervention services for young people aged 12 to 18 years who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and their families across eastern regional South Australia.

The role will support young people in achieving family reconciliation and improve their level of engagement with education, training, work and the community through outreach appointments, referrals, advocacy, and information sharing with key service providers within their local community.

The Youth Worker will also engage with local pathways and community resources to build an ecosystem of support which facilitates tangible, positive outcomes for young vulnerable people at risk.

As part of this you will:

• Assist young people to build positive relationships with family, community and cultural supports.
• Provide a high quality, inclusive youth support and development service by applying client centred best practice standards and evidence-based assessments.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of frameworks, policies, procedures, individual case plans and community resources to achieve outcomes for young people.
• Provide one-on-one informal counselling, group work, community work, outreach, referrals and practical support in a culturally appropriate manner.
• Communicate effectively and assist in the implementation of the Reconnect program to enhance clients’ soft and hard skills and connections to their community.
• Work collaboratively, developing respectful and compassionate relationships with internal and external stakeholders to deliver positive client and system outcomes e.g. schools, community and other education providers, employers, health providers.
• Advocate with and on behalf of young people for their rights and empowerment while respecting the rights and responsibilities of their parents/carers.
• Maintain accurate documentation and collect relevant data in accordance with program and funding body requirements, and ensure information is recorded, stored, secured and assessed in accordance with policy, legislation and organisational standards.

Benefits:

• $38.65 per hour
• Part Time (0.9 FTE)
• Fixed Term (Parental Leave backfill) – 30 July 2027
• Five (5) weeks annual leave (per 1.0 FTE)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Salary packaging benefits and 12% employer contribution to superannuation.

Special Conditions:

• Current SA driver’s licence ‘Class C’ or interstate equivalent.
• Current Working with Children Check (WWCC) or willingness to obtain in accordance with ac.care policy.
• Current National Police Check (within 12 months) or willingness to obtain in accordance with ac.care policy.
• Safe Environment “Through their Eyes” training certificate or willingness to obtain in accordance with ac.care policy.
• Respond to Abuse and Neglect (RAN) training.

Qualifications, Experience and Attributes:

• Tertiary or formal qualifications e.g. Certificate III in Youth Work or higher in a Community Services field, or less formal qualifications with specialised skills, and 2-3 years relevant experience, expertise and competence attained through previous appointments.
• Demonstrated experience in facilitating group programs.
• Demonstrated practice to work autonomously, manage time effectively, set priorities, plan and organise workload and create work plans to achieve specified outcomes within a limited timeframe.
• Knowledge of the influences and effects of the social environment on clients and issues associated with social barriers amongst young people.
• Ability to identify and manage own emotional responses to clients being supported e.g. self-awareness, open-mindedness on social issues and ability to practice reflection.
• Demonstrated experience working with people from culturally and linguistically Diverse (CALD) and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds.
• Demonstrated experience in case management, case noting, case plans, assessment and referral processes.
• Knowledge of local service providers, networks, employers, government agencies, cultural connections and other resources that create pathways for young people at risk.
• Trained and experienced in mental health first aid is highly regarded.

How to apply 

You may also apply through SEEK, or email: careers@accare.org.au

In support of your application please:

• Subject line:  Your Name: [YWRP + MB]
• A cover letter outlining your reasons for applying and addressing the essential qualifications and experience in the position description.
• Include a current CV/Resume with contact details for two (2) referees, one (1) of whom is/was a direct line manager.

Please click here for a copy of the position description. For any additional information, please contact Thanuja Hiripitiyage on 08 8531 4900.

Applications close 12 July 2026.