Maloerroe-Ma (House) Youth Support Officer

Larrakia Nation; Darwin; On-site; AUD 74,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging up to $15,899 peryear

5 weeks pro rata annual leave per year

Employee assistance program

Learning and development support

35-hour week

Job summary

Larrakia Nation Aboriginal Corporation is seeking Youth Support Workers in Darwin for the Maloerroe-ma Pathways Program. You will provide culturally safe, trauma-informed support to homeless youth and youth at risk, delivering practical help and life skills in a welcoming setting.

You will collaborate with Elders and mentors, help with meals, clothing, and safe spaces, and maintain records in SHIP. A Certificate III in Youth Work or equivalent is required, with Certificate IV preferred.

Qualifications

• Certificate III in Youth Work or equivalent is required.
• Understanding of cultural protocols and ability to work respectfully with Larrakia and Indigenous culture.
• Experience engaging with young people from diverse backgrounds, including those facing homelessness or trauma.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care principles and respectful, inclusive support.
• Ability to build trusting relationships and de‑escalate challenging situations.
• Ability to maintain accurate participant records and data entry with privacy compliance.
• Flexibility to work varied shifts, including evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Provide practical assistance to young people, including meals, hygiene packs, clothing, and safe rest spaces.
• Build respectful, trusting relationships and offer emotional, social, and practical support.
• Help plan and deliver structured activities that build life skills and education.
• Collaborate with cultural mentors, Elders, and community leaders to strengthen cultural identity and belonging.
• Monitor safety and welfare of young people and escalate concerns when needed.
• Maintain accurate records of participant interactions and outcomes in SHIP.

Skills

Trauma-informed care

Cultural safety

De-escalation

Interagency collaboration

Record keeping

Education

Certificate III in Youth Work or Community Services or equivalent

Certificate IV in Youth Work or Community Services or equivalent

Tools

SHIP database

Job description

Larrakia Nation Aboriginal Corporation (LNAC) is the peak advocacy and support agency for the Larrakia people, the traditional landowners of the Greater Darwin area. Initially established in 1998 to represent the Native Title interests of the Larrakia people, the LNAC has since evolved into a vital service delivery organisation focussed on addressing the social, cultural and economic aspirations of the Larrakia people by initiating and administering programs, projects and services for the broader Aboriginal community.

We are deeply committed to working in spaces that strengthen community, uphold cultural dignity, and deliver real, lasting outcomes within the community. LNAC is not just a service provider, we are a custodian of Larrakia identity, land, and cultural knowledge. As an organisation we don't just “work for” people, but work with them, empowering Larrakia and other Aboriginal peoples in the Darwin region.

About our New Program

The Maloerroe-ma Pathways Program is designed to address the issue of youth homelessness by providing essential support services. This initiative includes the operation of a day and night drop-in centre specifically tailored for homeless youth and youth at-risk of homelessness in the Darwin area. The program prioritises the creation of culturally safe spaces, ensuring that young individuals have access to the resources and support they need in a welcoming environment.

Benefits and perks

Conditions of employment covered by the Larrakia Nation Aboriginal Corporation Enterprise Agreement 2024. Salary range starting at $41.43 per hour. Option to salary package a maximum of $15,899 from your gross salary each year; 5 weeks pro rata annual leave per year; and a 35-hour week. We have a dedicated employee assistance program and excellent learning and development support and opportunities.

About the Role

Youth Support Workers serve as the primary point of contact for young people accessing the centre. They provide culturally safe, trauma-informed, and practical support to participants, fostering a welcoming and respectful environment. In line with the centre’s grant agreement and trauma-informed care obligations, Youth Support Workers play a key role in creating a supportive atmosphere that promotes safety, trust, empowerment, and wellbeing for all young people.

• Provide practical assistance to young people, including access to meals, hygiene packs, clothing, and safe rest spaces.
• Build respectful and trusting relationships with participants, offering emotional, social, and practical support in line with trauma-informed care principles.
• Assist in planning and delivering structured activities that build life skills, support education, and promote overall wellbeing.
• Collaborate with cultural mentors, Elders, and community leaders to strengthen participants’ cultural identity, connection, and sense of belonging.
• Monitor the safety and welfare of young people, responding to immediate needs and escalating concerns through appropriate channels.
• Maintain accurate and timely records of all participant interactions, supports, and outcomes in the SHIP database.

Selection Criteria

• Certificate III in Youth Work, Community Services or equivalent.
• Understanding of cultural protocols, together with a willingness to work respectfully in accordance with Larrakia and other Indigenous culture.
• Demonstrated ability to engage and support young people from diverse backgrounds, including those experiencing disadvantage, homelessness, or trauma.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care principles and commitment to providing support that is respectful, inclusive, and responsive to cultural identity and lived experience.
• Ability to build trusting relationships, de‑escalate challenging situations, and work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Proven capacity to provide day‑to‑day assistance such as meals, clothing, and referrals, while advocating for young people’s needs and rights.
• Ability to maintain accurate participant records, case notes, and data entry (e.g., in SHIP or similar systems) while ensuring confidentiality and compliance with privacy requirements.
• Capacity to remain calm, empathetic, and effective in dynamic environments, managing competing priorities while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Ability to work varied shifts, including evenings and weekends
• A valid Working with Children (OCHRE) Card, Current NT Driver’s Licence (C Class minimum), Current Police check
• Strong understanding of NT homelessness policy, youth justice systems, and the cultural needs of Aboriginal youth
• Certificate IV in Youth Work, Community Services or equivalent

A fixed term contract will be offered that aligns with the funding agreement (up to 3 years).

Applicants are required to undergo Drug and Alcohol testing if you are in the final selection as part of the recruitment process.