Youth Worker/Case Manager - My Life Program

Tradewind; Shire of Yarra Ranges; On-site; AUD 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Tradewind is seeking a dedicated youth worker to support young people and families within the community. You will provide practical and emotional support to help clients build independence, stay connected, and improve wellbeing, in collaboration with schools and services.

Responsibilities include developing life skills, creating and reviewing case plans, maintaining records, and travelling within the community to meet clients where they are. Degree in Social Work or related field is preferred.

Qualifications

• Experience working with vulnerable young people and families.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practice.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to manage challenging behaviours and complex situations calmly.
• Good case management and organisational skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong documentation and computer skills.
• Flexible and adaptable approach.
• Ability to advocate for clients and work collaboratively with services.

Responsibilities

• Support young people and families in their homes and community.
• Help young people develop life skills and independence.
• Assist with education, employment and community connection goals.
• Work with young people to create and review case plans.
• Advocate for clients and link them with services and supports.
• Maintain case notes, reports and client records.
• Work collaboratively with other services, schools and community agencies.
• Adapt support to suit individual client needs.
• Participate in team meetings, supervision and training.
• Travel within the community and transport clients when required.

Skills

Experience with vulnerable youth and/s

Trauma-informed practice

Communication & relationship-building

Manage challenging behaviours calmly

Case management & organisation

Independent & team work

Documentation & computer skills

Flexible & adaptable

Advocacy & collaboration with services

Education

Degree or Advanced Diploma in Social Work, Psychology, Community Services or similar

Job description

This role supports young people and families who may be experiencing trauma, instability or risk of entering residential care. The worker provides practical and emotional support to help young people build independence, stay connected to community, and improve their wellbeing.

About the Role

This role supports young people and families who may be experiencing trauma, instability or risk of entering residential care. The worker provides practical and emotional support to help young people build independence, stay connected to community, and improve their wellbeing.

Main Duties

• Support young people and families in their homes and community
• Help young people develop life skills and independence
• Assist with education, employment and community connection goals
• Work with young people to create and review case plans
• Advocate for clients and link them with services and supports
• Maintain case notes, reports and client records
• Work collaboratively with other services, schools and community agencies
• Adapt support to suit individual client needs
• Participate in team meetings, supervision and training
• Travel within the community and transport clients when required

Key Skills Needed

• Experience working with vulnerable young people and families
• Understanding of trauma-informed practice
• Strong communication and relationship‑building skills
• Ability to manage challenging behaviours and complex situations calmly
• Good case management and organisational skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Strong documentation and computer skills
• Flexible and adaptable approach
• Ability to advocate for clients and work collaboratively with services

Experience & Knowledge Preferred

• Youth work, family services, child protection or community services experience
• Knowledge of adolescent development, mental health and substance use
• Understanding of the statutory and community services sector
• Experience supporting clients from diverse cultural backgrounds

Qualifications & Requirements

• Degree or Advanced Diploma in Social Work, Psychology, Community Services or similar
• Current Working With Children Check
• Police Check
• Victorian Driver's Licence
• First Aid Certificate (or willingness to obtain)

Ideal Candidate

Someone who is:

• Calm, resilient and empathetic
• Confident working with high‑risk or complex young people
• Able to build trust quickly
• Organised and proactive
• Passionate about improving outcomes for young people and families
• Comfortable working flexibly in community‑based environments