About the role
We are seeking a dynamic Senior Youth Engagement and Connections Officer to plan, deliver and evaluate a variety of programs, activities and events across youth hubs, schools and community settings. In this role, you will build positive relationships with young people, reduce barriers to their participation and connect them to community resources and services. With a strong focus on mentoring and strengthening cross-sector partnerships, you will ensure that our team’s activities and programs are responsive to community needs and align with our organisational and strategic objectives.

Work type: Permanent Full Time
Classification: Band 6 Commencing at $95,760 pa plus super

Key responsibilities include:

• Contribute to a range of activities in the Youth Development Unit to develop and implement solutions in line with department strategy and plans. 
• Foster and maintain positive relationships with a range of stakeholders including young people, families, educational institutions, service providers and community organisations.
• Under the guidance of the Team Leader, lead the planning, coordination and oversight of programs, activities, and events ensuring they are youth informed, responsive to identified community need and align with organisational and strategic objectives.
• Identify and prepare applications for grant funding to support the provision of relevant programs that meet the diverse needs of young people in Greater Geelong.
• Provide leadership in supervising groups of young people, ensuring robust risk management and incident response in accordance with organisational policies and procedures.
• Undertake after-hours and weekend work as required to support operational needs and ensure service continuity.

About you
The ideal candidate will have experience working with large groups of young people and delivering youth and/or community development programs. They will be confident engaging with individuals from diverse backgrounds and possess a flexible, creative and solutions-focused approach to their work. A high level of resilience and the ability to adapt to dynamic environments are also essential for success in this role.

Essential Experience:

• Relevant qualification in Community Development, Social Work, Youth Work, Social Sciences or related field and/or significant relevant professional experience in a comparable organisation. 
• Experience in the development, implementation and evaluation of community development and/or youth programs.
• Knowledge of youth participation models and demonstrated skills in co-design and youth engagement.
• Ability to build rapport and effectively engage young people, particularly from diverse and marginalised backgrounds.
• Understanding of research principles and methodologies particularly in the youth and community development areas.
• Exceptional organisational, project management, and facilitation skills.
• Current Working with Children’s Check (Employee) and Drivers Licence required.
• Preferred candidates will be required to undergo a National Police Check as part of the recruitment process (funded by the City).

If this sounds like the role for you, then click apply now!

Child Safety Responsibilities 
We are committed to being a child-safe organisation and have zero-tolerance for child abuse. We have specific policies, procedures, and mandatory training in place to support employees, volunteers, and contractors to achieve and adhere to these commitments. Please read our Child Safe Standards Management Policy.  

Diversity and Inclusion 
At the City we want a workforce that reflects the community we live in. We welcome and embrace everyone, all people with their own unique experiences, and support and encourage all our employees to do their best work, have equal access to opportunities and a just working environment. For this reason, we particularly welcome and encourage applications from First Nations people, people with diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, from the LGBTQIA+ community, people with disability and people of all genders, ages and diverse experience.

We are the City
From parks to offices, childcare centres to works depots, leisure facilities to the Wool Museum and waterfront, our team plays a vital role in shaping our vibrant and growing community. Our community counts on us to get the essentials right while looking for ways to go beyond. By listening, collaborating, and focusing on sustainability, we strive to do the basics brilliantly and create a lasting impact. If you’re ready to be part of something bigger, join us in shaping the future of Geelong.

We support accessibility and encourage discussions about any adjustments or support you may need during the recruitment process.

Applications and Enquiries
Click the Position Description link to view more information about this position.

Enquiries: Danielle Parker – Team Leader Youth Engagement & Connections | 5274 9078 | DParker@geelongcity.vic.gov.au

Click the Apply button to submit your application or find out more about this opportunity. If we can assist you with any reasonable adjustments in order to submit your application for this role, please contact the Talent Acquisition team via email at careers@geelongcity.vic.gov.au  noting your preferred method of communication and contact details and a member of the team will be in touch.

We collect demographic data to help us learn who our advertisements are reaching and how we can reach an even more diverse audience. We are committed to building a more diverse team. Your responses to our demographic questions are strictly confidential and will not be individually shared.

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