Youth Support Worker

ABOUT US

The Salvation Army is a Christian movement and one of Australia's largest and most-loved charities. We believe in doing good that transforms lives and futures for the better. It is this belief which drives us to find new ways and places where we can make a difference. From times of personal crisis to moments of national grief, we are always here — providing support, safety, community, and opportunity.

Help Young People Build Brighter Futures Are you passionate about empowering young people to overcome challenges and create positive change in their lives? Do you thrive on building meaningful relationships and supporting young people to achieve goals they never thought possible? We're looking for a dedicated and compassionate Youth Support Worker to join our Youth Justice Client Support Services (YJCSS) team. In this rewarding role, you'll work alongside young people involved with the justice system, providing practical support, mentoring and outreach that helps them stay engaged, connected and focused on a brighter future.

About the Role

As a Youth Support Worker, you'll work closely with Youth Justice Case Managers, families, schools and community services to support young people through tailored case plans designed to reduce risk, increase engagement and achieve sustainable outcomes. No two days are the same. One day you might be helping a young person access education or employment opportunities, and the next you're providing mentoring, attending appointments, advocating for their needs or supporting them to build essential life skills. Your work will play a vital role in helping young people strengthen their independence, improve their wellbeing and navigate pathways away from offending behaviour. Reporting to the Youth Justice Client Services Coordinator, this is a fixed‑term part‑time position, 30.4 hours per week contracted until June 2027, based on‑site in Shepparton, VIC.

How you will make an impact

• Delivering outreach and case support to young people involved in Youth Justice programs


• Building trusted, positive relationships that encourage growth, responsibility and engagement


• Supporting access to education, training, employment, housing, health, mental health, AOD and cultural services


• Providing mentoring and practical assistance to develop life skills, resilience and social connections


• Offering after‑hours support in line with individual case plans to promote safety and positive outcomes


• Advocating for young people's needs and working collaboratively with courts, schools, police, families and service providers


• Contributing to a safe, inclusive and client‑focused service environment

What you will bring

• A Diploma or tertiary qualification in Social Work, Welfare, Community Development or a related field


• Experience working within the youth, community services or social services sector


• Strong relationship‑building and communication skills


• The ability to engage young people experiencing complex challenges


• Excellent organisational and time‑management abilities


• A collaborative approach and commitment to person‑centred practice


• Experience supporting young people involved in Youth Justice or at risk of offending will be highly regarded


• A Current Victorian Employee


• Working with Children Check


• A Current Victorian Driver's Licence

Why Join The Salvation Army?

When you join us, you'll be supported to make a lasting impact while being supported in your own career and wellbeing.

Benefits

• Salary packaging up to $15,900 tax‑free plus $2,650 meal entertainment


• 12 weeks paid parental leave for primary and secondary carers


• Purchase up to 8 weeks additional leave each year


• 5 paid days annually to experience and learn from other Salvation Army programs


• Access to EAP, wellbeing programs, and Fitness Passport


• Ongoing professional supervision, training, and development


• A rewarding career with one of Australia's most trusted not‑for‑profit organisations

The Salvation Army is an Equal Opportunity Employer who provides an inclusive work environment and embraces the diverse talent of its people. We value and include people of all cultures, languages, abilities, sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions and intersex status. We are committed to achieving a diverse workforce and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The Salvation Army is a child‑safe organisation and is committed to protecting children and young people from harm. All child‑facing roles will require the successful completion of a Working with Children Check. Applicants for all roles require a mandatory Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check. We value Integrity, Compassion, Respect, Diversity, and Collaboration.

Mission, Vision & Values The Salvation Army is a Christian movement dedicated to sharing the love of Jesus. We share the love of Jesus by: Caring for people Creating faith pathways Building healthy communities Working for justice When you work with the Salvos, you help make a real difference to the community and the lives of others. Find more information here. Check out how we’re bringing some more good in the world.

Why work with the Salvos? The Salvation Army offers a range of employment opportunities across the organisation, including those in community programmes, aged care, retail, employment services, corporate and other support services. When you choose to work with the Salvos, you choose to believe in doing good that transforms the lives of people and communities facing hardship or crisis. So, if you are passionate about work that has purpose and satisfaction, are keen on delivering social and sustainable outcomes that change lives, we want to hear from you. Our employees have access to a range of benefits, plus personal development and career diversity opportunities that deliver real and meaningful benefits. Enjoy flexible working arrangements and a healthy work‑life balance, generous salary packaging opportunities, parental leave, purchase leave schemes and much more. The Salvation Army encourages people from all backgrounds, abilities, and identities to apply. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment that accepts and recognises every person, embraces their strengths and differences, and provides opportunities for all people to achieve their highest potential.

Check out our career page to find out more about our recruitment process and what it's like to work at the Salvos. We are always on the lookout for individuals keen to help us fulfil mission to support those in need. Along with contributing their valuable time to a good cause, volunteers bring much‑needed vitality and a fresh perspective through their ideas to the range of roles we have on offer. Whatever your skillset, availability, or areas of interest, we are keen to hear from you. Check out our volunteer opportunities here.

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