Youth Development Worker

• 12-month maternity leave contract - Full Time Opportunity
• Salary: $105,577 – $110,359 (SCHADS Level 5)
• Generous Salary Packaging up to $15,900 per annum
• Five weeks annual leave + 17.5% leave loading
• Work from home 1 day a week
• Professional development and career advancement opportunities
• Inclusive, diverse and innovative team environment

About wayss

wayss is the largest provider of family violence, homelessness, housing and support services in South East Melbourne. We exist to ensure people can live free from family violence and have access to safe, sustainable and affordable housing.

We deliver services across Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia, with a strong focus on empowering individuals and communities.

Services for Young People

Our youth services support individuals aged 16–25 who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. We provide transitional support, crisis accommodation, and help young people build the capacity to live independently through access to housing, income support, education, and social connections.

About the Role

As a Youth Development Worker, you will report to the Team Leader, Services for Young People, and work from an Advantaged Thinking approach to support young people in crisis.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct initial assessments, safety planning and crisis intervention
• Deliver short to medium-term support tailored to individual needs
• Facilitate referrals and connect young people with essential services
• Collaborate with partner agencies to deliver programs like Living and Life Skills
• Advocate for young people and promote their aspirations
• Maintain accurate data and contribute to service improvement
• Participate in team meetings, planning days and handovers

About You

You’re a passionate, client-focused professional who thrives in a dynamic environment and is committed to supporting young people to reach their potential.

You’ll bring:

• Tertiary qualifications in Youth Work, Social Work, Psychology, Community Services or a related field
• Understanding of Advantaged Thinking and youth transitions
• Experience in community housing, education, employment or social welfare
• Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively
• High level of confidentiality and attention to detail
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and digital tools

Requirements:

• Current Driver’s Licence
• Valid ‘Employment’ category Working with Children Check
• Successful completion of wayss pre-employment screening (police and identity check)

Why Work at wayss?

At wayss, our people matter. We foster a culture of flexibility, support and wellbeing, offering:

• Competitive salary and generous leave entitlements
• Salary packaging benefits
• Hybrid working arrangements
• Professional learning and development
• A collaborative and inclusive workplace

Applications

Applications close 9 September 2026, but may close earlier if a suitable candidate is found.

Please include a cover letter addressing the criteria in the “About You” section.

For enquiries, contact Helen Umaru, Team Leader – Services for Young People, on 8797 1620.

wayss is proud to be an inclusive and child safe organisation. Due to the nature of this role, the successful candidate must be prepared to undertake a National Police Check and possess a valid Working with Children Check.

wayss is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to being an organisation that embraces a culture of equality, diversity and inclusion within our workforce and approach to service delivery. We encourage people with lived experience to apply for roles at wayss. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, people from diverse cultural and linguistic communities, people of all ages and LGBTIQ people. wayss is a proud Rainbow Tick accredited organisation that welcomes everyone across the LGBTIQ community.