Research and Youth Engagement Coordinator

Research and Youth Engagement Coordinator

Brisbane Youth Service

Since 1977, Brisbane Youth Service (BYS) has worked to create new futures for vulnerable young people at risk of homelessness aged 12-25 years and their children.

This position will be working collaboratively with the Youth Engagement Lead and the Research and Evaluation Lead, this position supports the research, evaluation, youth engagement, and advocacy work of BYS to amplify young people’s lived experience and ensure the timely and impactful translation of knowledge.

Employment Type & Hours

Part-Time | 60 hours per fortnight | 12-month Fixed Term Position

Conditions

Level 5 - Social, Community, Home Care & Disabilities Services [SCHADS] Award 2010

• Generous salary packaging benefits with flexible work arrangements available
• 5.5 weeks annual leave per annum [pro-rata]
• Great team culture

Selection Criteria

1. Understanding of and commitment to BYS vision, objectives and practice framework
2. Demonstrated understanding of the issues impacting young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness
3. Strong organisational and planning skills and the demonstrated ability to work independently and prioritise and manage competing demands
4. Demonstrated experience conducting social research, including a sound understanding of both quantitative and qualitative approaches to data collection and analysis
5. Demonstrated ability to communicate for impact across a range of stakeholders and formats (i.e. reports, media, position statements, government, young people, community)
6. Ability to plan and deliver a range of youth engagement initiatives including co-design, personal storytelling, and youth advisory groups

Education, Qualifications, Requirements [Mandatory]

• A tertiary qualification in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, Social Sciences or comparable qualification OR substantial demonstrated experience in similar service delivery
• Current Queensland driver’s license
• Working with Children Suitability Card [Blue Card] / willingness to obtain a Blue Card prior to commencement
• National Police Check Clearance
• Evidence of vaccination, immunity, or medical exemption for the following preventable diseases prior to commencement: Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Varicella [Chicken Pox]; Pertussis [Whooping Cough]; and COVID-19
• Two relevant references, including most recent manager.

Skills & Experience

• Experience working with young people
• 2+ years’ experience in a similar youth engagement, research, or evaluation-related role
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and experience working across with multiple data sets
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with the ability to tailor communication to variety of audiences
• Demonstrated experience facilitating group and one-to-one activities/discussions
• A sound understanding of participatory engagement and/or participatory research
• Demonstrated experience contributing to projects and/or processes involving the sharing of lived experience
• Knowledge of trauma informed, ethical and safe approaches to youth engagement and the sharing of lived experience
• Strong project coordination and administration skills
• Demonstrated experience and a sound understanding of qualitative and quantitative data collection and data analysis methods

Personal Attributes

• Personal drive and integrity and ability to stay calm under pressure
• Consultative and collaborative working attitude
• Flexible, initiative, collaborative, inclusive, respectful, ethical, accountable
• Commitment to a learning culture and ongoing professional development
• Ability to work both as part of a team and independently with limited direction
• Self-reflective with critical thinking and analytical skills

Research Advocacy and Youth Engagement

• Working closely with the Youth Engagement Lead, assist with the co-ordination and delivery of youth engagement activities to ensure the successful implementation of the Youth Engagement Framework at BYS
• Support the Youth Engagement Lead to develop training material on best practice youth engagement approaches
• Provide administrative support to the Youth Engagement Lead, as required
• Assist with the collection, analysis, and reporting of qualitative data collected through BYS youth engagement, research, and evaluation activities
• Prepare submissions and position statements ensuring BYS data, research and evaluation findings, and the voices and perspectives of young people are included
• Produce supplementary resources (fact sheets, summaries, slide decks etc.) about BYS youth engagement, research and evaluation to be shared with key stakeholders including young people
• Monitor and follow-up BYS involvement in external youth engagement, research and consultation projects
• Collate data from internal and external sources for submissions, grants, proposals, and advocacy activities e.g. speeches, presentations
• Action requests for data outside of normal reporting requirements from other BYS staff including Senior Managers and the EMT e.g. for the Annual Report
• Monitor key data sources for latest data releases (e.g. AHURI, ABS), and prepare summaries for internal and external uses
• Assist with the preparation of literature reviews and desktop scoping reviews
• Develop key messages, themes, and calls to action based on both the work of BYS and good practice across the Youth Services sector
• Monitor the reach and influence of BYS research and evaluation findings e.g. influence reforms

People, Culture, Safety

• Contribute to a culture of respect, optimism, accountability and resilience in line with organisational values
• Participate in regular supervision to monitor service delivery and evaluation and collaborate on high-risk planned support and self-care initiatives
• Participate as a collaborative and supportive team member, contributing to the overall effectiveness of the team and outcomes for young people
• Create a trusting, cohesive environment where people can express opinions, and those opinions are heard
• Model ethical behaviours in line with the BYS Code of Conduct and consistently apply ethical standards to self and others
• Participate in quality practice reviews, all-staff days, organisational planning and identify and participate in training and professional development opportunities
• Protect and promote the rights of children and young people, including making decisions compatible with the Human Rights Act 2019; and responding to and reporting suspicions and disclosures of abuse or harm
• Ensure a healthy and safe workplace for all by adhering to BYS Work Health, Safety and Wellbeing Policy, Procedures and Practices
• Actively participate to deliver the BYS Reconciliation Action Plan [RAP] initiatives and measurable actions that support First Nations equality across our organisation and services

How to Apply

To apply, please attach your [1] Cover letter addressing the selection criteria along with your [2] CV through the recruitment service portal.

To download the full position description, please visit: http://brisyouth.org/employment-opportunities/ 

If you would like to discuss this position further, please contact BYS directly or via hr@brisyouth.org

Applications for this position close 9:00am Monday 28th of October 2024.

Interviews may take place progressively for successfully shortlisted applicants with an immediate start available.

The positions may be withdrawn earlier than the close date if applicants are successfully appointed prior.