Who We Are
We are the Australian Kookaburra Kids Foundation (AKKF). We are a Not-For-Profit supporting young people (aged 8-18) that are living in families affected by mental illness. Since 2002, we have helped young people to connect, learn,and grow through safe, fun, and meaningful programs. Our evidence-based camps, activity days, and online "Connect" sessions are designed by mental health professionals, delivered in a peer based, recreation led format. Our programs are proven to empower young people to thrive beyond the impacts of familial mental illness.
Check out what we do here
We value Connection, Commitment, Collaboration and Integrity. We strive for impact, and we do this through developing real relationships, flexibility, and a team that supports each other.
If you're someone who wants your work to matter, who wants to help shape outcomes for young people and bring energy, authenticity,and care into your role, then AKKF is a place where your passion will be put into practice.
About Our Programs
Activity days are single day events that provide an opportunity for children to connect, improve mental health literacy, develop help-seeking behaviours, and provide a fun day out for some much needed respite. Activities can include ice skating, laser tag, bowling, movies, putt putt golf, and beach activities just to name a few Activity days may be held on week days or weekends.
Camps are multi-day programs that provide an opportunity for connection, growth, and empowerment. Young people learn about mental illness and help-seeking behaviours, develop coping skills and resilience, build peer connection, participate in recreational and connection activities such as canoeing, archery, giant swings, go-karts and much more Our camps run from 4.00pm Friday to 4.00pm Sunday.
The Opportunity
Empower young people to thrive through meaningful and fun work to make a positive impact in your community.
As a Program Support you will be instrumental in helping to deliver empowering, educational, and fun youth programs in your community through supporting Activity Days and Camps. You will be providing essential support to our program teams and volunteers during activities, while coordinating and supporting young people.
Our camps and day activities are held in various locations across Australia, throughout the year. As a Program Supportyou have the flexibility to jump on camps when and where you want If you're keen to get out and about, there is opportunity to travel to camps across Australia.
You will be supported by a Program Lead and volunteers, plus clinical support, to deliver the programs, working as a team to ensure our Young People are supported, safe, and engaged.
Interested in progression and leadership opportunities? Once trained, as a Program Support you will have the opportunity to step into the Program Lead role.
Key Responsibilities
* Assist in or lead the delivery of face-to-face youth programs, including Camps, Activity Days, and online Connect programs.
* Coordinate young people and volunteers on programs.
* Organise safe transport for young people, including meet-and-greet, signing in/out, and medication collection.
* Work in conjunction with other program staff and clinicians to support and manage behaviours on program.
* Participate in briefing and debriefing activities such as preparing materials and completing reports within allocated timeframes.
* Support volunteers by providing guidance and encouragement.
* Facilitate engaging, inclusive, and safe program experiences aligned with AKKF's values and policies.
* Proactively support a safe environment through providing first aid as needed, child safeguarding protocols and upholding work health and safety standards.
* Build healthy and professional relationships with coworkers, volunteers, families and young people.
About You
* Experience managing challenging behaviours in the youth mental health space.
* Experience in delivering youth activities or programs.
* Experience working with vulnerable youth of different ages
* Strong organisational skills with the ability to coordinate multiple tasks.
* Effective communication and engagement skills with diverse audiences.
* Ability to attend regular camps and activity days.
* Valid driver's license and access to own vehicle.
* Current First Aid Certificate (or ability to obtain).
* Current Working With Children Check (or ability to obtain).
Why Join Us?
* Be part of a values-driven organisation committed to youth empowerment.
* Contribute to programs that make a real difference in young people's lives.
* Fun, rewarding, and meaningful work where you see the difference you make in peoples lives first hand.
* Opportunities for professional development and career growth.
* Opportunity to participate in exciting and variedcamps and activity days including potential local and interstate travel.
* Flexible work to fit in with your other commitments.
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How To Apply
Ready to engage in meaningful, impactful work? Give us the rundown on all things you - click the Apply Nowbutton and provide your Resume and a short Cover Letter outlining how you meet the 'About You'.
We are committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and equitable workplace. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and lived experiences. We know first-hand how valuable lived experience is to supporting positive outcomes for our young people.
We warmly encourage current or former members of the Australian Defence Force to apply. If you have served, you are welcome (but not required) to share your experience in your application. We value the unique skills and perspectives that Defence service brings.
Child Safeguarding
AKKF is committed to creating environments where the safety and wellbeing of young people is at the center of our thoughts, values, and actions.
Employment is subject to reference checks, a National Police Check, and a Working with Children Check.