As a Program Support Officer, you will work closely with the Program Manager, and play a key role in supporting the successful implementation of our weekly, school-based mentoring program, in schools in the Southern Grampians Shire. This is a permanent part-time position with a minimum requirement to work 10 hours per week, on Monday to Thursday.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
The key responsibilities, duties and performance standards may be modified from time to time to ensure that the desired outcomes of the program are in line with the organisations vision and purpose and strategic direction. The key responsibilities of the Program Support Officer include:
• Operate in accordance with the Partnership Agreement/Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for each school partner.
• Supervising volunteers and students during school-based mentoring sessions.
• Support the Program Manager and Program Officer in facilitating sessions of the school-based mentoring program.
• Support the Program Manager and Program Officer to facilitate mentor onboarding, providing information on program guidelines, expectations, and support resources.
• Support the Program Manager and Program Officer to facilitate mentor and mentee
orientations, and assist in building the mentor/mentee relationships.
• Maintain positive communication with mentors, mentees, to ensure program engagement and resolve any concerns or issues that may arise, with the support of the Program Manager and Program Officer.
• Provide ongoing support and guidance to mentors, including providing resources to enhance their mentoring skills.
• Maintain positive communication with school contacts to ensure the program operates
effectively within schools, with the support of the Program Manager and Program Officer.
• Stay updated on best practices in mentoring and youth development to inform program
improvement efforts.
• Respond to enquiries and report and incidents or near misses to the Program Manager or
Program Officer in a timely manner.
• Assist the team with any special projects.
• Provide administrative support requiring the exercise of sound judgment, initiative,
confidentiality and sensitivity in the performance of work.
• Maintain professional standards at all times.
ACCOUNTABILITY & EXTENT OF AUTHORITY
• Operates under the guidance and supervision of the Program Manager. Work outcomes are
monitored, with scope to act independently within established policies, procedures, and
protocols.
• Problem-solving may require the use of limited judgment, with solutions generally guided by existing policies and procedures. Support and direction will be available when required.
• Provides direction to program participants and volunteers, as guided by existing policies and
procedures, and as agreed upon with relevant school contacts.
• Represents STiH when requested, and with the knowledge and approval of the Program
Manager.
• Supports the Program Manager in monitoring and evaluating program delivery as requested.
• Understands and upholds all relevant organisation policies and procedures, including but not limited to, the Code of Conduct, Child Safety Policy, Reportable Conduct Policy, Risk
Management Policy, and Social Media Policy.
• Adheres to all Records Management policies, procedures, and legislative requirements.
JUDGEMENT & DECISION MAKING
• This is a specialised position that is required to make professional judgements.
• Decision making will be governed by the organisations policies and procedures, and
each school's Partnership Agreement/MoU.
• Decisions and advice will be given in a timely manner.
• Operate the STiH mentor program within the constraints of pre-set budget requirements.
MANAGEMENT SKILLS
• Skills in managing time, planning and organising own work and set priorities.
• Ability to supervise volunteers and young people.
• Ability to connect to and work with nominated school contacts and young people.
• Ability to interpret and implement policy and program plans.
• Ability to maintain accurate records.
INTERPERSONAL SKILLS
• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Ability to gain cooperation and assistance from participants, stakeholders and members of the public to achieve program outcomes.
• Ability to work as a member of multi-disciplinary teams.
SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE DESIRED
• Knowledge of youth issues within the local community.
• Understanding of volunteering and youth policies and strategies.
• Volunteer management including recruitment, retention and recognition and ensuring
compliance with relevant regulations and STiH's policies and procedures.
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
• Relevant qualifications or experience in youth work, social work, education, or related field.
• Proven experience in a program role, preferably in the social, community, or youth services.
• Knowledge of school-based mentoring programs and familiarity with best practice mentoring.
• Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks effectively.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build
rapport with mentors, mentees, families, and school staff.
• Proficient computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Office suite.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining accurate program records.
• A positive attitude, adaptability, and a commitment to the organisation's vision, purpose and values.
• Current, valid Victorian Drivers Licence is essential.
• Own vehicle, and current valid vehicle insurance.
• Current, valid Working with Children's check is essential (or willingness to obtain one).
• Current satisfactory National Police Records Check is essential (or willingness to obtain one).
• Current First Aid and CPR qualification are essential (or willingness to obtain one).
• Current, valid Child Safety and Mandatory Reporting training certification, based on the National and Victorian Child Safe Standards (or willingness to obtain).
EMPLOYEE RISK MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES (INCLUDING OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY)
The following items are the duties of each employee:
• To take reasonable care for their own safety and the safety of others affected by their acts or omissions;
• To co-operate with their employer in relation to any action taken to comply with the
Occupational Health and Safety Act;
• Not wilfully or recklessly interfere with or misuse anything provided in the interest
of health and safety;
• Not wilfully place at risk the health and safety of any person at the workplace;
• Report all safety hazards and risk exposures, including losses to the Program Manager;
• Maintain physical security of all property, equipment and buildings within your jurisdiction and control;
• All staff are required to actively reduce STiH's exposure to losses related to security, public
liability and professional indemnity and reporting areas of concern.
KEY SELECTION CRITERIA
• Experience in Social Sciences, Youth Work, Community Development or a related field, or,
industry related experience.
• Demonstrated volunteer management skills.
• Skills in time management, report writing and program evaluation.
• Ability to engage with program participants, stakeholders, community groups and young people.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Proficient in a wide range of software applications including Microsoft Office Suite, databases, and spreadsheets.
• Energy, motivation, and positive attitude.
• Current, valid Victorian Drivers Licence, and a vehicle, and current valid vehicle insurance.
• Current, valid Working with Children's check (or willingness to obtain one).
• Current satisfactory National Police Records Check (or willingness to obtain one).
• Current First Aid and CPR qualification (or willingness to obtain one).
• Current, valid Child Safe Training certification, based on the National and Victorian Child Safe
Standards (or willingness to obtain)