About the Koorie Youth Council (KYC)  

The Koorie Youth Council (KYC) is the representative body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander  young people in Victoria. Guided by an Executive of 15 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young  people and our state-wide members, KYC values the diversity and strength of young people as  decision-makers. KYC advocates to the government and community to advance the rights and  representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people. By hosting events like the  annual Koorie Youth Summit, KYC brings Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people  together to amplify their voices for social change.  

KYC’s vision is Koorie Youth collectively creating our futures so that all young people feel safe, seen and heard. 

About the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS)  

Established in 1973, VALS is Victoria’s only specialist and dedicated legal and support service for  Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Over time, VALS has expanded its services for  Aboriginal and Torres Strait people. Our practice areas include criminal law, family law, civil and  human rights law, a dedicated youth justice service and a specialist litigation unit, unique amongst  Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander legal services nationally. 

KYC is auspiced by the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS).

About the role 

The Youth Participation Coordinator is a key role within KYC. The role is responsible for developing  and leading all Aboriginal youth participation and development initiatives within KYC. Ensuring  KYC’s commitment to youth participation is enacted upon throughout the organisation, the sector  and wider community.  

Please note, this is an Aboriginal and Torres Islander identified position. Only Aboriginal and  Torres Strait Islander people are eligible to apply as this position is exempt under the special  measures provision of S12(1) of the Equal Opportunity Act (VIC). 

Key responsibilities and Duties 

• Actively promote the implementation of Wayipunga through embedding its practice and  principles through internal projects and initiatives and advocating for them through sector  development.  
• Coordinate the ongoing development, implementation and maintenance of the Wayipunga resource and framework.  
• Coordinate and work collaboratively with the wider KYC team to embed KYC’s youth  participation work into its projects, events and programs, including review and monitoring  processes and structures. 
• Coordinate and consult cooperatively with other Aboriginal community and youth sector  agencies. Support these agencies to embed best practices youth participation frameworks in  their everyday work. 
• Convene and coordinate Koorie Youth Participation Network (KYPN) meetings, and develop it  into a community of practice, supporting cohesive advocacy and related outcomes for young  people.  
• Develop training and presentations for organisations and community groups on Koorie Youth  participation practices. Manage the advertising, bookings and delivery of these trainings and  presentations.  
• Promote KYPN and KYC activities to young people, students, youth workers and organisations  by delivering workshops and presentations, and participating in meetings and community  groups as appropriate.  
• Assist in the coordination and delivery of the annual Koorie Youth Summit.
• Participates in ongoing training and staff development and acts and remains professional at  all times, upholding KYC and VALS’ values. 
• As directed, undertake other duties as directed which are incidental and peripheral to the  main tasks, provided that such duties are reasonably within the employee’s skills, competence  and training.

Key Selection Criteria  

1. A strong understanding of the Victorian Aboriginal community, with a demonstrated knowledge of community strengths and challenges, particularly those that relate to young people. 
2. Demonstrated experience in leading networks and projects in the youth and/or community sector. 
3. Demonstrated understanding of working within a youth participation framework. 
4. Demonstrated skills in planning, presenting, and facilitating groups, forums or workshops.  
5. Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective professional relationships and networks. 
6. Excellent ability to engage and build a strong rapport and partnerships with key  stakeholders.  
7. A willingness and capacity to frequently travel around the state to engage with communities and deliver programs.  
8. Demonstrated understanding of appropriate behaviours when engaging with children and young people from diverse backgrounds, and commitment to the Code of Ethical Practice for the Victorian Youth Sector and the Child Safe Standards. 
9. Compliance with all VALS values, code of conduct, policies and procedures and relevant government legislation and standards where relevant. 
10. Tertiary qualifications in youth work, community development, social science or similar or equivalent work experience. 

Reporting & Accountability 

The Youth Participation Coordinator reports and is accountable to the KYC Deputy Executive Officer.  

Employment Conditions 

KYC promotes the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of all children and young people, and takes child  protection very seriously. All employees are subject to screening and assessment against child  safety standards, including rigorous background, identity, and reference checks. The successful  applicant will require a current Working with Children Check and Police Check (costs reimbursed)  and must agree to adhere to our child safe policy and code of conduct.

VALS is dedicated to providing a flexible and positive work environment for all of our employees  that includes access to on-site staff counselling, training and wellbeing initiatives, flexible and  remote working options, paid parental, ceremonial and cultural leave and other generous terms  and conditions. 

On offer of this position, you must provide:  

• A copy of your current Employee Working with Children Check card.
• A copy of your current Victorian Driver’s Licence. 
• You will be required to complete a current Criminal History Police Check.
• Proof of rights to work in Australia, i.e. a copy of an Australian Passport, Birth Certificate, or Immigration VISA documentation. 
• COVID-19 Proof of Vaccination Certificate or current and valid medical exemption  certificate. 
• Copies of any certificates or degrees relevant to this role.  

Application Process 

Applications can be addressed to Bonnie Dukakis, KYC Executive Officer, at jobs@vals.org.au. Your  application must include: 

• A brief cover letter including where you saw the job advertised. 
• A current resume. 
• Your answers to the Key Selection Criteria, as listed in this position description.
• Contact details for a minimum of three referees, including your last line manager. KYC will  not contact your referees without your permission. 

Applications will be assessed as received. Applicants will be contacted by KYC’s recruiting manager within 2-3 business days of receiving application. Previous applicants need not apply.

If you have any questions about the role, please contact Executive Officer via email at bonnie@koorieyouth.org.au.