Youth Engagement Officer

Youth Engagement Officer

Posted: 29/07/2026

Closing Date: 16/08/2026

Salary: $77,056.00 - $82,206.00

Job Type: Temporary - Part Time

Location: Kurrambee Myaring Community Centre

Job Category: Community Services & Development,Education & Training,Other

• Temporary Part-Time 
• Contract through to 31 December 2027
• $77,056 – $82,206 pa/pro rata (plus 12% super and annual pay increases)

Who we are
Surf Coast Shire Council delivers services from Lorne to Winchelsea to Torquay and the communities and townships in-between.  The shire spans the Traditional Lands of the Wadawurrung People and the Gulidjan and Gadabanud Peoples of the Eastern Maar Nation.

Locals experience a sought-after quality of life –And when you work with Council, you are helping our community and environment to thrive.

Our people play vital roles in creating an innovative, safe, respectful, and supportive workplace, living our values, and delivering exceptional services to our community.

We work together, we see opportunity, we do what we say, and we make a difference.
 

Job Description

Your new career

Our Surf Coast Shire Youth Development Team exists to empower local young people aged 12 to 25 years to thrive, now and into the future.

Our goal is to provide young people with the tools and confidence to pursue their passions, have a voice, make informed decisions, and be able to easily access the support services they need. 

Our work has a strong health and wellbeing prevention focus and involves linking local young people with relevant and meaningful specialist support services.

What you will bring to the role

• Know how to feed a crowd.
  You'll be responsible for feeding up to 50 hungry teenagers, three nights a week. That means dreaming up the menu, doing the shopping, sticking to a budget, and serving up food that disappears faster than you can say "who wants seconds?"
   
• Be a master of organised chaos.
  One minute you'll be following strict financial processes, juggling contractor and room bookings, and getting hounded about "the data". The next you'll be dominating at Mario Kart, decorating cookies, settling an Uno dispute, or helping a young person work through a tough day. We need someone who's equally comfortable with spreadsheets and sprinkles.
   
• Be passionate about working with young people.
  Straight out of school? No quals, no worries! You don’t need a formal qualification for this role, just a passion for working with young people and helping them to thrive. You’ll help create spaces where all young people feel welcome, safe and valued. Current or intended study in Youth Work, Teaching, Health Promotion, Social Work, or a related field would be highly regarded.

The Youth Space is open every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, so you'll need to be available to work onsite during the following days and times:

• Monday: 10:45am – 5:15pm 
• Wednesday: 11:45am – 5:15pm 
• Friday: 11:45am – 5:15pm 

Key selection criteria
Mandatory qualifications, experience and requirements

• Demonstrated interest in supporting young people to thrive and contributing to inclusive spaces, programs and activities where all young people feel welcome, safe and valued. Current or intended study in Youth Work, Teaching, Health Promotion, Social Work, or a related field would be highly regarded. Qualification checks will be conducted where applicable.
• Demonstrated knowledge, through practical application or academic study, of planning, coordination and evaluation of youth/community projects.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the needs and issues of young people.
• Ability to communicate effectively with young people to encourage and support their participation in youth-related programs, including through face-to-face engagement and the promotion of programs and activities to broader audiences.
• Ability to plan, budget, purchase and prepare meals for large groups of young people in a cost-effective manner.
• Skills in managing time, planning and working autonomously.
• A current Working With Children Check
• You have the permanent right to live and work in Australia
• Police Check results that are suitable for this position (will be arranged by Surf Coast Shire Council). 
  A complete international criminal history check is required if the person has worked or lived overseas for any period of time OR a complete national criminal history check is required if the person has only ever worked in Australia.

What you’ll love working with us
Council embraces diversity and social inclusion and encourages applications from skilled people from all walks of life.

We recognise that our employees play a vital role in creating an innovative, safe, respectful and supportive workplace, living our values and delivering exceptional services to our thriving community. Council is committed to providing a workplace culture of equity, inclusion and diversity that eliminates all forms of discrimination, harassment and bullying.

There are numerous social activities throughout the year available as well as the benefits of:

• Employee Assistance Program and award-winning staff wellbeing program
• Career development and learning opportunities, we help our people grow
• Operational use of Council vehicle 
• Purchase of additional annual leave
• Free onsite parking
• Leave loading.

For more information
You’ll find further details about the role, including accountabilities and key selection criteria, in the Position Description on our website – [Position Description PDF]

If you believe you have the knowledge, skills and experience to fulfil this role and would like further information, please contact Rochelle Harding, Coordinator Community Health and Development on 5261 0600.

How to apply
Applications are to be in Word or PDF format and should include a:

• cover letter including your statement addressing the selection criteria 
• copy of your resume. 

Please note that only applications with a statement addressing the selection criteria will be considered for this position.

Simply complete the application process by clicking the "Apply Now" button and we'll be in touch with you shortly regarding your application. 

Applications close at 11.59pm Sunday 16 August 2026. 

Surf Coast Shire Council is an equal opportunity and child safe employer.