Youth Participation Lead

Number of Positions Available:

1

ABOUT US

The Salvation Army is a Christian movement and one of Australia’s largest and most-loved charities. We believe in doing good that transforms lives and futures for the better. It is this belief which drives us to find new ways and places where we can make a difference. From times of personal crisis to moments of national grief, we are always here — providing support, safety, community, and opportunity.

Lead with Purpose. Empower Youth. Shape Systems.

The Salvation Army Youth Services is seeking an experienced, passionate, and strategic Youth Participation Lead to drive meaningful outcomes for young people aged 15–25 across South Australia.

This is more than just a frontline role—this is an opportunity to embed youth voice at every level of service delivery, from individual support to system-wide change. If you’re a skilled youth worker ready to take the next step in your impact journey, we want to hear from you.

This is a permanent full-time position, located in Ingle Farm, SA.

Salary and conditions are in accordance with the SCHADS Level 5 Award.

About the Role

In this dynamic and rewarding position, you’ll work collaboratively across teams to:

• Champion youth voice and leadership, ensuring young people influence decisions, programs, and service design
• Deliver targeted engagement initiatives that support personal development, life skills, and pathways to community involvement
• Work alongside case managers to embed participation in all aspects of service delivery
• Strengthen relationships with community stakeholders to broaden opportunities for inclusion, advocacy, and contribution
• Provide consistent, trauma-informed, strengths-based support aligned with our Youth Services Model of Care

Key Responsibilities

• Design and deliver youth-led workshops, life skills programs, events, and school holiday activities
• Facilitate youth reference groups, lived experience panels, and leadership opportunities within our services
• Support youth participation strategies that are inclusive, innovative, and evidence-informed
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with young people, ensuring trust, safety, and empowerment are central to your approach
• Collaborate across the youth and community services sector to share practice insights and advocate for systemic improvements
• Maintain accurate client records and participate in service evaluation to ensure compliance and quality

The ideal candidate would have

• Tertiary qualifications in youth work, community development, social work or a relevant field are highly regarded but not essential
• Relevant experience in a social service environment
• Relevant experience in facilitation of group work
• Working with Children Check (where required)
• Psychological Assessment (In line with Children and Young People Safety Act 2017)
• Drivers Licence
• First Aid
• Through Their Eyes (Reporting Abuse and Neglect)

Why work for us

In return we offer our eligible employees real and meaningful benefits such as:

• NFP salary packaging ($15,900 tax free) plus meals and entertainment benefit ($2,650)
• Flexible working conditions
• Health, fitness and financial discounts / benefits
• Paid parental leave - 12 weeks
• Up to 8 weeks leave per year through our purchase leave scheme
• Up to 5 days paid leave per year to ‘volunteer’ in a TSA program or activity
• Purpose driven career which has positive social and sustainable outcomes
• Employee Assistance Program - Independent confidential counselling service;
• Opportunity for career development;
• An inclusive culture of dedicated, passionate and professional team members
• Positively supporting and impacting the lives of others through your career contribution

The Salvation Army is an Equal Opportunity Employer who provides an inclusive work environment and embraces the diverse talent of its people.We value people of all cultures, languages, capacities, sexual orientations, gender identities and/or expressions. We are committed to achieving a diverse workforce and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islander people.

The Salvation Army is a child safe organisation and is committed to protecting children and young people from harm. All child facing roles will require the successful completion of a Working with Children Check. Applicants for all roles require a mandatory Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.

We value Integrity, Compassion, Respect, Diversity, and Collaboration