V- Gardening & Nursery Youth Program Assistant

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ABOUT US

The Salvation Army is a Christian movement and one of Australia’s largest and most-loved charities, helping thousands of Australians every year find hope in the midst of all kinds of personal hardship. The Salvation Army offers the opportunity to use your skills and expertise to make a real difference in the lives of people who need help most.

We are seeking dedicated and compassionate individuals to serve as Volunteer Youth Program Assistant for our Gardening and Nursery Program at the Tom Quinn Community Centre. In this role, you will have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of young people by combining your passion for gardening.

The Gardening and Nursery Youth Program Assistant provides support and assistance to the Team Leader in group activities for youth. Program Assistants are key in supporting the practical and social needs of community members attending the Tom Quinn Community Centre.

•     Foster a supportive and inclusive environment within the Gardening and Nursery Program.

• Assist in gardening activities, including planting, weeding, and harvesting.
• Provide guidance on sustainable and organic gardening practices.
• Encourage active participation and teamwork among program participants. 
• Facilitate learning opportunities related to gardening techniques and horticulture.
• Support the development of practical life skills through hands-on experiences in the garden.
• Promote teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.

• With the support and guidance of the Program Leader, assist in the facilitation of the activities, ensuring a supportive and caring environment for all participants.
• Assist with managing group dynamics to ensure full enjoyment of the activity and respond to individual needs as needed. 
• Encourage self-expression and open communication within the group.
• Assist with the packing away of furniture and equipment and kitchen clean up.
• Engage in confidential debrief on activity with the Program Leader, recording any concerns and follow ups with individuals. 

• Enthusiasm for gardening and a willingness to share knowledge and skills.
• Empathy and Patience:
• Ability to understand and connect with young individuals facing challenges.
• Patient and compassionate approach to mentorship.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively engage with participants and customers.
• Experience working with youth is highly regarded.

Manage Self: Shows personal motivation and commitment to completing work activities effectively; maintains own motivation when tasks become difficult; regulates own behaviour and responds appropriately in all circumstances.  

Act Ethically and with Integrity: Acts consistent with TSA vision, mission and values; represents the organisation in an honest, ethical and professional way; is reliable and trustworthy.  

Show Respect: Responds in culturally appropriate ways; recognises and respects the rights and beliefs of others in a non-judgemental way. Understands specific issues faced by culturally diverse clients particularly in the areas of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, LGBTQIA+, CALD, neuro-diversity and multi faith, as well as those living with disability. 

Communicate Effectively: Listens to others when they are speaking and asks appropriate, respectful questions; speaks at the right pace and volume for varied audiences; clarifies own understanding.  

Lead Safety and Wellbeing: Identifies and follows safe work practices; takes action to address hazards, near misses and incidents. 

Background checks play an important part in our commitment to being a safe organisation. Where an applicant has disclosable history, the selection process includes a fair assessment and a risk management approach. Collection of personal information is handled per our privacy and confidentiality policies.

Below is what is required for this role:

• As this role is a child-related role, it requires a Working with Children Check/Working with Vulnerable People Check
• As this role is Working with Vulnerable People it requires a Police Check

This role will give volunteers an opportunity to develop skills and build experience in group facilitation and administration

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 related roles will require the successful completion of a Working with Children Check. Additionally, certain volunteer roles may require a National Police Check.