Program Support Officer — Youth Employment

Horizon Foundation | Programs Department | Perth, WA | Full-time

About the Role

Join Horizon Foundation's passionate team and make a real difference in the lives of young people across Western Australia. We're seeking a dedicated Program Support Officer to help expand our flagship Youth Employment Pathways program, which connects disadvantaged young people aged 16-25 with meaningful employment opportunities and essential life skills.

Reporting to Programs Director Jess Warburton, you'll be part of a close-knit team of five program staff who are committed to genuine community engagement and empowering young people to achieve their potential. This role offers hands-on experience in community development while contributing to measurable social impact.

As we navigate an exciting period of growth — including a successful regional expansion pilot — this position provides excellent opportunities for professional development and increased responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

Participant Support & Engagement - Conduct intake assessments and develop individual pathway plans with young participants - Facilitate group workshops on employability skills, financial literacy, and workplace readiness - Provide one-on-one mentoring and case management support throughout the 6-month program - Maintain detailed participant records and track progress against individual and program outcomes

Employer & Community Partnership - Build and maintain relationships with local employers, identifying placement and employment opportunities - Coordinate workplace visits, mock interviews, and industry networking events - Support employer partners with onboarding materials and ongoing communication - Represent Horizon Foundation at community events and stakeholder meetings

Program Operations - Coordinate workshop schedules, venue bookings, and resource allocation across Perth metro and regional sites - Assist with program evaluation, data collection, and reporting for funding bodies - Support recruitment activities through schools, community centres, and youth services - Collaborate with our Volunteer & Community Coordinator Pat Moriarty on volunteer recruitment and training

What You'll Bring

Essential - Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Community Development, Youth Work, or related field - 1-2 years experience working with young people, particularly those facing disadvantage - Strong interpersonal and communication skills with ability to build rapport quickly - Experience in case management, workshop facilitation, or group work - Current Working with Children Check (or willingness to obtain) - Full driver's license and access to reliable vehicle for community visits

Highly Regarded - Experience in employment services, career counselling, or workforce development - Understanding of barriers faced by young people including mental health, housing instability, or educational disengagement - Knowledge of Perth's youth services landscape and referral pathways - Data management and reporting experience - Cultural awareness and experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities

What We Offer

• Salary range: $55,000 - $62,000 per annum plus 10.5% superannuation
• Professional development budget and study leave opportunities
• Flexible working arrangements including hybrid work options
• 5 weeks annual leave plus Christmas closedown period
• Employee Assistance Program and wellbeing initiatives
• Supportive team environment with regular supervision and mentoring
• Opportunity to contribute to strategic program development as we expand our impact

Join an organisation where your work directly contributes to positive community change. Horizon Foundation has supported over 1,200 young people into employment since 2012, and with your help, we're ready to reach even more.

How to Apply

Submit your resume and a 1-page cover letter explaining why you're passionate about youth development and how your experience aligns with this role. Applications close Friday, 15 March 2024.

Email applications to: careers@horizonfoundation.org.au
Reference: YEP-PSO-2024

For questions about this role, contact Jess Warburton at j.warburton@horizonfoundation.org.au

Horizon Foundation is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We particularly encourage applications from people with lived experience of disadvantage, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people from culturally diverse backgrounds.