Our purpose is to provide safe, culturally appropriate and affordable accommodation for First Nations people who need to be away from home to access medical services, education and economic opportunities.

Across its network of hostels, dedicated Aboriginal Hostels Limited (AHL) staff provide accommodation and meals for residents in a supportive environment, assisted by local First Nations service providers and referral agencies.

AHL also supports the Australian Government’s efforts to improve economic outcomes for First Nations people. By purchasing goods and services from First Nations businesses at every opportunity, we help support a more inclusive economy. We are proud to be one of the largest employers of First Nations people in the Australian Public Service, First Nations employees make up approximately 50% of our workforce.

Our Secondary Education Hostels are dedicated to providing a Home Away from Home for Indigenous Australians (aged 12-18 years) attending partner schools (grades 7 - 12). Our commitment in our student hostels is to ensure that we provide a fair, honest and culturally respectful environment that values each student and their connection to country.

Biala Hostel – Located near Manly, Biala Hostel provides accommodation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls seeking to complete their high school education in Sydney. Biala offers positions for up to 11 students, who are supported by a team of Residential Youth Workers and Hostel Workers during school term time. In the school holidays periods students return to their families and the hostel is closed. In addition to attending school, the hostel supports students to participate in an extracurricular program designed to extend and enrich each girls learning.

Residential Youth Workers are key in creating a home away from home environment for students in Sydney. You will support the students during out of school hours, arrange and engage in creative, culturally rich programs and guide the students to build life-long skills and achieve their personal goals.

As the Residential Youth Worker, your responsibilities will include (but not limited to):

• the promotion and safeguard the safety and welfare of students, adhering to AHL’s child protection policy.
• developing cooperative relationships with school teachers, parents and community members.
• liaising with internal and external stakeholders to ensure student needs are attended.
• participating in longer-term strategic planning to ensure constant development in hostel facilities and business improvement.
• perform all tasks in a manner which upholds AHL’s commitment to safety of its staff and residents by adhering to relevant WHS practices.

The successful applicant will demonstrate:

• an ability to support outcomes for First Nations people and communicate sensitively and effectively.
• the ability to uphold ethical youth worker practices and principles.
• the ability to develop and maintain productive and positive relationships.
• a detailed understanding of Work Health and Safety (WHS) practices.
• proven in ability to plan, organise and work effectively in a team.

Qualifications and Training (or ability to obtain in the first six months of employment):

• Certificate in Community Services - Student Residential Care.
• Current First Aid Certificate.
• Current Drivers Licence/ Bus Licence for light-rigid vehicles (up to 25 seats) or willingness to obtain, if required.
• Mental Health First Aid Certificate (desirable).
• Bronze Medallion (desirable).

Eligibility: 

• Be an Australian Citizen.
• Undergo a Satisfactory National Criminal History Check (prior to engagement).
• Meet Fitness for Duty requirements (prior to engagement).
• Hold and maintain a Working with Children Check in NSW (prior to engagement).
• Hold or obtain relevant qualifications.

For further information about the role and how to apply, please refer to the Vacancy Information available on our website - Employment | Aboriginal Hostels Limited (https://ahl.gov.au)

Contact Person: Kathy Hamilton (Head of Boarding) - 0436 943 981

Applications closes: 11:59pm AEST on Wednesday 29 May 2024.