Youth Development Worker

At Wollongong City Council, we continuously strive to create an Extraordinary Wollongong for our community. We focus on the delivery of exceptional services, infrastructure and facilities for our community. Our aim is to work toward the community's goals in the Our Wollongong Our Future Community Strategic Plan 2035.

Wollongong is a great place to work, live and play! Together, our responsibility is to create an inclusive community where everyone is welcome, valued and belongs. Our strength is the diversity of our people.

We lead with courage, openness and curiosity and believe our employees are the key to our success. Learn more about us here.

The Prospect

If you are passionate about creating opportunities that help young people thrive, this role offers the chance to make a meaningful impact across the Wollongong community.

As a Youth Development Worker, you will design, deliver and evaluate programs that support young people aged 12 to 24, helping them feel connected, heard, valued and included. Working from the Wollongong Youth Centre and across the local government area, you will build strong relationships with young people, schools, community organisations, government agencies, local businesses and other Council teams.

You will also play a key role in developing programs and initiatives that encourage young people to engage with music, arts, culture and creative industries. Through these opportunities, you will help young people build skills, develop connections and actively participate in community life. Your work will support Council's commitment to social inclusion and community development by identifying local needs, delivering meaningful programs and creating welcoming spaces where young people can connect, participate and thrive.

Opportunities available:

- Permanent full-time (35 hours per week)
- Permanent part-time (20 hours per week) 5 hours per day, 4 days a week. You may be required to work flexible hours.
- Parental Leave Term contract up to two years with the possibility of extension or permanency. Part-time (20 hours per week) 5 hours per day, 4 days a week. You may be required to work flexible hours.

Salary from $58.88 up to $69.24 per hour plus superannuation (salary will be assessed based on skills and experience).

Under Part 2, Section 6 of the Child Protection (Working With Children) Act 2012, this position has been designated as requiring a paid Working With Children Check.





What you will be doing

You will plan, coordinate, deliver and evaluate programs, projects and activities that respond to the needs and aspirations of young people across Wollongong.

You will:

- Develop and deliver youth programs, events and community initiatives
- Build partnerships with community organisations, government agencies and local stakeholders
- Provide information, support, referral and advocacy for young people
- Identify opportunities that promote participation, inclusion and community connection
- Managing projects from concept through to delivery and evaluation
- Manage and analysing data to inform program planning and continuous improvement
- Contribute to strategic plans, business planning and community development initiatives
- Support a positive and collaborative team culture
- Meet child safety, mandatory reporting and workplace safety obligation

About you

You are an experienced youth or community development professional who understands how to engage young people and turn ideas into meaningful programs and outcomes. You enjoy working collaboratively, building relationships and creating opportunities that have a lasting impact.

You will bring:

- A recognised degree qualification relevant to the role
- Experience in community development, community engagement, social justice, access and equity or a related field
- Knowledge of the youth sector and experience developing programs or initiatives for young people
- Excellent communication, relationship building and stakeholder engagement skills
- Experience working with diverse communities and building inclusive partnerships
- Well developed problem solving, organisation and conflict resolution skills
- A collaborative approach and the ability to contribute positively to a team environment
- Sound understanding of compliance, child safety and workplace health and safety requirements
- A current Class C Driver Licence
- A current NSW Working With Children Check
- A current First Aid Certificate and CPR accreditation




- A commitment to the principles of a child safe organisation and to the care and protection of all children and young people in the community
- A commitment to Council's values of Respect, Integrity, OneTeam, Sustainability and Courage.

Why you'll love working at Wollongong City Council!

- True work-life balance
We know you work hard, and we make sure that effort is rewarded with real flexibility. Our hybrid work options, flex-time, and rostered days off mean you can maintain balance while delivering great outcomes.
- Great working conditions
Enjoy a 35-hour work week.
- Career growth and recognition

We are committed to supporting your personal and professional development. Our initiatives include a reward and recognition program, corporate learning opportunities, study assistance, and leadership development programs to help you grow and succeed.

- Generous leave provisions
Benefit from five weeks of annual leave per year (pro rata) and access long service leave after just five years.
- Health, safety, and wellbeing
We prioritise a safe workplace for everyone, every day, everywhere. Our wellbeing programs support mental, physical and social wellbeing of our people to be at their best and include an Employee Assistance Program, skin and hearing checks and discounted gym memberships.
- A vibrant social culture
Join our Social Club for monthly activities, an annual trivia night, and fantastic Christmas events!

Participate and engage in meaningful work, and contribute to our extraordinary community, where together we make a difference.

For more information, click on 'Apply' to be redirected to Wollongong City Council's job vacancy page.

Applications close 11:59pm, Sunday 15 November 2026.

We invite everyone to apply no matter your identity, you'll be welcome. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people who are culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD), people with disability and veterans.

Wollongong Council adheres to the principles of a child safe organisation and is committed to the care and protection of all children and young people in the community.

Applicants are required to undergo a rigorous employment screening process which will include Reference, Identity and Medical History Checks, and may also include a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check and Working with Children Check. Employment is subject to clearance of all these checks.

📌 Youth Development Worker (Wollongong)
🏢 Wollongong City Council
📍 Wollongong