Three years ago, Chereece started her journey in youth support services as a casual youth worker with Edmen Community Staffing Solutions. With little prior experience in the field, she stepped into the role as a ‘greenie,’ working with Edmen’s community service partner, Dynamic Community Care (DCC), in Queensland. Fast forward to today, and Chereece has progressed to become an Area Manager overseeing multiple residential care programs. Her story highlights how Edmen equips youth workers with the skills and experience needed to build a successful career in the youth services sector. Building a strong foundation with Edmen When Chereece first joined Edmen, she was new to youth work, but the hands-on experience she gained in residential houses equipped her with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the sector. While working with Edmen, she completed her Certificate IV in Youth Work, laying the groundwork for her career progression. “Edmen was a great option for me at the time. Casual work was very flexible, especially with young kids at home,” Chereece explains. This flexibility allowed her to balance work and family life while developing expertise in youth support. Career growth and transitioning into leadership After returning from maternity leave to have her second daughter, Chereece sought a role with more stability. When an opportunity for a Program Service Leader position at DCC arose, she applied and successfully stepped into a leadership role. Since then, she has continued her professional growth, completing a Diploma in Community Services and advancing to an Area Manager position in Ipswich. “As an Area Manager, I work closely with house managers, oversee five residential care programs and support with child safety and placements, ” she explains. The experience she gained at Edmen provided her with a solid foundation to transition into leadership, shaping her into the manager she aspired to be. “ My time at Edmen really helped mould me into the leader I wanted to be. It’s where I found my passion and drive for the work I do. ” The impact of Edmen’s support and supervision Chereece credits Edmen’s supervision and support network for helping her develop confidence and competence in youth work. “ Even though I was fairly new to the industry, working with Edmen provided me with the support and ‘village’ you need in this line of work ,” she shares. “ Supervision sessions were also beneficial in ensuring I felt confident while on the job .” She continues to maintain strong relationships with the Edmen team, recognising the importance of collaboration and teamwork in achieving the best outcomes for young people. Lessons learned and advice for aspiring Youth Workers Reflecting on her journey, Chereece acknowledges that starting as a youth worker can be daunting, but the right support makes all the difference. “ When you start off as a Youth Worker, it’s hard to know what to expect. There are lots of unknowns, but Edmen provides a space where you feel supported and always have the backing of a team. ” For those considering a career in youth work, Chereece offers this advice: Do it for the right reasons. “ The best Youth Workers are the ones with a genuine passion for the work .” Prioritise self-care. “ This job can be intense and looking after yourself is key to staying in the industry long-term. ” Celebrate small wins. “ Recognising progress, no matter how small, helps get through the tough days. ” Seek support. “ Even the most brilliant Youth Workers need a strong support system to succeed. ” Looking to the future With her next milestone on the horizon- welcoming a new baby later this year - Chereece remains committed to the youth services sector. While she enjoys her current role, the next future growth opportunity would be potentially stepping into an Operations Manager role down the track. For now, she’s content knowing she is making a difference. “ I love my current role because I’m still close to the floor, working directly with young people. I think being an Area Manager really suits me.” A career pathway with Edmen Chereece’s journey is an example of how Edmen provides opportunities for growth, from entry-level roles to leadership positions with our community service partners. With the right support, training, and hands-on experience, a career in youth services can be both rewarding and full of progression. If you’re considering a career in youth support services, Edmen offers the flexibility and support to help you thrive - just like Chereece. Ready to get started? Check out our open Youth Worker roles today.

What is an Assessment Centre and How is it Used in Recruiting Disability and Youth Support Workers? An assessment centre is a part of the recruitment process. It helps companies see if you are the right person for the job. Instead of just asking questions, they give you tasks to do, like assessing how you would react to certain scenarios you could encounter on shift. This is used a lot when hiring disability and youth support workers. Why Do Companies Use Assessment Centres? Support work is about more than skills – it’s about how you handle tough situations and work with others. Here's why assessment centres are important: Real-Life scenarios : You will be asked to handle situations similar to what you might face on the job. For example, you might need to solve a problem or help someone in need. Teamwork: Support workers often work with others. In group tasks, the company sees how well you work with a team. Fair evaluation : Everyone gets the same tasks. This way, companies can see who has the skills for the job in a fair way. What Happens at an Assessment Centre? Here are some things you might do at an assessment centre: Role-playing : You may act out a scene where you help a person with a disability or a young person. This shows how you listen and help others. Group work : You might need to solve a problem as a group. This shows your teamwork and leadership skills. Interviews: Some assessment centres also have short interviews. Written tasks : You may need to write a report or notes. This helps them see how you write and follow instructions. Set Realistic Expectations: You’re not expected to be an expert on day one. Set achievable goals for yourself and celebrate when you hit them. Small steps lead to big changes. How Can You Prepare? Know the job : Make sure you understand what a disability or youth support worker does. Think about how you would act in hard situations. Learn about the company : Read about the company’s values and how they work. Practice: Try role-playing or practicing with a friend to get ready. Be yourself : Stay calm and show who you are. This is your chance to show your skills. Be engaging and present your best self on the day : Your ability to interact with the presenter and your peers is a part of the assessment. Make sure you are participating and treating the day as you would a job interview.