Talent Wellbeing Lead

Talent Wellbeing Lead

ABOUT US

As an organisation, the AFL works tirelessly in all states and at all levels to enhance and grow the game – from grassroots to elite. Together, we put on the game, deliver important events, communicate with our fans, run community programs, develop coaches and umpires, collaborate with partners, delight members, support clubs and so much more. While our roles may vary, we are all united by a common goal, to progress the game so that everyone can share in its heritage and possibilities.

The AFL is committed to promoting and protecting the safety and wellbeing of children and young people in our care. Please note, we undertake several screening processes to ensure this commitment is upheld, this includes ensuring the successful candidate to this position holds a valid employee Working with Children/ Vulnerable People check and a satisfactory criminal history record check.

We are an Equal Opportunity employer and firmly believe that diversity and inclusion is an important part of both the AFL and the communities in which we operate. Our game is for everyone, and we strive to be a workplace for everyone.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are encouraged to apply.

ABOUT THE ROLE - This is a two year maximum term position

The Talent Wellbeing Lead is a member of the AFL’s Mental Health and Wellbeing team and is responsible for leading and managing a team of people tasked with delivering a wellbeing program designed to enhance the development of young athletes in a high-performance sporting environment.

The role is focused on providing people leadership, support and guidance to staff so that they can help players to pursue good mental health and wellbeing, strive for a sport-life balance and build social capital by delivering a comprehensive wellbeing program designed for adolescent athletes.

The position provides an opportunity to work in a dynamic wellbeing team who strive for innovation in areas of health, wellbeing and positive psychology. The AFL Talent Pathway has a sustained passion for growing young people on and off the football field, and this role works closely alongside wellbeing, coaching and administrative staff to uphold that responsibility in holistically developing players throughout their time in the AFL’s Talent Pathway programs.

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF

Key Accountabilities:

• Lead a team of Wellbeing Coordinators who deliver a wellbeing program for youth athletes into football regions in Victoria and other States
• Collaborate with a leadership team on strategies around support and environmental influence required to embed wellbeing into a complex high performance sport system
• Develop and implement wellbeing strategies for adolescent athletes in the football environment
• Design and deliver a wellbeing program to athletes at State and National Academy levels, including individual support and group activity-based learning  
• Manage processes regarding complex situations that involve risk for young people including incident escalation, case management and mental health crisis.  
• Manage stakeholder relationships across the AFL’s Talent Pathway including coaches, Clubs, player agents, administrators and high-performance staff
• Collaborate on wellbeing program evaluation and continuous improvement initiatives
• Advocate and lead Safeguarding children policy implementation to always ensure a safe and inclusive environment for young people
• Contribute to special projects under the Mental Health and Wellbeing strategy as required.

OUR IDEAL TEAM MEMBER

Core Competencies:

• People leadership and interpersonal skills
• Experience in working in a multi-disciplinary team
• Knowledge of wellbeing science with developmentally appropriate application to adolescents
• Strong oral, written and presentation skills including the ability to present content in an engaging manner to groups of young people, and effectively liaise with diverse stakeholder groups including staff, players, coaches, parents and recruiters
• Ability to engage young people and build trust and rapport
• Flexibility in responding to the unique needs of youth athletes
• Clear understanding of escalation and referral processes for youth mental health
• Experience leading a safe and inclusive environment for young people

Mandatory

• Bachelor qualification in Education, Psychology, Health or related field 
• Extensive experience leading a team of high-performing staff  
• Previous experience in working with adolescents and their support networks 
• Knowledge and experience of the high-performance sport system 
• Understanding and experience with Safeguarding Children processes and practices

OUR CULTURE

Please visit www.afl.com.au/careers/our-organisation

THE PERKS

• Play The Day Your Way – a flexible approach to your working life
• My Development – lean into the AFL’s My Development program consisting of on-the-job training, coaching and mentoring, and formal learning
• Play Well – access to our extensive Health and Wellbeing program centered around our belief in a healthy body, healthy mind, and healthy workplace
• My Benefits – with thanks to our AFL Corporate Partners, access great benefits and discounts
• AFL Silver Memberships – permanent team members can access AFL matches at Marvel Stadium and the MCG, enjoy and share the experience of our game with your family and friends!

Applications Close:  3 October 2024