Position Description

Primary Position Title:    Unit Leader

Appointed by and reports to:    District Manager or equivalent

Key Relationships:

• Youth member
• Unit Leaders, Assistant Unit Leaders and Unit Helpers in own Unit
• Parents and wider community
• District and Region teams

Terms of Appointment:    In accordance with State policy

Primary purpose of the position:    Provide effective leadership of the Unit in order to deliver a high quality Australian Guide Program to youth member in a safe environment.

1. Being Part of Guiding in Australia

• Help and support other members of the Unit team.
• Share skills, knowledge and resources with other Leaders, Unit Helpers and youth members.
• Build collaboration relationship with other Leader/Managers in the Unit/District/Region teams.
• Support new Leaders in the District and sign off Leadership Qualification Passport activities as appropriate.

2. Delivering the Australian Guide Program

• Facilitate youth members to develop and implement an effective and well-balanced program relevant to their needs and interest.
• Support youth members to further their understanding and application of the Promise and Law.
• Encourage youth members to progress in the Australian Guide Program.
• Provide opportunities for youth members to develop and use their leadership skills.
• Facilitate self-government in the Unit, enabling decisions to be made in a democratic manner.

3. Being a Leader of your Unit

• Take responsibility and accountability for all decisions, activities and matters involving the Unit.
• Promote Guiding in local community.
• Build relationships and communicate effectively with stakeholders in the community.
• Grow youth membership and optimise retention of members.
• Encourage and support other adults to become involved as Leaders or in other roles.

4. Being Safe

• Take responsibility for the health and safety of all members and other adults associated with the Unit.
• Comply with obligations under the relevant national and state Work Health and Safety Acts.
• Comply with Girl Guides Australia/State Girl Guides Organisation policy and procedures.
• Undertake risk assessments and manage risk on an ongoing basis.

5. Managing your Unit

• Follow current Girl Guides Australia or State Girl Guides Organisation policies and procedures.
• Maintain appropriate Unit records.
• Deal promptly with all correspondence.
• Report on Unit activities as required.
• Ensure accurate financial records are maintained.
• Complete annual audit requirements.
• Maintain equipment and/or property in good working order.
• Lead the Unit Leadership team (with any other Unit Leaders) in a way which utilises the talents of all and fosters an environment of continual learning.

Requirements of appointment to the position

• Member of State Girl Guide Organisation.
• Hold a Leadership Qualification as a Unit Leader.
• Satisfactory Police and Working with Children checks as required by State Legislation.
• First Aid Statement of Attainment – ‘Provide Basic Emergency Life Support’ (includes CPR).
• Acceptance of Girl Guides Australia Code of Conduct.

Capabilities and personal attributes

• Commitment to the principles of Guiding and willingness to make or renew the Guide Promise.
• Commitment to girls/young women and their development.
• Ability to be a positive role model.
• Ability to work collaboratively with others and to bring out the best in them.
• Sound planning and organising skills.
• Effective communication skills both one on one and in groups.
• Capacity and time to undertake the role.

Ongoing requirements

• Commitment to the Promise and Law.
• Compliance with the Girl Guides Australia Code of Conduct
• Commitment to ongoing self-development and learning.
• Wearing of the Guide uniform.
• Annual refreshment of CPR component of ‘Provide Basic Emergency Life Support’

Appointment review

• “New to Role” Review completed with District Manager six months following appointment.
• Role currency checks (including First Aid) as required.
• Participation in Annual Role Review as required.