Sarah Abel, Senior Youth Worker

It’s my absolute privilege to support young people as they navigate the barriers they face during the tough and tricky business of growing into adulthood.

In the six very fulfilling years I’ve worked at JSW, I’ve been a Manager and a Trainer on our Leadership and Alternative Education Programs and a Youth Worker on Our Youth South West Program.

JSW is a very supportive and innovative place to work. Everyone is open to trying new things, and we support each other in getting the best outcomes for our clients. We also have strong networks and longstanding relationships with other regional service providers, so we can draw on deep resources to support our young people.

Before transitioning to a career in Youth Work, I worked in television as an Account Manager for WIN and as an IT/Multimedia Trainer at TAFE. My IT and multimedia media background is an asset when it comes to working creatively with young people.

I support vulnerable clients aged twelve to eighteen. I take a holistic approach to help them explore their options for education and employment and reconnect to family and community.

Outside of work, I’m a soccer coach for eight to ten-year-olds, a keen yoga practitioner and a child sponsor for World Vision.

Qualifications

Cert IV in Youth Work
Cert IV in Training and Assessment – TAFE
BSC Hons in Multi-Media

Mental Health Training

Mental Health First Aid
Youth Mental Health First Aid
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health First Aid

Additional Certifications

Diverse WA – Cultural Competency Training
Mindset Reset Certification
Trauma-informed Response Training
Advanced De-escalation Training