Nathan’s story: in tune with young people
Nathan Lambie’s office at YSAS Ringwood is covered from wall to ceiling with music posters. He used to work at a music station, so his taste is eclectic – he listens to everything from hip hop and R&B to heavy metal and rock. And it’s this musical knowledge that helps him connect with the young people he works with.
“One of the first questions young people ask is, ‘Can I put my music on?’” he says. “You can see them sort of spark up a little bit when someone shares that interest. It can be an easy segue into further conversations.”
Nathan ended up in youth work almost by accident. When he was 17, he applied to join the police force in Tasmania, and made it to the final interview. “Then they said they wanted me to be 18 and have more experience,” he says. At a crossroads, Nathan decided to instead move to Armidale, New South Wales, to study criminology. And the rest, as they say, is history.
Nathan is now a Youth Support Service (YSS) Team Leader for the East and Gippsland regions. YSS is a crime prevention program that aims to divert young people away from early low-level offending, like shoplifting. Police refer young people to a YSS worker, who supports them for six months in achieving personal goals, such as improving school attendance, building positive friendships, strengthening family relationships, or getting involved in pro-social hobbies.
Achieving big goals, says Nathan, is all about taking small steps. “I’m a firm believer in little goals, and recognising those achievements.” It can be as simple as getting the bus to school.
“You got ready, you got on the bus and you got there, so you achieved an awesome goal today,” he says.
Those small steps can add up. A recent client of Nathan’s was forced to change schools after some offending, severing his social connections. Within six months, the young person had started attending TAFE, connected with the local basketball community, found umpiring work, began an apprenticeship in mechanics, and engaged with a mental health service. “When you have a young person who’s really keen to buy in and do all that extra stuff, it’s a real credit to them,” he says. “They’re leading it – we’re just supporting them.”
Nathan says many of his clients appreciate YSAS’s non-clinical approach. “Our roles are very much outreach-based, so we can go play basketball with them if that’s what they’re into,” he says.
“When you’re in a space where the young person feels comfortable, they’re able to express a lot more.”
Nathan has stepped up into a management role at YSAS, while still doing some direct client work. His strengths-based, non-judgmental approach to youth work has also shaped his management style. “I try to be approachable, and always have an open door,” he says. “It’s about working alongside people.”
Before YSAS, Nathan had never stayed in a job for more than three years. Four and a half years into his YSS role, he has no plans to leave. “Sometimes there’s a separation between executives, managers and frontline staff – but not at YSAS,” he says. “I feel like it all flows really well, and that you’re supported no matter what.”
It’s a testament to the positive work culture at YSAS that Nathan feels so comfortable expressing his love of music in his office. He’s free to be himself – just like the young people he works with.