Western Region Homelessness Outreach Support Worker. This is a 12 month contractual position; subject to a 3 month probation period.

Transcription

1 Victorian Aboriginal Community Services Association Ltd JOB DESCRIPTION Position: Reports to: Award Classification: Information Contact: Date of Completion: Western Region Homelessness Outreach Support Worker Homeless Services Manager Social, Community, Home Care & Disability Services Industry Award, and classification at Indigenous Community Development Worker. Brad Stephens - Homeless Services Manager This is a 12 month contractual position; subject to a 3 month probation period. Background The Victorian Aboriginal Community Services Association Ltd (VACSAL) is a community controlled organisation established in 1984, comprising of representatives from Koorie organisations across the State and is the recognised state-wide Peak Advisory body on Aboriginal Community issues impacting on Aboriginal people. The VACSAL plays an integral role in the development of programs aimed at strengthening family, culture and resilience in today s contemporary society. We have a recognised reputation for delivery of programs that support; Homeless Aboriginal young people, Youth Justice, Family violence, Family Services as well as a range of educational programs across Victoria. The VACSAL offers a range of employee benefits such as but not limited to; Salary Packaging, Professional Development, and employee social club activities.

2 Purpose of the Role The Aboriginal Homelessness Program provides direct service delivery in the form of short to medium term case management to Aboriginal people and families who are currently or at risk of becoming homeless. The VACSAL is currently seeking dynamic, enthusiastic individuals with a genuine love for working with people to join our Aboriginal Homelessness Program as an Outreach Support Worker. This position will be based at out Western regional office in the suburb of Ravenhall. In this role you will engage and work with Aboriginal people and families residing in emergency and low cost accommodation or seeking accommodation and support. You will have demonstrated experience in Case management and Crisis intervention as well as advocacy on behalf of the client group and an ability to engage and network with other Aboriginal, mainstream and government organisations and departments. You will have the ability to work from a strength based framework, within the policies, guidelines and standards of the VACSAL and to adhere to the highest professional and ethical standards in performing the duties and responsibilities associated with the position. You must have the ability to work both autonomously and within a team setting.

3 KEY RESPONSIBITES CASE MANAGEMENT AND SUPPORT SERVICES ADVOCACY AND SERVICE SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION To provide crisis outreach support to families and individuals and to assess, monitor and evaluate the housing and support needs of a small case-load in insecure or low cost housing To deliver ongoing case-management support and housing to families and children and individuals. Services provided will include crisis intervention, comprehensive psychosocial assessment, assistance to secure safe, affordable and secure accommodation, assistance to secure or maintain long term accommodation, assistance with public and social housing applications, distribution of financial assistance and links to appropriate support services. To effectively link families and children with appropriate supports, including but not limited to educational, health, social, recreational, training and employment services. Undertake advocacy on behalf of clients with other agencies to ensure equity of access and delivery of services. On occasion this will require the worker to accompany the parent and/or children to relevant services. Undertake advocacy work with public, private and social housing providers and other key government and nongovernment agencies to achieve sustainable, long-term and safe housing and support outcomes for clients. In conjunction with the Manager: To advocate on behalf of families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness to ensure that services are relevant, flexible and accessible. To identify key gaps and work with other agencies to develop service delivery and housing options. To facilitate improved coordination of housing and support services. To maintain all client files and client data in accordance with VACSAL policies and procedures. Participate in the overall development of the service and in the development of policies and procedures to underpin the provision of effective and efficient service

4 delivery. Fulfil all administrative tasks for the position and undertake additional administrative duties as required. Completion of regular data reporting mechanisms. GENERAL Comply with agency reporting requirements and organisational policies and procedures. Attend regular team meetings. Participate in regular supervision with the manager. Attend internal and external training as required. Contribute to a positive organisational culture.

5 Key Selection Criteria Competency Attributes Aboriginal Community Knowledge Demonstrated knowledge, understanding and connection to Aboriginal culture, society and the Victorian Aboriginal community Service Provision Demonstrated knowledge of the principles governing case management practice. Demonstrated experience, knowledge and expertise in undertaking complex assessment and casework, culturally based case practice intervention models, working with families and the underlying issues facing Koori people. Understanding of government and non-government sectors, particularly the homelessness sector, education and employment systems. Proven capacity to provide professional advice and information to Koorie clients and their families, colleagues and other professionals and service providers and ensure coordinated service provision. Framework Understanding and Experience Demonstrated experience, knowledge and expertise in undertaking complex assessment and casework, culturally based case practice intervention models, working with families and the underlying issues facing Koori people. Understanding of government and non-government sectors, particularly the homelessness sector, education and employment systems. Teamwork and Autonomy Demonstrated ability to work within a team environment and independent of direct supervision. Communication Practical level of verbal and written communication skills, advocacy, negotiation and motivation skills including the ability to deal effectively and diplomatically with Koorie clients and their families, education and employment services, the Koorie community, other service providers and colleagues and the capacity to provide effective representation for clients in various settings. Administration Well-developed research, investigative, conceptual and analytical skills, including the ability to identify and resolve difficult problems impacting on client services and key risk factors for clients and the ability to critically evaluate and apply developments in this field. Knowledge of Homelessness Sound understanding of the issues facing homeless families/individuals and the impact of homelessness on children.

6 QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE Appropriate Tertiary Qualifications and direct experience in the homelessness, housing and support services sector. A passion to redress disadvantage in our community and to work diligently toward ending chronic homelessness OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION Applications for this position must include the following: 1 Written cover letter that outlines why the applicant believes that he/she would be suitable for this position. 2 Detailed Resume that outlines educational and employment background, which must also include at least 3 referees. 3 A detailed response to the Key Selection Criteria. 4 Applications for this position close on 19 th December Applications must reach VACSAL office by close of business. 6. The position will be based in the Preston and expected to provide outreach support to the North/West region. A vehicle is available for work related travel. 7. A current Victorian Driver s Licence and a current Working with Children Check is required 8. Please note that current National Police check is compulsory prior to employment with VACSAL 6 Applications must be marked Private & Confidential and addressed to: Linda Bamblett Chief Executive Officer Victorian Aboriginal Community Services Association Ltd 496 High Street Northcote, Vic linda.bamblett@vacsal.org.au Further information or questions concerning this position can be directed to Bradley Stephens, VACSAL. Ph: or bradley.stephens@vacsal.org.au