POSITION DESCRIPTION Position Title: Employment Type: Housing Worker- Casual Tenancy Services Casual Remuneration & Benefits: Hours Of Work: Primary Location: Date Pd Adopted: August 2016 $39.6104 per hour (includes 25% loading in lieu of leave entitlements) plus superannuation As required during standard business hours Monday-Friday Fitzroy, Melbourne and Footscray Pd Review Date: August 2017 1. ORGANISATIONAL ENVIRONMENT Established in 1996, Yarra Community Housing Ltd (YCH) is the largest provider of community housing in Victoria. YCH is an independent, non-profit organisation that develops and manages affordable rental housing options for people on low income including families. YCH has a particular focus on providing support to people who have been homeless and experience high levels of disadvantage. In November 2015, YCH merged with Urban Communities Limited (UCL). Until 2017, the two organisations will continue to operate as separate entities under the control of YCH. This will provide the time to work out the best way in which to combine the two operations in a way that maximises the strengths of both. Incorporating the activities of UCL, YCH has a team over 130 staff, manages approximately 2,600 tenancies, has an annual operating revenue of over $25 million, owns $300 million in affordable housing properties and has a loan portfolio of $40 million. YCH also support over 20,000 people each year who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. YCH provides housing services across Victoria as well as in Adelaide. These services include: Initial Planning & Assessment, Crisis Housing, Transitional Housing, Long term Affordable Housing and Specialist housing models including Supportive Housing and Youth Foyers. YCH also works with a range of partners to ensure it supports the needs of its tenants more broadly. 1
2. Organisational Relationships The position has the following organisational relationships: Directly Accountable To: Tenancy Team Leaders Internal Liaisons: Other YCH management staff in carrying out overall agency responsibilities External Liaisons: YCH Tenants, other housing providers, Local Governments, Support Agencies, external contractors and other relevant networks. 3. Position Context The delivery of housing and related services is principally the responsibility Housing Workers and Tenancy Administration Workers providing direct tenancy and administrative services under the direction of the Team Leaders Tenancy Services and Team Leader- Tenancy Administration. The role of the Casual Worker is to establish new tenancies, carrying out tenancy services to these and existing YCH properties & ensuring that tenants comply with the Residential Tenancies Act. 4. Position Objectives To work as a member of the Housing team to deliver a defined range of tenancy and property management services to a high standard and in accordance with YCH policies and practices To actively link YCH tenants to support services and other community resources. To encourage and facilitate tenant participation in YCH decision making processes. 5. Key Accountabilities 5.1 Delivery of Tenancy and Property Management Services Ensure that tenants and prospective tenants are treated with dignity and respect, in accordance with YCH Values Ensure that YCH properties are maintained to a high standard of cleanliness, appearance and amenity: Respond promptly to requests for maintenance from YCH tenants and staff and initiate appropriate action i.e. request to internal maintenance team Ensure that maintenance contractors are given access to properties according to YCH access policy and procedures. Liaise with YCH s internal maintenance team to ensure maintenance work is carried out promptly and within the timelines and other legal requirements as set out in Office of Housing policy and the Residential Tenancy Act (RTA). Ensure tenants are informed of current maintenance arrangements and the need for them to inform YCH if maintenance work is not completed. Ensure the prompt inspection and cleaning of vacated rooms and liaise with other staff to ensure rooms are re-tenanted at the earliest possible date Ensure that vacated maintenance is undertaken promptly Ensure rent arrears are kept within YCH targets by communicating with tenants to resolve rent arrears issues in conjunction with the YCH rents worker Ensure vacancy rates are kept within YCH targets and communicate any issues to the Team Leader Undertake regular room/unit inspections and communicate issues to the Team Leader: Ensure the regular inspection of all individual rooms/units in YCH s properties to identify hygiene and maintenance issues and initiate appropriate action Visit all properties on a regular basis to monitor responsive maintenance work and to assess and action general maintenance needs Resolve tenant-tenant conflict and antisocial behaviour in liaison with the Team Leader Respond to all complaints from tenants and take action in accordance with YCH policy Ensure that residents are aware of YCH policy in relation to tenant-tenant conflict Inform residents of YCH s limitations as a Landlord under the Residential Tenancies Act Issue all RTA Notices (i.e. Breach of Duty, Notice To Vacate) for tenancy related matters. Make applications to VCAT & attend hearings for tenancy related matters. 2
Inform & work in partnership with involved support agencies and/or the Yarra SPACE Connections staff team when any tenant is in need of support and/or advocacy Take action under the RTA to deal with tenancy issues in accordance with the RTA, YCH Policy and agreements with external agencies. Represent YCH at VCAT in relation to YCH tenancies. 5.2 Vacancies at YCH Properties Work with the Team Leader in allocating people to vacancies which arise within YCH properties: Determine the most suitable candidate for each room that becomes available for re-letting following YCH processes Contact candidates &/or support agencies to arrange inspection times Monitor collection & return of keys/fobs Conduct lease sign ups for new residents Forward invoices to agencies/administrators/state trustees when necessary Ensure that all Centrepay forms are processed Respond to requests for transfers & room exchanges 5.3 Tenant Consultation and Participation Provide tenants with clear and honest information, consulting on issues that will impact upon them and give opportunities to participate in identifying and implementing solutions to housing and support issues. Implement a range of creative and innovative strategies for engaging with tenants around issues of concern within properties and involving them in the implementation of solutions e.g. regular house meetings. Actively encourage YCH tenants to become members of YCH and participate within YCH decision making. 5.4 Along with other Tenancy Team members Attend potentially difficult and dangerous situations within YCH properties Assist in the administration of tenant and office filing systems, including data entry. Relieve reception desk staff as requested (including responsibility for visitors and phones) Participate in a regular duty roster system relating to front desk duties. Relieve other team members in their individual areas of responsibility when necessary Participate in Tenancy Team staff meetings and other staff communication and planning forums Participate in YCH staff meetings and other staff communication and planning forums 5.5 Other duties as directed. 6. Professional Standards 3
YCH is a values-based organisation and seeks to cultivate a culture founded on quality of service delivery, responsiveness, collaboration and respect for others. It is an environment that requires all team members to maintain high standards of work in line with our Values: Treating every person equally, welcoming diversity and doing our part to create a world where everyone has a fair share of opportunities and resources. Being kind and supportive, treating every person with respect and keeping every person safe. Being honest in the way we communicate, admitting our mistakes and sharing information openly. Working in partnership with others to achieve our vision, always learning and making time to celebrate the journey. Taking responsibility for our actions, leading by example and being creative, courageous and determined These Values are a description of the way we see the world and what is most important to us. They are the basic principles that will guide and shape the way we think and act. This includes the way we provide services to tenants, the way we treat each other within the organisation and the way we relate to the wider community. All YCH employees are required to: comply with all YCH policies and procedures comply with all Occupational Health and Safety legislation and regulation comply with all other Commonwealth and State legislation relevant to the organisation uphold and enhance the reputation of YCH maintain the highest standards of integrity and behaviour in line with YCH Code of Conduct & undertake identified training and development activities/programmes 4
7. Key Selection Criteria Essential: A demonstrated commitment to social justice and to the empowerment of disadvantaged members of the community Demonstrated skills and experience in the direct provision of community housing and support services including tenancy and property management services Demonstrated skills and experience in working effectively and sensitively with a broad range of clients, including those with high support needs and challenging behaviours A demonstrated ability to work in partnership with service users to improve service quality and outcomes Demonstrated skills and experience within collaborative teams High level communication skills including verbal and written communication Demonstrated skills and experience in administration Demonstrated skills and experience in the implementation of operational policy Good computer skills, including experience with MS Windows and MS Office A current full Victorian driver s licence Desirable: A relevant tertiary level qualification Experience within the non profit, non government community housing sector Experience in the management of rooming house type accommodation Experience in the provision of services to highly disadvantaged, low income single people An understanding of the Victorian Residential Tenancies act (RTA) SIGNED: DATED: 5
YARRA COMMUNITY HOUSING EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION GUIDE FOR APPLICANTS Thank you for your interest in a vacancy with Yarra Community Housing. This could be your opportunity to join a progressive organisation with approximately 90+ staff across Melbourne CBD, Fitzroy, Footscray, Seddon, Werribee and Geelong. At Yarra Community Housing we offer a range of additional benefits to Casual Workers including: Above award wages Learning & Development opportunities to ensure that not only do you have adequate skills to perform your current role, but that you also have the opportunity to enhance your work performance to meet your personal career direction. Employee Assistance Program - we offer external free, professional, confidential counselling assistance to our staff who may need help with particular problems affecting their wellbeing - personally and in the workplace. Our talented and engaged staff are our greatest asset and critical to the success of our organisation. To assist us in the selection process and to ensure that your application is as strong as possible, please read the following carefully and ensure your application meets all requirements. Yarra Community Housing offers positions to people on the basis of merit. This means staff qualifications, experience, skills and abilities (relevant to the position) are matched to the position requirements. As an Equal Opportunity organisation we encourage people of all characteristics to apply for any vacancies listed on our careers pages. We are committed to developing a diverse workforce and applying the principles of equity, fairness and transparency to all recruitment, selection and appointment processes. 1. Position Description A position description must be obtained from our website before applying for any position. As stated above, our selection process is based on an assessment of the relative merit of each candidate. We do this by examining how well your knowledge, skills and abilities meet each of the key selection criteria and requirements of the position as identified in the Position Description. The first stage of the selection process is based on your application and it is important that you provide the panel with information that shows how you meet the key selection criteria and requirements of the position. 2. Key Selection Criteria Please email a covering letter addressing all key selection criteria, outlining your skills and employment experience relevant to the position that you are applying for. There is no right or wrong way to present your application however, you must address each of the key selection criteria as detailed in the Position Description to be considered for the shortlist and subsequent interview process. If you do not show how you meet the key selection criteria in your application you are unlikely to be considered for an interview and this may exclude you from further consideration. 6
3. Resume Please attach a brief resume containing your full name, address, telephone number (preferably a daytime number), a summary of your work experience (include where you have worked, positions held, period of employment and brief details of duties performed), details of any relevant qualifications including information on any education currently undertaken (originals of qualifications stated must be brought to any subsequent interview (and a copy will be placed on file if you are the successful applicant). Please include any other information that you feel is relevant to the position that you are applying for. Please include the names and contact details of three professional referees who may be contacted regarding your recent experience and suitability for the position. Ideally one should be from a supervisor (if possible a current supervisor) and others should have knowledge of your work performance. Referees will not be contacted prior to an interview. 4. Closing Date All applications close at 5.00pm on the advertised closing date. Please check the closing date to ensure your application is received within the specified time. All submitted applications will receive an automated reply to acknowledge receipt. Applications should be emailed to jobs@ych.org.au. This position has no closing date- interested candidates are advised to apply as early as possible. Please note: emailed applications will receive an automated reply to acknowledge receipt of each application. If you don t receive an email reply, please contact HR on 9349 0253 Please address your application to: Rachel Morison HR Manager Yarra Community Housing 5. Shortlisting All positions are shortlisted and processed within one-two weeks of the closing date. Only candidates that meet the key selection criteria will be contacted for an interview. An application may meet the essential requirements and yet not be interviewed. This usually occurs when there are a large number of applicants, some of whom meet the essential and desirable requirements on a more competitive basis. All aspects of the selection process are conducted in strict accordance with the principles of merit and equal employment opportunity. If you are shortlisted for an interview we will contact you by telephone to schedule an interview. 6. Interviewing We aim to give all applicants called for an interview at least two working days notice. Contact will be made by telephone and you will be advised of the interview date, time and venue. The successful candidate will be contacted by phone. Unsuccessful candidates will receive an email informing them of the outcome of their interview. Feedback of interview performance can be sought if required. Yarra Community Housing is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. If you are contacted for an interview, please inform staff if you have special requirements to be able to attend. 7
7. Reference Checks The selection panel will contact referees and check the references of the preferred applicant prior to making an offer of employment. 8. Other relevant Employment Conditions Please note the following requirements and details of the position; Please note, if you are the successful candidate you will be required to provide evidence of your entitlements to work in Australia. Documents that verify this include your current passport. If you do not have a passport you can provide a copy of your Australian birth or citizenship certificate (if born before 20th August 1986) and photo ID. If you were born on or after 20th August 1986 then you will need to provide an Australian birth and citizenship certificate and photo ID. If you cannot provide these supporting documents then you will need to provide evidence that one parent was an Australian citizen or permanent resident at the time of your birth. A National Pre Employment check is required in accordance with Department of Human Services policy and will be undertaken prior to your commencement. Your suitability of employment with Yarra Community Housing will be determined by any outcomes that may be listed on this check. Your appointment is subject to a satisfactory result. YCH has a no smoking in the workplace policy. Thank you again for your interest in working with Yarra Community Housing. Please find an introduction to Yarra Community Housing below. This covers our history, the services we provide, our vision, our values and more! 8