The Salvation Army Australia Southern Territory POSITION DESCRIPTION TENANCY WORKER Position Title Tenancy Worker Salvation Army Housing Employee Name Date September 2015 Division/ Entity/Location Salvation Army Housing Organisational Unit/ Department Salvation Army Housing THE SALVATION ARMY INTERNATIONAL MISSION STATEMENT The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human need in His name without discrimination. AUSTRALIA SOUTHERN TERRITORY S MISSION AND VALUES Mission The mission of The Salvation Army Australia Southern Territory is: Transforming lives: working for personal renewal through Jesus Christ, that touches and integrates the whole person Caring for people: engaging with others in need, without discrimination Making Disciples: patterning lives on Jesus Reforming Society: acting on the structures of society to restore justice Values The values of The Salvation Army Australia Southern Territory are: Human dignity: respecting the sanctity of human life as being made in image of God. We affirm the worth and capacity of all people. Justice: acting with integrity and fairness, without discrimination, and being an advocate for the disadvantaged; managing all resources responsibly as stewards. We promote healthy and whole relationships, and good society. Hope: sharing the gospel of Jesus as a gracious invitation to wholeness. We work for reconciliation, healing and transformation for all people and creation. Compassion: engaging with others in the Spirit of Jesus. We feel compelled to stand with and do something about another s suffering. Community: owning our common humanity as we engage with people, working and journeying together, for mutual capacity building. We build community and meet with God in our encounter with others. Tenancy Worker PD SAHV September 2015 Page 1 of 6
All employees in non-ministry positions in The Salvation Army are expected to work in accordance with the Australia Southern Territory s mission and values and comply with Official Minutes, policies and procedures. Position reports to Tenancy Manager Reportable Positions Nil Position Purpose Qualifications To enable homeless people to successfully live in long term accommodation through proactive support, education and the provision of transitional housing services. To ensure tenancies and properties are managed efficiently and effectively in accordance with Salvation Army Housing guidelines. Experience and/or relevant qualifications in the welfare and tenancy sector desirable. Prerequisites Award (if applicable) Resource Management A current police check/working with children check. A current Victorian driver s licence. Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010 Classification Level 4 Total staff management (EFT) Personal Competencies Required Collaborative Treats others with dignity and respect Inspires trust and confidence Ready to put aside personal preferences for wider benefit Job Competencies Required Service delivery Develops positive relationships with service users Provides service appropriate to needs Recognises the need for referral and takes appropriate action Inclusive Respects difference in all its forms Recognises the rights of others Values diversity as a strength Resilient Displays an optimistic approach to work Is flexible Maintains appropriate self-care Diversity and conflict Recognises and respects differences in culture, style and viewpoint Respond in culturally appropriate ways Respectfully provides own point of view Organisational knowledge Demonstrates a basic understanding of TSA identify, mission, history, structure Keeps up to date with relevant organisational information SA Housing Tenancy Worker PD (Jan 16).doc September 2015 Page 2 of 6
Outcome focussed Is proactive and self-motivated Follows through with commitments Is thorough through standard channels and resources Key Result Areas Key Activities Standard Measures Client Assessment and Tenancy Intake Tenancy Administration In consultation with the Tenancy Manager assess client suitability for crisis, transitional and long term accommodation. Work with support agencies to achieve best possible outcomes for clients Interview clients with the support worker at property at the beginning of each tenancy period. Assist clients to gain knowledge of their rights, and their responsibilities, as tenants With the support worker, assist clients with budgeting to meet rent, repayments and utility costs and refer clients to financial and material aid agencies when necessary. Assist clients to engage utilities Check rent reports weekly and ensure rent records are accurate Ensure all tenancy paperwork is processed accurately Monitor rent arrears and establish agreed case plans with client to resolve where necessary. Provide monthly reports to the tenancy manager Nominations are critically assessed and response provided within 24 hours. Sign up process is instigated within 1 week of accepting nomination. Ensure maximum number of tenancies possible per property per year through active engagement of clients and support agencies Ensure rapid turn around of properties (ideally within 2 weeks) through active engagement of support agencies, contractors and utilities. All rent accounts are checked weekly and taken to line manager. Terms and conditions of the lease and legislative requirements are applied in a responsible, fair and respectful fashion with the objective of educating and empowering, as evidenced in client files. Maintain rent arrears at less than 5% SA Housing Tenancy Worker PD (Jan 16).doc September 2015 Page 3 of 6
Key Result Areas Key Activities Standard Measures Client Management and Communication including rental arrears for your properties. Ensure all incidents are reported according to policy and requirements Ensure appropriate case management and data recording systems are implemented Ensure all regulations, policies and procedures and service guidelines are adhered to. Where necessary advocate on behalf of clients to support agencies, government bodies, real estate agents and utility companies, as required and provide letters of support where necessary. Initiate and attend case meetings and provide secondary consultations as required. Practice active listening and effective communication Maintain strict confidentiality in regard to service and client information. Work in a cooperative manner with staff, clients, contractors, external agencies and others involved with the agency Liaise regularly with sector agencies, particularly those holding nominations to properties Respond to community concerns regarding client issues by investigating reports, arranging meetings and issuing breaches where necessary Property Management Conduct all necessary inspections at properties. Vacant inspections and also inspections prior to tenanting. Undertake all training required to conduct any necessary lock changes at properties. Ensure properties are furnished to established standards and that furnishings are maintained in a fit and safe state of repair. Monthly reports provided Regulations and service guidelines adhered to. Monthly reports provided within guidelines. Incident reports meet all policy requirements All data recording requirements are met Reporting requirements to government are met. Advocacy occurs when necessary. Case meeting are initiated and attended as required. Documents are accurate and delivered within agreed timelines. External and internal communications is effective and professionally evidenced in files. Client confidentiality is maintained at all times. Cooperative work practices are observed. External agencies are worked with in a cooperative manner. Community concerns are responded to in an effective and timely manner. All properties inspections are done in a timely manner and any issues processed. Locks are changed in a timely manner. Properties equipped, furnished and maintained to Salvation Army Housing standards Maintenance requests actioned within 24 hrs All property related files kept up to date & accurate SA Housing Tenancy Worker PD (Jan 16).doc September 2015 Page 4 of 6
Key Result Areas Key Activities Standard Measures Ensure the welfare of children Prepare and manage exit plans Contribute to Team Development Coordinate responses to day-to-day maintenance works that arise, empowering clients with simple maintenance tasks and referring to appropriate service providers for other maintenance requirements Maintain property files, inventory records and other files as determined by procedure requirements Represent Salvation Army Housing at tribunals regarding lease agreements Report any observed concerns to support agencies, the tenancy manager and government agencies Note all concerns on case file Ensure tenancy exit plan (case plan) is being actioned by the support agency and the client. Conduct client survey with support worker at property at the end of each tenancy period. Negotiate exit dates and a clean up plan, providing incentives where necessary, ensuring clients develop a sense of responsibility. Monitor exit plans at the end of each tenancy period and before resigning a new lease agreement Develop and maintain a professional, collegiate work environment Undertake research and other duties as directed Attend Salvation Army Housing staff meetings and team building activities SAHV is represented at VCAT in a professional manner. Incident reports and case files indicate adherence to policy and procedures Tenants exit within the minimum period possible, commensurate with their achieving suitable sustainable long term housing. Client surveys are conducted at each resign and upon exiting property Exit dates are negotiated and vacant property cleaning and rubbish removal costs are kept to a minimum Up to date housing strategy plans are received for all tenants Professional, collegial work environment maintained Research and other duties are undertaken as directed by your line manager Minutes of meetings demonstrate attendance and meaningful participation. SA Housing Tenancy Worker PD (Jan 16).doc September 2015 Page 5 of 6
Client Rights Demonstrate respect and dignity at all times in dealing with clients Uphold clients personal privacy and confidentiality in communication at all times Provide clients with freedom of choice to service where possible Provide clients with support and assistance that responds to individual needs at all times. All clients are respected and valued at all times Client confidentiality is respected at all times Clients are given the right to choose Clients individual and cultural needs are respected Other duties Perform other duties as required Other duties completed as requested Employee s Signature: Date: Print Name: Manager s Signature: Date: Print Name: SA Housing Tenancy Worker PD (Jan 16).doc September 2015 Page 6 of 6