Assertive Outreach Support Worker

Number of Positions Available:

1

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- ABOUT US

- The Salvation Army is one of Australia’s largest and most-loved charities, helping thousands of Australians every year find hope in the midst of all kinds of personal hardship. The Salvation Army offers the opportunity to use your professional skills and expertise to make a real difference in the lives of people who need help most.
Why this role matters

The Assertive Outreach Service aims to provide assistance and support to the most vulnerable members of the community, primarily those who are rough sleeping or experiencing homelessness. This is a nightly roving outreach service operating within the City of Perth CBD and peripheral local councils, providing placed-based support, meeting rough sleepers where they are residing.

About the role

We are seeking a values-driven Assertive Outreach Support Worker (AOSW), to engage with individuals experiencing primary homelessness and assess their immediate needs. The response will include the provision of essential items, such as light refreshments, hygiene packs, sleeping items, warm clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) in response to medical needs. In addition, the AOSW will provide information, advice and referrals to address housing needs, rehabilitation options and other identified support needs. The AOSW will also have a role in ensuring that those rough sleeping, with consent, are continued to be updated on the By-Name List, in line with TSA’s commitment to Advance to Zero initiatives.

You will successfully
- Operate within a strengths-based and person-centred approach, promoting the need for individualised support, self-determination and holistic care.
- To provide support consistent with evidence-based homelessness responses and TSA’s Policies and procedures.
- Working collaboratively with the Assertive Outreach Team to identify geographic areas of need, trends and any new emerging issues.
- Build healthy relationships with individuals who are sleeping rough and experiencing homelessness, including knowing individuals by name and understanding their complex needs.
- Undertake risk assessments and needs identification in an outreach setting, utilising approved service tools and documents.
- Engage in Assertive Outreach, a roving service locating those individuals in the community sleeping rough and providing; information, support, referrals and provision of material aid.
- Provision of transport for individuals, where appropriate, in-line with TSA Policies/Procedures and Guidelines.
- The Assertive Outreach Service often works directly with the Street Outreach Service (food service) to provide a co-ordinated response.
- Collaborating with external agencies/services, stakeholders, Local and State Government, internal services and service users to ensure appropriate service response and best outcomes for service users.
- Advocate and liaise with other agencies and services to assist the individuals with identified needs, including but not limited to; mental health, physical health, income support payments, housing, identification and drug and alcohol dependence.
- Gather program data, including client demographics and resource provided. This will assist on reporting requirements for the service.
- Updating By-Name List with consent.
- Maintain a positive and safe working environment and actively participate in building an inclusive environment for all.
- Contribute to maintaining an effective and productive team.
- Respect and develop professional relationships with clients, employees and other related services/people, using appropriate terminology and creating a safe and comfortable environment.
- Respond positively and supportively to people to provide a welcoming, empathetic and supportive environment.
- Attend and participate in meetings and reviews.
- Comply with and strive to maintain best practice in the provision of a safe workplace for all.

This is a part-time (16hrs per week), permanent role located in Northbridge, WA. Salary and conditions are in accordance with the SCHADS Level 4 award.

You will have
- Diploma in Community Services or related discipline; and,
- Practical experience in welfare service delivery, as specified in the award description.
- Or, significant experience of 5 or more years in Homelessness Services
- Proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 (2 doses)
- Current Senior First Aid Certificate.
- Working with Children’s Check
- A National Police check.
- An entitlement to work check.
- Current driver’s license.
- We are committed to providing a safe environment for our people. Please note that The Salvation Army has a mandatory vaccination procedure._

What we offer
- Flexible working conditi