Homeless Outreach Case Worker

OUR ORGANISATION

The Victorian Aboriginal Community Services Association Limited (VACSAL) is the recognised state-wide Peak Advisory body on Aboriginal community issues. VACSAL is a community based, community-controlled organisation, comprising representatives from Koorie organisations across the State. As well as having an advisory role, VACSAL delivers and manages a range of critical community services across Victoria.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Aboriginal Homeless case work 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 case worker is committed to working with the two Aboriginal entry points for clients living/relocated to West Melbourne and Northern region.

VACSAL is currently seeking dynamic, enthusiastic individuals with a genuine love for working with people to join our Aboriginal Homelessness Program as Case Worker.

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 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.

KEY RESULT AREAS

Case Management & Support Services

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  (10) 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 non-government agencies to achieve sustainable, long-term and safe housing and support outcomes for clients.

Advocacy & Service System Development

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.

Administration

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 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 bimonthly supervision with the team leader/manager.

·      Attend internal and external training as required.

·      Contribute to a positive organisational culture.

·      Ensure you have a sound knowledge of all VACSAL programs

·      Create a yearly work plan, ensuring it aligns with your KPI's and is in conjunction with your program and the Strategic Plan.  Ensure it is updated bimonthly as part of your Supervisor Sessions.

·      Assist with VACSAL community events such as Naidoc activities, sports carnivals etc

·      Attend VACSAL In Service and AGM annually

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA (KSC)

Mandatory KSC:

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.

· Current Working with children's check

· Current National police check

· Current Victorian Driver's License

· Full vaccination against COVID-19

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Appropriate Tertiary Qualifications and/or 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

Certificate IV in Community Services (or willing to complete on commencement)

Other Relevant Information:

· After hours work may be required

· All roles are subject to funding

· The successful applicant will be required to disclosure any pre-existing injury/injuries and/or medical condition/s, which could be aggravated by the type of employment they are applying for.  The existence of an injury/injuries and/or medical condition/s will not preclude the applicant from employment, unless they are unable to perform the inherent requirements of the position.  However, failure to disclose any relevant information may affect a claim for Worker's Compensation.

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 Curriculum Vitae 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 10th October 2025. Applications must reach VACSAL office by close of business that day.

5. It is a mandatory requirement that all successful applicants will be required to provide a current Working with Children check and a current National Police check as well as proof of full vaccination against COVID-19.

6.  Applications must be marked Private & Confidential and addressed to:

Human Resources

Victorian Aboriginal Community Services Association Limited

496 High Street

Northcote, VIC 3070

Email:

Further information or questions concerning this position can be directed Julie Bamblett on or via email