Brief Intervention Worker

Wollongong Homeless Hub and Housing Services

Wollongong Homeless Hub and Housing Services (WHH&HS) is a registered not-for-profit charity which supports families and individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness through a combination of early intervention, case management, referral, advocacy and information.

Current programs of WHHHS include Temporary Accommodation, Hub Drop-in Support, Assertive and Community Outreach, Early Intervention- tenancies at risk, Transitional and Social Housing.

Current Opportunities

Wollongong Homeless Hub and Housing Services currently require casual staff for our Crisis Accommodation and Drop In Hub/Assertive Outreach (SHS) program to support homeless and vulnerable individuals and families.

Brief Intervention support workers with WHHHS provide information, referrals and support to assist individuals and families to improve wellbeing and to find short term and long term, affordable housing. These services are provided from our crisis accommodation,drop in hub and through outreach activities in the community.

The service engages with a high volume of clients, and we are seeking Brief Intervention workers with the ability to work at pace and under pressure with individuals with complex needs.

If you are an experienced Support Worker, come and work with our dedicated team who are making a real difference in people's lives and our community.

The key responsibilities of the role will include

All support work is delivered by the team using a holistic person-centred approach

• Work with vulnerable individuals and families in crisis situations
• Assist individuals with complex needs to seek and secure ongoing accommodation
• Refer them to relevant support services internally and externally as required
• Empower clients to achieve their goals
• Building and managing relationships with key stakeholders of the business and programs
• Housekeeping duties when required

Essential Criteria

• Minimum Diploma Qualifications and relevant experience in the Community Services sector
• Experience working with vulnerable families and individuals and understanding of the issues associated with homelessness and housing system.
• Demonstrated experience in case planning, including with persons with complex needs (e.g. drug and alcohol issues along with homelessness, mental health, contact with criminal justice system)
• Proven ability to work from a trauma informed approach including with persons who may present with complex issues and challenging behaviours.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Competency with MS Office Programs including experience in computer-based data collection
• Knowledge of current mandatory reporting legislation
• Sound knowledge of, and an ability to access, a range of relevant community resources, particularly in the areas of drug and alcohol services, mental health, legal assistance, income support, employment services, training and accommodation, family assistance and permanent housing options
• Knowledge and experience of liaising with Government and community-based organisations and resources
• Proven ability to work as part of a team, take direction from supervisor and to work autonomously and make decisions as required
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment and deal with competing demands
• Knowledge of current Work Health and Safety Legislation
• Current, unencumbered NSW Drivers Licence.
• The ability to lift up to 15kg
• National police history checks and Working with Children Check
• Access to a mobile phone

Desirable

• First Aid Certificate
• Knowledge of local area social services
• Passion for working with the vulnerable and those in need