Assertive Outreach Worker

Program Overview

A rapid response to help alleviate some of the growing pressures on homelessness in the Perth metropolitan area. The expected outcomes for this program are to triage, refer and engage with chronic rough sleepers and provide case management and support people into safe accommodation.

Main Duties

Position Intention

The position is time limited to provide an immediate and rapid response working with identified chronic rough sleepers in the Perth metropolitan area. The role will form part of team of workers based across four organisations that will provide assertive outreach, triage, and support, with the aim of successfully transitioning people to safe housing, linked with longer term programs.

**Key Responsibilities will include**:

- Provide flexible and responsive outreach services to people experiencing homelessness
- Engage, and build rapport through regular outreach to people who are (or have been) rough sleeping, who are currently accommodated through the crisis responses or attending engagement hubs
- Work collaboratively with partner organisations rapid response team, in particular support workers to promote effective referral pathways
- Provide advocacy, support and referrals to clients required to enhance access to essential services and appropriate accommodation
- Assist clients to develop increased knowledge and life skills, to support their reintegration to the community and reduce likelihood of future crisis

**Qualifications**:

- Diploma or Degree Level qualification in relevant areas such as community services/social work/social science and/or significant experience working in the homelessness sector
- Demonstrated understanding factors contributing to homelessness
- Experience in the provision of services to people with complex issues including homelessness, disability, mental health, trauma, and dual diagnosis
- Experience working with people of Aboriginal and culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
- National Police Clearance
- Possession of an appropriate class motor vehicle driver's license

Selection Criteria

1. Experience in the provision of services to people with complex issues including homelessness, disability, mental health, trauma, and dual diagnosis

2. Well-developed communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to work and communicate effectively with service staff, service users, community agencies and other professionals

3. Demonstrated understanding of existing of existing public, private and community housing pathways for people in housing crisis

4. Demonstrated understanding of issues affecting the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community particularly in regard to transience and homelessness, cultural considerations, trauma and sensitivities

5. Demonstrated negotiation and conflict resolution skills

6. Demonstrated computer literacy including proficiency in Word, Outlook, Excel programs

7. Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment when directions are not clearly defined

**In return we offer**:
Value based organisation working towards ending homelessness
Growing organisation with a fantastic culture
Competitive salary
Salary packaging up to $15,900.
Additional Bonus leave at Christmas as well as paid leave day on your birthday.
Access to an Employee Assistance Program

If this is the role for you, please demonstrate your capability by providing evidence of how you meet the Essential Criteria in your Cover Letter, attaching your CV with references.

Shortlisting will commence as soon as possible, so if you want to work for an organisation making positive changes to the community APPLY TODAY

Code
PLP33O