Case Worker (Homelessness Assistance Program - Drug Court)
Job No:
28314
Location:
Dandenong, Victoria
- Make a real difference helping people who have a drug problem and who are homeless or at risk of homelessness!
- Supportive work environment with ongoing training!
- Challenging and personalised work offering real job satisfaction!
- Competitive remuneration circa $22.05 - $23.25 per hour + access to a salary packaging program + 5 weeks annual leave!
About the Organisation
WAYSS is a community based organisation which was formed as a result of the amalgamation of several small incorporated associations. It is WAYSS core purpose to assist individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness to improve their life circumstances by providing access to stable, affordable and safe accommodation. WAYSS exists to serve those in the community who are experiencing difficulties by offering support and advocacy to alleviate homelessness and re-establish connections and links in the community.
Many of WAYSS services have been in operation since the late 1970's. Its membership consists of individuals who live or work in the outer south eastern region of Melbourne and are committed to the provision of services to those at risk of homelessness. WAYSS aims to provide the best service possible within available resources. All staff are professionally trained and/or hold relevant tertiary qualifications.
About the Program
The Drug Court is responsible for sentencing and supervising the treatment of offenders with drug problems, the aim is to rehabilitate and reintegrate offenders and assist them to re-enter mainstream society. Each participant undergoes a comprehensive assessment by the Drug Court Team to consider his or her suitability for the Drug Treatment Order (DTO).
Working within a multidisciplinary team, WAYSS provides accommodation and support to DTO participants, who are identified as being homeless, at serious risk of homelessness or who are in unsuitable housing. Clients are referred directly and solely by the Drug Court Team (DCT).
Working within a case management framework, WAYSS assists DTO participants to obtain long term, affordable, safe accommodation. WAYSS also assists DTO participants to address the underlying issues beyond substance abuse that relates to their homelessness, such as poverty, ill health and family breakdown. Services provided include support, basic living skills, and advocacy and referral services.
About the Opportunity
WAYSS has an exciting full-time opportunity for a Case Worker to join their dedicated Homelessness Assistance Program team and assisting the Dandenong Drug Court participants.
Reporting to the Coordinator of the Drug Court Homelessness Assistance Program, you will be working with a multidisciplinary team to provide information, advocacy, referral and case management support to participants of the Dandenong Drug Court who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
More specifically, your duties will include:
- Assisting participants obtain the skills and abilities necessary to move towards and maintain independent accommodation;
- Providing prompt and courteous service to all clients including colleagues, other departments, other organisations and the community;
- Maintaining privacy and confidentiality on all issues relating to the organisation, the clients and colleagues;
- Maintaining accurate documentation, client files and financial and statistical databases;
- Attending home visits to appropriate clients;
- Providing assessment, referral and support to Drug Court participants who are homeless or at risk of homelessness;
- Empowering clients to make decisions which will enable them to move towards independence and security;
- Adhering to WAYSS case management framework, in collaboration with the client, to formulate agreed case plans; and
- Participating in Drug Court Evaluation and Planning.
The successful applicant will have qualifications or equivalent experience within the housing and homelessness sector, complimented by a commitment to delivery of quality services to the community and a highly developed understanding of homelessness within both a social and political context. You will have a strong knowledge of the principles, practice and implementation of case management frameworks.
Importantly, you will be an enthusiastic, caring and understanding individual, with strong written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills, computer literacy in Microsoft Office and skills in conflict resolution and mediation. You will be a tolerant person with the ability to confidently liaise with stakeholders and people of different backgrounds, with the ability to make effective decisions and solve problems under pressure.
All applicants require a current Victorian driver's licence, and before commencement you will be required to undertake a Criminal Record Check and a Working With Children Check.
You will be working a 76 hour fortnight.
WAYSS offers a supportive work environment with ongoing training, where you will be welcomed by a team of professionals who are truly passionate about the challenging and personalised work that they do.
You will be handed the opportunity to make your mark in this established organisation in this extremely varied and rewarding role and really make a difference in the community.
In return for your dedication, you will be rewarded with competitive rates circa $22.05 - $23.25 per hour, access to a salary packaging program and 5 weeks annual leave!
Enjoy highly rewarding and satisfying work as you help to provide a better life to vulnerable people - Apply Now!