Initial Assessment & Planning (IAP) Worker

• Inner Melbourne Community Hub - North Melbourne
• Full-Time - Ongoing
• SCHADS – Level 4 $44.58 to $47.97 per hour + Superannuation + NFP Salary Packaging 

About Vincentcare Victoria

VincentCare Victoria is an award-winning organisation established to provide a range of accommodation and support services to people that are facing disadvantage throughout metropolitan and regional Victoria.

Our aspiration is to be the leader in providing care, hope and advocacy for those facing disadvantage. Our purpose is to create opportunities and lasting change for the most marginalised. VincentCare is well equipped to provide a continuum of services that effectively meet the needs of people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

Little bit about the role 

Based at the Ozanam House Redevelopment within the Inner Melbourne Community Hub, the Initial Assessment & Planning (IAP) Worker plays a vital role in supporting people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

Working within the Homelessness Resource Centre (HRC), the IAP Worker is often the first point of contact, providing timely assessment, information, and planning tailored to each client’s needs and choices. This may involve crisis intervention, case assessment, advocacy, referral to housing and support services, or use of the Housing Establishment Fund (HEF) to provide financial assistance.

This role requires a client-centred and trauma-informed approach, working collaboratively with colleagues, external services, and community partners in line with the VincentCare Recovery Model. The IAP Worker will support clients to navigate the service system, explore housing options, and access appropriate supports, while ensuring quality record keeping, compliance with frameworks, and contribution to service improvement initiatives.

This is an opportunity to make a direct and meaningful impact in the lives of people experiencing homelessness, while working in a supportive, values-driven organisation.

Key Selection Criteria

• Strong assessment, planning, and advocacy skills, with the ability to manage complex and high-volume caseloads.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders.
• Ability to manage conflict and respond appropriately to challenging behaviours and critical incidents.
• Well-developed organisational and time management skills, with attention to detail in record keeping and reporting.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and client management systems.
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice, cultural sensitivity, and the values of VincentCare.
• Self-awareness, openness to feedback, and a proactive approach to continuous learning and improvement.
• Experience in direct service delivery within the homelessness, housing, or related community services sector.
• Knowledge of the issues impacting people experiencing homelessness, such as financial hardship, family violence, mental health, and disability.

 Why work for us?  We offer

• Salary packaging, sometimes called salary sacrificing is a huge attraction here! It is a popular way of providing employees in the community sector with tax benefits over and above their salary. It means the real value of a salary package can be significantly higher than the nominal value.
• Career Development opportunities
• Employee Assistance Program
• We offer a workplace with a firm commitment to helping others.
• We are passionate about #SocialJustice.

How to apply:

If this opportunity sounds perfect to you and you meet our essential requirements, we can’t wait to hear from you! Please send us your updated CV and a cover letter telling us a little bit more about you and how your skills meet our key selection criteria in the position description available here.

Applications close: 30th April 2026 at 12.00 am.

Please note: Candidates may be reviewed and progressed as applications are received. VCV reserves the right to close the advertisement at any time. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible to ensure you don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity.

Phone enquiries may be made to Rita Caruana, Team Leader – Ozanam House Intake & IAP 0438 950 042

Prior to any commencement to employment, pre-employment checks must be completed. This will include reference checking, a national criminal history and right to work check and a working with children check.

VincentCare Victoria is an accredited Rainbow Tick organisation.

We are committed to the principles of social justice and aim to ensure every individual is treated with dignity and respect regardless of their cultural background, ability, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation or religion.