Job Description

Employing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People at Ngwala is essential to maintaining culturally aligned services. We STRONGLY encourage Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander people to apply for this role and others as they become available.

About Us:

Ngwala Willumbong Aboriginal Corporation is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation that is dedicated to delivering quality specialist Alcohol and Drug Treatment, Housing and Homeless and other services to meet the needs of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) People and their families. Our services operate across Victoria.

About the Role:

The Aboriginal Private Rental Assistance Program (APRAP) Plus Case Worker is an outreach support role for households who need additional help to establish or maintain their housing. Using a collaborative and planned approach to ensure our clients get the services and supports they need to reach their goals. Using appropriate frameworks and assessment tools, the APRAP Plus Case Worker will assess client needs (and family where appropriate) and arrange, coordinate and advocate for the delivery and access to a range of programs and services that support the client to reduce the risk of homelessness and/or achieve stable housing

APRAP Plus is an outreach intervention for households living in or entering private rental tenancies. APRAP positions work alongside the APRAP broker to provide additional support to households to establish or maintain their housing. APRAP Plus is designed to:

• Provide time-limited outreach intervention to support tenancies.
• Address issues which are contributing to the risk of tenancy breakdown.
• Achieve outcomes that lead to successful, sustainable private rental tenancies.
• Reduce preventable exits from private rental.
• Prevent homelessness.

Private rental assistance is to be provided to Aboriginal households who can sustain private rental housing with time limited support. This includes households who are:

At risk of losing their current tenancy – for example, due to a personal crisis, short term financial crisis, rent arrears, tenancy dispute et cetera.

Currently experiencing homelessness but can be rapidly and sustainably housed in the private rental market with some short-term assistance; and

Able to sustain affordable and appropriate housing in the private rental market but need assistance with the transition from crisis, transitional or social housing.

The worker will work under general supervision and with written guidelines and procedures which are well established in performing their duties.

Key Responsibilities:

• To work with the APRAP Broker to provide outcomes for clients
• Work within the Homelessness Team and the wider Ngwala community collaboratively
• To perform assertive outreach and provide support to community members who are eligible for Private Rental
• To support clients to seek, apply and maintain Private Rental Tenancies

Provide the following outcomes for clients:

• Improved access to affordable and appropriate private rental housing
• Support to sustain tenancies, improve their rental history and transition between tenancies

Provide effective case management using strength based, culturally appropriate frameworks to clients who are at risk or experiencing homelessness, including:

• Respond to referral within 48 hours by contacting the client
• Undertake an initial assessment and make appropriate referrals to meet any emergency accommodation and support needs

Data Management

• Maintaining accurate and up to date client records and case notes in the client’s file
• Maintain a high standard of professionalism including client confidentiality

General Duties

• Be available to take up additional responsibility as directed by Executive Team
• Attend relevant internal meetings and external meetings.

Professional Development

• Participate in continuous quality improvement (CQI) evaluation and activities.
• Participate and engage in ongoing professional development and staff training need analysis.

Health & Safety

• Work in a healthy and safe manner and encourage the team to do the same.
• Be aware of and adhere to OH&S and Health & Wellbeing policies and procedures.

Physical Demands

• This position requires driving and sitting for extended periods of time, operating office equipment, climbing stairs, at times lifting, and other related physical demands. Staff are responsible to only undertake physical duties they deem safe.

Teamwork and Agency Representation

• Maintain team boundaries and confidentiality in a professional and respectful manner.
• Represent, promote and/or deliver the program/s in a professional high-quality manner.

Skills & Experience

• Experience working within an ACCO and/or the Homelessness Services Sector
• Knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal culture and commitment to the Aboriginal community
• A demonstrated understanding of the issues associated with homelessness and their effects on the Aboriginal Community
• Demonstrated skills in case management, including referral pathways and community, stakeholder and support services.
• Demonstrated understanding of housing and homelessness policy, context and systems
• Good organisation and time management skills

Mandatory Requirements:

• Current Victorian driver's licence
• National Police Certificate (not older than 3 months)
• Victorian Employment Working with Children Check

Desirable

• Certificate IV in Social Housing or relevant
• First Aid
• Client Incident Management System (CIMS) Training
• MARAM Training

What we offer:

• Full Time Opportunity
• SCHADS Crisis Accommodation Level 1
• NFP Salary Packaging Benefits up to $15,900
• An opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
• A supportive and culturally inclusive work environment.
• Ongoing professional development and training.

How to Apply:

If you are passionate about supporting individuals on their recovery journey and promoting cultural safety, we would love to hear from you. Please provide the following:

• A cover letter outlining why you would be a great fit for this role
• A resume which outlines your educational and employment background

*Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit pre-employment checks including a Police Check (no older than 3 months), Victorian Employment Working with Children Check, Health Declaration and/or a medical check as well as right to work in Australia Check.