POSITION SUMMARY

Catchment Youth Refuge is dedicated to providing emergency and short-term accommodation, coupled with team-based case management support, to the most disadvantaged and vulnerable homeless young people. Our staff members uphold the highest professional and ethical standards in their duties and responsibilities. We strive to empower young people through a culturally sensitive practice within a safe and nurturing environment. Our commitment to a non-institutionalised approach ensures that decisions are made by those directly affected, allowing them to make their own choices. Additionally, our refuge workers offer outreach support, particularly to those who have left the refuge. The refuge is committed to continuous quality improvement.

THE CORE FUNCTIONS OF THE YOUTH REFUGE WORKER ARE:

• To provide a safe, supported, and 24/7 emergency and short-term accommodation facility for young people aged 16-25, including parents and their children.
• Actively facilitate the smooth operation of the refuge as an accommodation setting, engaging young people in daily routines to develop their independent living skills.
• Assess the support needs of young people experiencing homelessness.
• Provide team-case management support to young people and their children both in the refuge and through outreach, ensuring comprehensive care for the children of young parents.
• Make appropriate referrals to specialist and universal services to address young people’s needs, aiming to minimise the impact of homelessness and prevent its recurrence through early intervention strategies.
• Build resilience and interdependence in young people through an empowering, inclusive, and holistic case management approach that addresses both their immediate and long-term support goals.
• Support young people in connecting to education, skills development, vocational training, and employment opportunities.
• Actively participate in identifying pathways out of the refuge and accepting new referrals.
• Adopt a holistic approach to youth homelessness, recognising that it encompasses a wide range of issues beyond accommodation, such as health, family breakdown, violence, and life trauma.

For more information about the position please contact Hardeep Saini: 0435 171 565. Additional information about Merri Outreach Support Service can be found on the website: www.merri.org.au.

A position description is attached.