about the organisation

Our mission: Inspired by Jesus Christ, our mission is to support the Church as it provides accommodation to people in need and journeys with each person, offering physical, social, emotional and spiritual care as an expression of God’s love.

Our vision: More than a place to stay

Our values:

Integrity, Community, UnityThe Yarra Valley Winter Shelter (YVWS), a project of Stable One, supports people experiencing homelessness by providing them with shelter, evening/morning meals and positive social connection during the months of winter. Local churches partner together by opening their buildings to those without a place to stay, offering welcome, care, refreshment and rest. We seek to provide support and encouragement towards more permanent housing, and also to increase awareness in the church and wider community of the challenges people face when they don’t have a stable living situation.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Welfare Coordinator’s primary responsibility is to walk alongside our guests, providing them with intentional, compassionate support during their time at YVWS. Collaborating with both our existing and new service partners as well as the YVWS Operations Coordinator, the Welfare Coordinator will focus on promoting guests' ongoing wellbeing throughout their stay and addressing any personal barriers they face in securing stable housing.

Using the ‘Circle of Courage’ as a framework, the Welfare Coordinator will focus on fostering a strong sense of belonging among guests within the YVWS community and supporting them to achieve personal goals such as appropriate self-care and building healthy relationships. They will also work to empower guests to make positive, life-affirming choices and encourage a reciprocal spirit of generosity.

HOURS & AWARD

• Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010 (SCHADS), Level 4.1
• Short term contract for 15 weeks, 25 hours per week, across Monday to Sunday as required. Flexible start and finish according to guest needs.
• Anticipated date of commencement will incorporate volunteer training events in May 2025 (dates TBA), with regular hours commencing Sunday 1st June.

key responsibilities

• Meet face-to-face with new YVWS guests and work alongside Venue Coordinators to ensure a positive welcome and explanation of expectations.
• Maintain regular engagement with all guests where possible and support their ongoing wellbeing during and outside of the hours of Shelter operation as required.
• Refer, navigate and advocate on behalf of guests to appropriate agencies providing assistance for homelessness, housing, mental and physical health, financial, drug and alcohol dependency concerns, domestic and family violence support, and counselling, to address personal barriers to securing stable housing.
• In some circumstances, and in partnership with YVWS’s referring agency, meet face-to-face with individuals referred to the Shelter and assess their suitability to participate in the project.
• Assist in resolving relational issues between guests or between guests and volunteers whilst maintaining a culture of grace.
• Monitor guests’ ongoing suitability to participate in YVWS in order to maintain a safe environment for guests and volunteers, employing restorative justice techniques where possible if behavioural issues or disputes arise.
• Build and maintain positive working relationship with YVWS Operations Coordinator, keeping open and collaborative communication and attending to admin tasks as required.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with all new and existing service partners/providers.
• Attend all required YVWS volunteer training events, Management Committee meetings and Executive Team meetings.
• Meet outlined KPIs and provide case studies where needed.

general responsibilities

• Follow all Stable One and YVWS policies and procedures
• Attend supervision sessions
• Maintain a safe and healthy workplace, ensuring adherence to Work Health and Safety policies and procedures

essential requirementS

• Minimum Certificate IV in a relevant community development/services industry and/or demonstrated experience.
• Demonstrated experience in supporting people experiencing complex challenges impacting on their ability to sustain housing.
• Knowledge of the range of services available within the community to support people experiencing or at-risk of homelessness, people with physical and/or mental health issues, people with drug and alcohol dependency and people experiencing financial stress and social isolation.
• Well-developed interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, and the demonstrated ability to work autonomously and effectively in a team environment.
• Demonstrated alignment with the Mission, Vision and Values of Stable One and an understanding of the culture of grace YVWS seeks to uphold.
• National NDIS Worker Screening Check.
• Current and open Victorian Driver’s Licence.

desirable

•  First Aid and CPR

A position description is attached.