Wayss is the largest provider of housing and family violence services in the South East Melbourne area.

We exist so that people have access to safe, sustainable and affordable housing and our vision is to be the major provider of social housing services and leading-edge client support programs in the Southern Melbourne Metropolitan region.

Services for Young People provide transitional support and access to crisis and supported accommodation options for young people aged between 16 and 25 who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The service aims to increase the capacity of young people to live independently through: improving access to long term stable and affordable housing; providing assistance with securing income support and connecting young people with a range of social supports.

We are now seeking a part time Case Worker to join the Services for Young People Program.

About the role

The Intake and Assessment Worker will provide assessment and referral to young people experiencing homelessness.

Duties will include:

• Assessing a client's immediate safety risk and support needs using Youth Risk Assessment tools.
• Undertaking safety planning and crisis intervention.
• Identifying the client's presenting housing and support needs, including the clients social support needs and ability to live independently.
• Identifying suitable housing options and refer into them.
• Develop effective working relationships with housing providers, including Youth Crisis Refuges, shared accommodation landlords, motels and real estate agencies.
• Provide financial assistance where eligibility criteria is met.
• Facilitating referrals and supporting young people to access services.
• Providing advocacy and support activities

About you

We are looking for a passionate, client-focused individual who can work independently and provide support to young people accessing our services.

You will have:

• Appropriate tertiary qualifications (Diploma or above) in Youth Work, Social Work, Social or Behavioural Science, Psychology, Community Services or other relevant discipline.
• Relevant experience in the Community Services Sector working with young people, with a sound knowledge of the housing and support needs appropriate to them.
• Knowledge of the ages and stages of adolescent development and trauma informed practice.
• Demonstrated experience and capability in:
  • Responding to requests for services.
  • Risk assessment.
  • Safety planning.
  • Client needs assessment.
  • Providing advocacy and support.
  • Working autonomously and under limited direction.
• Well-developed understanding of and ability to provide intensive support to people with complex needs.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to improving service delivery and practice.
• A proven aptitude to relate positively and confidently with people from all walks of life, in a variety of settings.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated computer skills and working knowledge of Microsoft Office.

This role requires a current Driver’s Licence and valid ‘Employment’ category - Working with Children Check Card. The candidate will need to have successfully completed Wayss pre-employment screening, a police check and provide evidence of full Covid-19 vaccination compliance.

Working for Wayss

Our people are our greatest asset. Without them, we would be unable to make a meaningful impact in the lives of people facing homelessness and family violence. This is our motivation in offering a range of benefits to ensure we hire and retain great people.

Benefits we offer

• Salary range of $74,179 to $79,810 (pro-rata)
• Plus superannuation
• Plus Mobile phone for business and personal use
• Plus generous tax benefits through salary packaging
• Five weeks annual leave plus 17.5% leave loading and generous personal leave entitlements (pro-rata)
• Inclusive workplace with complimentary health and well-being programs
• Access to discounts on electrical goods and motor vehicles
• Hybrid working options

Applications

Please ensure you include a covering letter, outlining your experience in relation to the key selection criteria outlined in the Position Description. Enquiries about the position can be directed to Brittany Whitnish, Team Leader, Services for Young People, on 9791 6111.

The Position Description can be obtained by visiting https://www.wayss.org.au/careers-at-wayss/

Wayss is proud to be an inclusive and child safe organisation. Due to the nature of this role, the successful candidate must be prepared to undertake a National Police Check and possess a valid Working with Children Check.

At Wayss, we embrace a culture of diversity and inclusion within our workforce and approach to service delivery. We are responsive to the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from LGBTIQ and culturally and linguistically diverse communities, people living with a disability and people of all ages.