Wesley Care Finder Program

• 1 x part-time position available (30 hours per week)
• 1 position based in Newcastle and 1 position based in the Maitland region
• Salary packaging benefits available
• Commences early July 2024 in a fixed term 12-month contract.

About us

Wesley Mission is a high profile, multi-faceted Christian organisation making a real difference in the community. We work with the most disadvantaged in our community by providing over 200 services ranging from aged care, homeless services, child and family care, counselling, employment, training and education, and health services.

Our Vision is “A Spirit-led disciple-making movement: doing all the good we can because every life matters”.

About the program

Wesley Care finder program is designed to assist older people in accessing and understanding the aged care system. Care finders Case Workers will provide specialist assistance to help connect participants to relevant programs and supports in the community.

Participants in the program may require intensive support due to:

• isolation or lack of a support person (e.g. carer, family or representative) who they are comfortable to act on their behalf and/or who is able to support them in accessing aged care services via My Aged Care
• communication barriers, including limited literacy skills
• difficulties processing information to make decisions
• resistance in engaging with aged care for any reason, where their safety may be at immediate risk, or they may end up in a crisis situation within the next 12 months
• past experiences that mean they are hesitant to engage with aged care, institutions or government agencies.

This program is funded under Primary Health Networks (PHN).

About the role

Whether you’re looking for a career change, re-entering the work force, you cannot go past this dynamic and challenging opportunity to join a vibrant and passionate Care finder team.

As one of our paid interns, you will be given the unique opportunity to gain insight and practical experience whilst completing a Diploma of Community Services with Wesley Vocational Institute. Paid interns will have first preference in applying for available permanent roles upon completion of this program.

What you can expect:

• support and guidance with the opportunity to implement learning from your studies
• opportunities to engage with highly disadvantaged and vulnerable communities/settings
• support and mentoring from one of our experienced Case Worker’s
• paid industry experience in aged care and communities’ services.

If you have a real passion for supporting and empowering clients to connect to their local community and support services, this is a role for you!

This is a vulnerable person-related position and preferred applicants will be required to undergo a Working with Children’s Check and criminal record history check.

To be successful in this position, candidates must possess the following

• willingness to affirm Wesley Mission’s vision, mission and values and enthusiastically advocate our Word and deed ministry
• demonstrated ability to work unsupervised as well as an effective team player with a positive can-do attitude
• relates well to a range of people with sound listening and problem-solving skills
• displays unconditional positive regard during all workplace interactions
• confident professional attitude with strong initiative
• displays emotional maturity and resilience
• passion for supporting vulnerable and in need individuals
• dedication to developing strong relationships with local community
• willingness to learn and accept feedback.

Essential criteria

• completing a Diploma of Community Services, or willing to do so
• hold a Certificate III in Aged Care or Community Services
• high-level communication, written and verbal. Administrative organisational skills, including collecting, recording, and reporting data aligned with key performance indicators
• knowledge of the aged care sector or related community services sector either through previous work experience or lived experience preferred, but not required
• understanding and awareness of vulnerable clients with complex needs
• demonstrated experience working across a range of service providers developing and maintaining professional relationships and networking across organisations and service systems.
• demonstrated commitment to supporting the needs and rights of people from diverse backgrounds, e.g., Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse communities, people from Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and/or Intersex communities, and those from rural/remote communities.
• awareness of trauma informed care and culturally appropriate practice
• a willingness to be flexible to travel across various funded area
• ability to work effectively in a team environment as well as independently
• understanding of WH&S issues and risk management for client home-based care and during transport of clients
• willingness to affirm Wesley Mission’s vision, mission and values
• current full NSW or national driver’s license
• First Aid Certificate or willingness to obtain.

Remuneration

Salary and employment conditions are in accordance with the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010, Level 3, with capacity for salary packaging. Superannuation is paid in addition at 11%.

Wesley Mission is a Christian organisation requiring all staff to affirm its values and worker Code of Conduct. We are committed to providing an environment in which children can feel safe and valued.

The suitable applicant will be subject to the relevant pre-employment checks for appointment to positions within Wesley Mission. First Nation peoples are encouraged to apply.

A position description is attached.