About BCYF

Barwon Child, Youth & Family (BCYF) is an independent, not-for-profit community service organisation that provides, delivers and develops services, where the need exists, that advance the rights and well-being of children, young people and their families.

About the Lead Tenant Program

The BCYF Lead Tenant Program provides an accommodation option for young people aged 16 to 21 who need an opportunity to stabilise their housing situation.

The Program is designed to assist young people who are homeless or who otherwise cannot stay with family or friends, in a way that provides support, role modelling and encouragement.

The Lead Tenant Program provides medium term, semi-supported accommodation and is designed to provide household routine and structure while at the same time, giving residents the freedom to participate in life interests such as education, employment and social activities.

The program’s aim is to empower young people to develop their independent living skills whilst under the guidance of a Youth Mentor Lead Tenant.

About the Youth Mentor Lead Tenant Role

The lead tenant role is a voluntary live-in position that requires the person to move into a shared property for 12 – 24 months exchange for rent and utility free accommodation. Lead Tenants will have their own room.

The Lead Tenant is required, in liaison with BCYF, to ensure that house rules are maintained. The Lead Tenant is not a professional support role but rather a positive role model living in a shared property.

Before entering a Lead Tenant property, each young person undergoes a case managed, referral and matching process. This ensures that each young person is well-considered and enters an appropriate accommodation model matching their needs.Young people residing in a Lead Tenant property are actively working towards or engaged in employment, education or training.

About You

We are looking for individuals who:

• Are prepared to spend most nights at home;
• Have good living skills;
• Have an understanding of youth issues;
• Are able to build strong rapport and communicate effectively with young people;
• Have a genuine belief in supporting young people who may have challenging and complex issues;
• Are interested in, or actively studying in the Human Services Field desirable.

What we offer:

The position offers ongoing training and support as well professional supervision and guidance from an experienced BCYF staff member. There is also an existing group of Lead Tenants, at other properties, that provide informal and ongoing support to each other.

Successful applicants will be required to provide a current Working with Children Check (Volunteer) and undergo a National Police Check and International Police Check (if required) prior to commencement.

For more information about the position please contact Alaina Kumpis, Housing Pathways Leader (03) 5226 8900 or 0408 112 219.