Mental Health Association of Central Australia's logo

Housing and Homelessness Support Worker - Alice Springs

Mental Health Association of Central Australia

ABOUT MHACA

MHACA is a specialist psychosocial recovery and mental health promotion organisation with a strong presence and reputation in the community. We strive to make a difference in the lives of people with a mental illness by supporting participant-driven mental health recovery and assisting communities and organisations to actively improve their mental health and well-being.

Our psychosocial support services and educational programs aim to enhance the mental health and wellbeing of people living in Central Australia through a range of programs and activities including:

  • NDIS funded support coordination, capacity building, living skills and social and recreational activities.
  • Individual support to people experiencing mental illness.
  • Tenancy support to people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
  • A day program offering group activities and peer support.
  • Mental health promotion to reduce stigma and raise community awareness.
  • Support remote Aboriginal communities to build awareness and community capacity to implement suicide prevention strategies.
  • Training in mental health first aid, suicide intervention, workplace health and related areas.
  • Advocacy for improved services.

MHACA has a long history of advocating for safe, secure, and affordable housing, and the need for adequate support for tenants with mental health difficulties. MHACA currently runs a Tenancy Support Program (TSP) and Coordinated Living on Arrernte Country (CLOAC).

The Tenancy Support Program is a person-centred, short-term program that supports people who are homeless or facing homelessness to find safe and secure accommodation.

The Coordinated Living on Arrernte Country (CLOAC) program is based on the Housing First principles to deliver focused intervention aimed at assisting people to access stable housing with coordinated wrap around support arrangements. The objective of the project is to provide a stable environment that fosters the participant’s recovery and supports them to stabilise their housing situation.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Housing and Homelessness Support Worker (HHSW) will work across MHACA’s housing and homelessness programs specifically the Tenancy Support Program (TSP) and CLOAC.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Role Specific

  • Work with individuals whose tenancy is at risk and provide advice to people who do not have a tenancy but are looking to establish one.
  • Assist clients to explore their options in relation to obtaining housing and in overcoming barriers to securing and maintaining tenancies.
  • Work with clients to develop the life skills and knowledge required to maintain tenancies.
  • Conduct assessments of new program participants and work with them to develop plans to maximise their chances of maintaining their tenancy.
  • Conduct referrals for program participants to appropriate programs and services both within and outside of MHACA.
  • Support activities such as cooking, cleaning, budgeting, shopping, and personal grooming.
  • Provide appropriate and correct tenancy related information to program participants and others, as necessary.
  • Work collaboratively with stakeholders to provide quality support and care to ensure effective service delivery in accordance with program deliverables.
  • Collaborate with other community partner organisations to achieve the participant’s recovery goals.
  • Build capacity, utilise a strength- based approach and encourage self-determination and resilience
  • Advocate on behalf of program participants and negotiate with Government and non-Government Services, landlords, co-tenants, and other housing providers.

The Housing and Homelessness Support Worker will report directly to the Homelessness Programs Coordinator to further the aims of MHACA in accordance with the MHACA Strategic Plan, policies and procedures, Services Plan and the National Standards for Mental Health Services.

General

  • Attend internal and external meetings and advocate on behalf of MHACA as required by the Programs Manager
  • Actively participate in the organisation’s quality, safety and risk management activities
  • Take reasonable care for own safety and that of other people in the workplace
  • Any other duties which may reasonably be expected in relation to the role

SELECTION CRITERIA:

Essential

  1. Qualifications in mental health, health, social/ community services and/or commensurate work experience in these areas or similar
  2. A proven ability to develop rapport quickly and to support and work with persons who are experiencing mental illness, their families and significant others and stakeholders from a recovery focused perspective
  3. Demonstrated awareness of the key issues faced by people living with a mental illness, particularly those within Central Australia,
  4. Experience working with people who are homeless or having difficulty sustaining their tenancy
  5. Well-developed communication skills, including interpersonal skills, networking and partnership development, and report writing,
  6. Demonstrated competency in using databases and Microsoft Programs
  7. A current NT driver’s license

Desirable

  1. An understanding of the various public and private housing options and related services in Central Australia.
  2. Experience and/or understanding of issues impacting on Aboriginal people regarding their social and emotional wellbeing.
  3. Knowledge and understanding of the National Mental Health Strategy and the National Standards for Mental Health Services

What’s in it for you:

  • A competitive Salary
  • Salary Packaging
  • 6 weeks’ annual leave
  • Annual Wellbeing Allowance
  • Access to an Employment Assistance Program with Relationships Australia
  • Monthly supervision
  • A comprehensive training and development program
  • Flexible work hours

The successful applicant will be required to provide a current police check prior to the commencement of employment.

The successful applicant may also be required to have a COVID-19 Vaccination.

For further information please contact Ruby Shoko on (08) 8950 4600 or [email protected] using the subject line: Housing and Homelessness Support Worker enquiry via EthicalJobs or visit the MHACA website on www.mhaca.org.au.

A position description is attached.

How to apply

This job ad has now expired, and applications are no longer being accepted.

Email me more jobs like this.

Daily