• Care finder program
• Part-time, fixed term 12 mth contract
• Location and/or centre/program – Scone, Maitland, Newcastle, Raymond Terrace

About the Program

The Wesley Care finder case worker plays a vital role in supporting vulnerable older people who require intensive assistance to navigate and access aged care and related supports.

We provide support to connect participants to relevant programs and services in the community, targeting individuals who face barriers such as:

• Isolation or lack of a support person.
• Communication challenges, including literacy barriers.
• Difficulty processing information or making decisions.
• Hesitancy to engage with aged care services or institutions.

About the role

The Care Finder Case Worker will work closely with clients to identify their needs, connect them to appropriate aged care services (including My Aged Care), and support them through the assessment, application, and service engagement processes. Care finder services are delivered through a person-centred, outreach-based model. This involves actively identifying and engaging with older people who are isolated or vulnerable, building trusted relationships, and providing tailored assistance to navigate aged care and other essential services. Support is offered face-to-face and may include attending appointments, completing forms, liaising with service providers, and following up to ensure continuity of care.

• Improve outcomes of people in the targeted population.
• provides specialist and intensive assistance to help people in the Care finder target population to understand and access aged care and connect with other relevant supports in the community
• provide assertive outreach to communities with targeted groups
• addresses the specific local needs of their region in relation to Care finder support
• continues development of a strong knowledge base of the aged care systems
• collects data and information to support an evaluation of the Care finder program

This is an exciting opportunity for a professional who enjoys a dynamic, client-focused environment and wishes to make a meaningful impact on the lives of older Australians

Essential criteria

• Tertiary qualification, in a related field, e.g., aged care, community care, social work, allied health, nursing and/or demonstrated professional experience working with clients to deliver a community-based service within the aged care sector.
• Demonstrated high-level understanding of My Aged Care systems and processes (including aged care assessments) and a sense of aged care services.
• Evidence experience of supporting older people, individuals with disabilities, or those experiencing social disadvantage.
• 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.
• Understanding of trauma informed care and culturally appropriate practice
• High-level communication and administrative skills, including collecting, recording, and reporting data aligned with key performance indicators.
• Experience with case management software and other relevant digital tools for client tracking and documentation
• Strong understanding of privacy legislation and maintaining confidentiality of sensitive client information
• Understanding of WH&S issues and risk management for client home-based care and during transport of clients
• Current Full NSW or National driver’s license
• Fully Vaccinated against COVID19
• Successful applicant will need a Working with Children’s Check & National Criminal Record Check.
• First Aid Certificate or willingness to obtain

Desirable skills / knowledge

• Experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities or culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) groups.
• Familiarity with local services and resources available to support vulnerable people within the region
• Previous work in community outreach, developing programs, or engaging with local stakeholders to improve client access to services
• Demonstrated ability to think creatively and find practical solutions to challenges faced by clients in accessing services.
• Understanding and experience in applying trauma-informed practices in working with clients
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities and handle a varied caseload effectively.
• Proficiency in a language other than English could be an asset in supporting CALD communities

A commitment to ongoing learning, staying updated on best practices, and undertaking further relevant training.

Remuneration

• Schads 5 salary + fully maintained vehicle + super + salary packaging benefits

Please see a copy of the position description HERE.