Wombat Housing and Support Services Inc is one of the largest providers of housing support services to people in the Western Metro Region. It is a community based organisation managed by a Board.

The culture of Wombat is about:

• Integrating new programs and ideas
• Providing services that are accessible, transparent, fair & equitable
• Being sensitive to diverse in all its forms
• Recognising the right of all age groups to access appropriate services, including children, young people and older people
• Cross program service delivery
• Embracing and generating change that is positive
• Accountability, inquiry and reflection
• Hearing and accounting for different views
• A workforce representing diversity in experience, age and ability
• Valuing staff and encouraging wellbeing
• Providing a flexible and supportive work environment.

Wombat’s existing services include:

• Support & advocacy for social housing tenants
• Support programs for Department of Health and Human Services youth clients
• Transitional support services for Families, Single People and Youth
• Support programs for young people on parole and leaving care 

Wombat is also the auspice for the Western Homelessness Networker and the LGBTI Homelessness and Family Violence Project.

Pathways to Independence Program:

Wombat’s Pathway-to-Independence Program is an innovative new housing transition program for young people aged 17 to 21 that are exiting DHHS Care (residential, lead tenant, foster or kinship care).

The Program targets young people who are assessed as having low to moderate needs and who are able to demonstrate a willingness to engage with support and to live in a shared setting with outreach support. The Program assists participants to develop the life skills necessary to enable them to attain independence and long-term housing stability.

The program explores all housing options for young people and has the capacity to assist young people in obtaining head leased private rental. There is also an outreach component to the model.

The Program utilises the Housing Readiness for Young People (HRYP) tool for assessment and planning. This inter-active tool was specifically developed by Wombat in conjunction with western metro leaving care services to engage young people and their supports in an on-going process to determine strengths and identify gaps. This then provides a basis for the development of holistic, individual plans focused on attaining stable, independent housing.

The PIP program is integrated in Wombat’s existing youth services, particularly those provided to young people leaving care (Continuing Care THM and Support From Care Intensive Outreach Programs).

The Position:

The position is one of a team two outreach Case Managers who provide intensive case managed tenancy and living skills support to young people residing in independent accommodation. The housing is usually (THM) properties managed by Wombat’s partner organisation (Unison) from which the young people graduate into supported head-leased private rental or community housing. Though there is also flexibility to pursue other options. The worker supports the young people in this transition via a comprehensive assessment that identifies support needs and required skill development.

There is also scope to develop and improve upon the model to meet the individual needs of the clients. As a result there is a strong evaluative component to the role.

Services are provided on an outreach basis; workers will be based at Wombat’s office in Melrose St, North Melbourne.

The Case Managers provide intensive direct service delivery, which is reflected in the case-loads (indicative case load 1:9 per team member).

The role will suit a case manager with knowledge and experience of the out of home care/ child protection system keen to participate in the development an innovative new model for young people leaving care. 

Reporting and Accountability:

The Case Managers are accountable to the Wombat’s Executive Officer via the General Manager. The Continuing Care Team Leader oversees general program operations and provides day to day guidance to support workers. 

Support and Supervision:

The Case Managers participate in regular program and support meetings facilitated by the Team Leader, as well as individual supervision. Bi-monthly external supervision is provided to the team as is secondary consultation.

Informal support and supervision is encouraged and forms a major part of the support and supervision structure. 

Duties:

• To carry out the duties in accordance with the philosophy, policies, work practices and protocols of Wombat Housing Support Services
• To conduct a holistic assessment of potential referrals
• To develop individually tailored plans
• To provide one on one support to young people
• To provide referrals to appropriate specialist support services
• To provide guidance, tenancy support, crisis intervention and conflict resolution
• To work with partner organisations & other agencies regarding service users and to locate appropriate housing options for young people
• To assist in the development of process and procedures for the program
• To provide information to other relevant services about the new program
• To facilitate regular house meetings
• To provide housing and related information and advocacy
• To contribute to the maintenance of information, data and recording systems
• To prepare written reports as required
• To contribute to the development of Wombat Housing & Support Services policies, programs and procedures (including participation in Staff Working Groups)
• To attend external meetings as determined in consultation with the team
• Other duties as directed by the General Manager or the EO 

The Conditions:

The position is for a fixed term expiring 1st of March 2022, with the possibility of continuation of employment beyond this once Wombat has received confirmation of recurring funding.

The offered role is 0.8 EFT; 32 hours per week. Days worked will be negotiated with the General Manager.

Conditions are as per the Wombat EBA 2016, including:

• Salary sacrificing is available, within the limit of the law
• Five weeks paid annual recreation leave
• Grace in Favour days between Christmas and New Year 

Appointment is subject to a satisfactory Police Check and Working with Children Check.

Key Selection Criteria:

• Experience in working with the target group
• Working knowledge of the Out of Home Care system & the Homelessness Services System
• Understanding of the legislative requirements applicable to the position
• Understanding of the challenges inherent in creating sustainable shared tenancies
• Excellent communication skills with people from diverse backgrounds and experiences including the ability to mediate
• Ability to communicate with young people in a constructive and non judgemental manner
• Ability to engage with people who are challenging
• Ability to work as part of a team and to be accountable as an individual worker
• Ability to contribute to the development of the PIP service delivery model
• Basic competencies appropriate to the conduct of the position such as computer literacy, full driver’s licence, data collection, verbal and writing skills