• This is an ongoing position
• The offered role is 0.8 EFT (7.6 hours per day); 30.4 hours per week
• Days worked will be negotiated with the General Manager
• Salary: SCHADS award level 5
• Position reports to: Executive Officer

Wombat  

Wombat Housing Support Services is one of the largest providers of housing and 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 the needs of diverse cultural & language groups 
• 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 Human Services youth clients  
• Transitional support services for Families, Single People and Youth 
• Support program for young people on parole & Leaving Care  

Wombat is also the auspice for the Western Homelessness Networker and manages the LGBTI+ capacity-building project and developed the Continuing Care Everyday Life Skills tool.  

Youth Justice & Continuing Care Programs

The Youth Justice and Continuing Care programs incorporate:

• The Support From Care Program 
• The Continuing Care THM Program
• Youth Justice Community Support Service

These Programs are designed to facilitate a smooth transition from Youth Justice Centres & Protective Services into the community. Their purpose is: 

• To assist young people to develop the skills needed to manage independent living and  
• To reduce the likelihood of future homelessness or re-offending. 

Wombat’s Youth Justice and Continuing Care Program consists of three case managers who each work across all the program areas. The role requires intensive outreach support using a case management model for young people residing in Transitional Housing (THM) or in the community. The program aims to work with young people to assist them to achieve their goals and link them into appropriate ongoing specialist supports as required. 

The program also works very closely with Wombat’s Pathways to Independence Program which supports young people leaving care with high to medium independent living skills. 

The Position  

Role 

The role is one of three positions that provide intensive outreach case management across three program areas.

The role would suit a highly skilled practitioner with case management experience and a good understanding of the Youth Justice and/ or Continuing Care/ out of home care sectors.

Reporting and Accountability 

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

Support and Supervision 

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 

Commensurate with SCHADS Level 5, workers are expected to adhere to established work practices however they will on occasion be required to exercise initiative and judgement and to be involved in service planning and coordination. 

The role will involve performing the following duties in accordance with the philosophy, policies, work practices and protocols of Wombat Housing Support Services:  

• 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 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

Conditions:               

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. 

A Probationary Period of 3 months will apply  

Appointment is subject to a satisfactory Police Check and Working with Children Check. In the event that a candidate has resided overseas for more than one year in the preceding 10 years, an International Police check will be required prior to commencing work.

Enquiries:

Chloe Bennet or Mark Rayner Ph: 8327 2222