Position Title: Young Women’s Housing Support Worker

Program/Team: Housing and Tenancy Support

Employment Type & Hours: Part time | 60 hours per fortnight (4-days per week)

Award Conditions: Social, Community, Home Care & Disabilities Services [SCHADS] Award 2010

Remuneration: Level 4

Working From: Winstanley Street, Carina and /or other BYS offices

Reporting Relationships: Reports to the Housing & Tenancy Manager

Qualifying Period: 6 months

Primary Purpose of Position: The Young Women’s Housing Support Worker provides planned support to young women including BYS tenants. Young women are assisted to successfully sustain their tenancy or to transition to more appropriate accommodation. This position works collaboratively with other teams within BYS and the broader community to effectively respond to issues associated with homelessness.

SELECTION CRITERIA – Applicants shall be assessed against these selection criteria. Applicants need to provide written responses to the selection criteria below of not more than two [2] pages in total.

Selection Criteria:

1. An understanding of, and commitment to, BYS’s vision and objectives and the demonstrated experience working within a strengths-based and trauma informed practice framework;
2. Demonstrated experience working holistically with vulnerable young people, using brief solution focussed crisis interventions and ongoing case managed support, and supporting young people to transition to independence;
3. Demonstrated understanding of a gendered analysis of domestic and family violence involving young women and their accompanying children and an ability to support young women to understand, manage and navigate their experience of domestic and family violence;
4. Demonstrated understanding of the roles and responsibilities of a community housing provider in accordance with the National Regulatory System of Community Housing [NRSCH];
5. Strong organisational and planning skills and the ability to work independently and contribute positively within a team;
6. Demonstrated effective communication skills, including strong interpersonal skills and written skills and the ability to advocate on behalf of others;
7. Demonstrated experience developing networks and collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including government and community service providers.

Education, Qualifications, Requirements [Mandatory]:

• A tertiary qualification in Social Work, Psychology, Social Sciences OR substantial demonstrated experience in a related field;

• Current Queensland driver’s license;

• Working with Children Suitability Card [Blue Card] / willingness to obtain a Blue Card prior to commencement;

• Evidence of vaccination, immunity, or medical exemption for the following preventable diseases prior to commencement: Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Varicella [Chicken Pox]; Pertussis [Whooping Cough]; Hepatitis B [health team workers only] and COVID-19;

• Three relevant references, including most recent Manager, if relevant.

Skills & Experience:

• Self-reflective and critical thinking skills;

• Ability to support young people, particularly young women with a focus on housing and tenancy sustainment.

• Conducting assessments of a young women’s situation and support needs, including suicide risk assessments;

• Experience of working with young women and their accompanying children where domestic and family violence has impacted on their tenancies;

• Experience working in a multi-disciplinary team and contributing to positive outcomes for young people;

• Ability to develop networks and collaborative relationships with external providers.

Personal Attributes:

• Ability to stay calm under pressure;

• Personal drive and integrity;

• Consultative and collaborative working attitude;

• Flexible, initiative, collaborative, inclusive, respectful, ethical, accountable;

• Commitment to a learning culture and ongoing professional development.

KEY RESULT AREAS – Roles and Responsibilities

Service Delivery:

• Complete thorough assessments and provide brief solution focussed interventions with young women to assess their needs and provide support;

• Provide young women with support and education around domestic and family violence including assisting them to navigate DV specialist support and legal systems;

• Provide tenancy sustainment support to young women where there has been, or is currently, domestic and/or family violence occurring;

• Support young women with housing, legal, mental health, employment, education and training goals, and social activities;

• Facilitate young women’s ability to self-identify and manage solutions and to transition from formal support, where appropriate;

• Work collaboratively, including with housing providers and tenancy managers, to support young people to achieve their goals and sustain tenancies;

• Provide centre based, outreach and offsite support (including home visits) to young women being supported in BYS housing;

• Transport groups and individuals to appointments, meetings, and any other activities as required;

• Participate in quantitative and qualitative data collection, analysis and critical reflection to support BYS continual quality improvement, research and evaluation processes;

• Participate in staff meetings and organisational planning to contribute to the monitoring and development of BYS programs and services;

• Develop collaborative relationships with colleagues in the organisation, including in a multi-disciplinary team;

• Develop partnerships with external providers, particularly housing providers;

• Undertake any other tasks as required.

People, Culture, Safety:

• Contribute to a culture of respect, optimism, accountability and resilience in line with organisational values;

• Collect and maintain accurate client data, to contribute to monitoring, evaluation and reporting on program performance;

• Participate in supervision, team meetings and performance reviews;

• Identify and participate in professional development opportunities;

• Where agreed with the Manager, supervise students, project staff and volunteers;

• Protect and promote the rights of children and young people, including making decisions compatible with the Human Rights Act 2019; and responding to and reporting suspicions and disclosures of abuse or harm;

• Ensure a healthy and safe workplace for all by adhering to BYS Work Health and Safety Policy, Procedures and Practices.

Administration:

• Undertake all administrative functions relating to the role in accordance with relevant policies and procedures;

• Submit timesheets and leave requests accurately and on time on a fortnightly basis, in accordance with relevant legislation and organisational policy and procedure;

• Prepare reports as required;

• Implement relevant service standards to ensure quality service provision.