Lou’s Place is looking for a dedicated female-identifying case manager to join our dynamic, passionate and committeed team to support and empower vunerable women in the Inner City. 

Being a woman is a genuine occupational qualification for this position under s.31 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW).

ABOUT LOU’S PLACE

Lou’s Place is a unique, community-based drop-in centre for women. Our service is dedicated to supporting and empowering marginalised women and aims to provide women with a safe, supportive space where they can be supported with their basic needs, connect with others or just have access to a safe space to take time out and make plans for next steps.  Lou’s Place meets women at their point of need and proceeds in its work with them at different rates and ways depending on their circumstances. 

Lou’s Place is a private charity and does not receive any recurrent core government funding; we rely on the generous support of our friends, corporate partners, and volunteers to continue our services. Our professional services include crisis intervention, referrals, and advocacy, as well as therapeutic and educational programs. 

ABOUT THE ROLE

Our Drop-In Case Management Service aims to provide one off or short-term, incidental case management support to the women at Lou’s Place, who often present with various complex issues that can require a one-off immediate response and/or a multifaceted, collaborative approach. This service aims to address the immediate needs of the women or remove as many of the barriers that are often faced by women when trying to find the right support, and subsequently simplifies and streamlines support pathways in a safe and welcoming space. 

Our Drop-In Case Manager provides this support through conducting a comprehensive assessment within a space built on trust and non-judgement. From here, the Case Manager operates on a strengths-based approach that promotes autonomy and choice, understanding that women are the experts of their own lives. Drop-In Case Managers support is tailored to each individuals needs and can range from providing one-off  immediate support or by making referrals that support women in areas such as homelessness, financial distress or other presenting vulnerabilities. Support is provided utilising a case management approach that for the most part is conducted on site however at times is delivered via outreach. Drop in Case Managers also have access to brokerage support to enable improved outcomes for women. 

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Conduct initial assessment of clients’ need and circumstances to identify support options. 
• Establish and maintain relationships with clients, fostering an atmosphere of trust and safety.
• Provide immediate crisis intervention for women in distress, offering emotional support and practical assistance.
• Advocate for clients’ rights and needs within the community and social service systems and empower women to advocate for themselves, providing guidance and resources to help them navigate complex systems.
• Identify and connect clients to appropriate resources and services, both within and outside the organization, based on their individual needs.
• Build and maintain a strong network of community partners and agencies to enhance the scope of available support.
• Support the facilitation of Lou’s Place programs and group work. 
• Help ensure that the environment within the Drop-In Centre remains safe and conflict-free. 

SELCTION CRITERIA

• Hold tertiary qualifications in Social Work or other relevant qualification OR minimum 4 years’ experience in community services field.
• Ability to work effectively and sensitively with women from diverse backgrounds and a variety of different needs.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, drop-in environment while maintaining professionalism and empathy.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills 
• Experience or demonstrated understanding of providing support that is person centred and trauma informed.
• Highly developed critical reasoning skills: the ability to resolve complex issues and to identify, assess and manage risk.

To be successful in your application, you must be able to obtain a Working with Childrens Check and successful NSW Police Check.

HOW TO APPLY

If you think this is the role for you then please provide your resume and  cover letter that addresses the selection criteria. Email both of these documents to [email protected]

Applications that do not address selection criteria will not be considered. 

Applications close on the 5th of September 2023, no applications will be considered after this date. 

We will be interviewing individuals from the 6th-8th of September 2023.