Multiple Positions Available | Community Services Sector

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of women in need? Do you thrive in a fast-paced, energetic environment? 

Lou’s Place is currently recruiting for multiple roles to join our dynamic, passionate and committeed team to support and empower vunerable women in the Inner City.

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 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 – DROP IN CASE MANAGER

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 an 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. 

Drop In Case Manager – 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. 

Drop In Case Manager – Selection 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.

ABOUT THE ROLE – CLIENT SERVICES AND ADMINISTRATION OFFICER (CSAO)

As a Client Services and Administration Support team member, you will be at the forefront of our organisation, ensuring that every person who walks through our doors or contacts us by phone receives the help and care they need. This multifaceted role combines elements of an entry-level community services worker with receptionist and office management responsibilities. 

CSAO – Key Responsibilities Include:

• Be the first point of contact for all individuals accessing Lou’s Place, and inform individuals of what services and supports are available.
• Respond to immediate needs including triaging individuals to access appropriate support within Lou’s Place
• Support with the provision of practical assistance like access to showers and washing machines
• Assist to monitor and maintain an environment within the drop-in centre that is calm and harmonious
• Respond to both internal and external incoming referrals to Lou’s Place and conduct basic assessments to identify support needs.
• Record accurate and timely information within client records management (CRM) system.
• Assist with room bookings and purchasing of consumables for service
• Support the scheduling of volunteer activities that happen at Lou’s Place
• Promote independence, self determination and self worth in the women who access support at Lou’s.

CSAO – Selection Criteria:

• Minimum certificate IV in community services/mental health/social science or equivalent experience in a similar role
• Ability to thrive in a fast paced environment
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Compassionate and non-judgmental approach to supporting vulnerable populations.
• First aid certificate (or willingness to obtain)

HOW TO APPLY

If you think this is the role for you, then please email your resume and a cover letter that outlines the role you would like to apply for and addresses the relevent selection criteria above to [email protected]

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

• Applications close on 15 January 2025. No applications will be considered after this date. 
• Please note that we will only be contacting successful applicants after the close date.
• Interviews will be held from Wednesday 22 January 2025 – Friday 24 January 2025. 

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