- Support people experiencing or at risk of homelessness
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Assess needs and connect clients with housing pathways
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Based in Blackburn with competitive salary + super + salary packaging
Community Housing Limited is seeking an Initial Assessment & Planning Worker to join our dedicated homelessness services team in Blackburn, VIC. This frontline role provides respectful, confidential and practical support to people presenting as homeless or at risk of homelessness, helping to minimise housing crisis and connect clients with appropriate support, financial assistance and housing pathways.
This is a 12 month Fixed Term Contract based in our Blackburn Office, covering an employee on parental leave. It offers a competitive salary, salary packaging and the opportunity to be part of a supportive team committed to delivering quality services and positive housing outcomes.
What you’ll do
As the Initial Assessment & Planning Worker, you will be one of the first points of contact for people seeking homelessness assistance. You will respond to clients as they present, complete initial assessments, identify immediate risks and support needs, distribute financial assistance in line with program guidelines and make referrals to housing, support and specialist services.
Day to day, you will:
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Provide a high quality front door response to people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
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Undertake initial assessment and planning to minimise or prevent homelessness where possible.
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Distribute financial assistance in accordance with program guidelines and funding conditions.
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Identify client support needs and complete timely referrals to appropriate internal and external services.
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Assess housing needs and refer clients to suitable housing pathways and partner agencies.
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Provide respectful, supportive, culturally sensitive and confidential customer service.
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Build networks and promote the service with partner agencies, including real estate agents and community services.
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Identify, assess and manage risks for clients, yourself and the broader service environment.
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Complete administration, data entry, reporting and case notes accurately and efficiently.
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Respond to complaints appropriately and provide additional support to the wider team and organisation as required.
What You’ll Bring
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A qualification in Social Work or another relevant social discipline.
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Demonstrated understanding of issues affecting people experiencing social disadvantage, housing crisis or homelessness.
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Awareness of and sensitivity to the needs of people with complex support needs, disability or other barriers to stable housing.
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Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to provide calm, respectful and confidential customer service in a frontline environment.
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Ability to assess needs, identify risks, manage competing priorities and make appropriate referrals.
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Good administrative, data entry and reporting skills, with attention to accuracy and confidentiality.
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A current Driver’s Licence.
Appointments are subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks, including Police, Working with Children and NDIS checks where applicable. All pre-employment checks will be arranged during onboarding.
Why Join Us?
Be part of a purpose driven organisation making a real difference. We offer:
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Work in a collaborative, supportive team environment
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One day off a year as ‘You Day’ to celebrate you
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Great salary + Super + Salary Packaging (increase your take home pay!)
About CHL
Community Housing Limited (CHL) is a leading not-for-profit organisation dedicated to making a positive impact in the housing sector. We are committed to addressing housing issues and supporting vulnerable populations by offering affordable and sustainable housing solutions to individuals and families in need.
As an equal opportunity employer, CHL works closely with people from a diverse range of backgrounds. CHL acknowledges the traditional Aboriginal owners of country throughout Australia and we pay our respects to them, their culture and their Elders past and present.
Ready to make an impact?
If you're ready to help people in housing crisis access practical support, pathways and services, we’d love to hear from you.
Apply now with your resume and a cover letter by clicking on the link.
For a confidential conversation about the position, please contact the Regional Homelessness Services Coordinator, Priya Lewis, on [email protected].
We look forward to hearing from you.
