Bi-Cultural Case Worker (Aranap)

The Australian Refugee Association Inc. (ARA) is a community-based organisation providing settlement, migration, and other forms of assistance to refugees, migrants and other people of concern.

As a member of our team, you will be supporting new arrivals in South Australia to achieve their social, economic, cultural and community participation goals. You will be making a difference in the lives of individuals and families as they re-establish themselves in a new home.

Service Delivery- Casework

• Conduct a health literacy assessment and develop a case plan using the Steps to Better Health tool.
• Provision of direct individual and group health literacy services, including digital health literacy, to clients of ARANAP.
• Assist ARANAP clients in achieving their physical health goals by providing language and cultural support.
• Assist in organising and conducting group information sessions and community Health Expo.
• Monitor clients' progress and evaluate their experience with the program.
• Refer clients to appropriate settlement and specialised internal and external services when needed, provided clients' consent is obtained.

• Ensure confidential and accurate documentation of client case notes and files and adhere to requirements in relation to data collection.
• Maintain the confidentiality of client information as required by ARA's Policy.
• Promptly notify both your line manager and program manager of any client incidents.
• Seek approvals for program or client-related expenses as per ARA's guidelines.
• Maintain and contribute to a healthy and productive work culture.
• Participate in quality improvement programs and activities to meet Contractual and Service Excellence Standards and requirements.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Attend meetings with other service providers when requested/needed.
• Develop mutually respectful relationships with external service providers, agencies and communities to achieve better client outcomes and use these opportunities to promote ARA services.
• Participate in appropriate and relevant expos and forums to promote ARA services when requested.
• Participate in internal team and staff meetings to share information, knowledge, and new opportunities.

General Conduct

• Provide services in accordance with organisational policies, procedures and service models.

• Work closely and collaboratively with other staff and volunteers as appropriate.
• Keep accurate and timely records of services and case notes, including incident reports, support and advocacy letters and comprehensive reports as required.
• Take responsibility for own time management, planning and organisation of work.
• Seek continuous improvement to ensure services are provided efficiently and effectively.
• Maintain confidentiality and privacy of client information.
• Ensure services are culturally sensitive and appropriate.

Reporting

• Provide regular updates to the line manager/s on service delivery in line with performance targets.
• Notify the line manager/s of potential business opportunities arising from stakeholder engagement.
• Prepare reports in accordance with specified timeframes, service performance targets and expected project outcomes for the line manager and Program Manager's authorisation.
• Report any significant issues or concerns immediately to the line manager and Program Manager.
• Provide accurate timesheets and mileage records for the line manager's approval.

Qualifications:

A minimum of Certificate IV or Diploma in Community Services or other relevant qualifications and   experience in a similar area

Experience & Knowledge:

• Experience working with people from various cultural backgrounds in casework/ case management capacity needs assessment, case plans, and referral pathway development.
• Demonstrated empathy and experience in responding to and working with client diversity and vulnerable people.
• Good level of written and verbal communication skills.
• Awareness of the social and economic environment affecting refugees and migrant communities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft software programs, attention to detail, and IT literacy skills.
• Knowledge and experience in physical health literacy and health service navigation
• Experience in establishing and maintaining internal and external relationships and partnerships.
• Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality, integrity and honesty.

Personal Capabilities:

• Ability to apply client assessment and case management knowledge to achieve good outcomes.
• Ability to write case management plans and reports.
• Good level of written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to provide liaison, support and connection to specialist services to meet the needs of clients.
• Ability to manage own time, set priorities, plan and organise work.
• Ability to deliver outcomes in accordance with ARA policies and funding requirements.
• Effective 'lateral thinking' problem-solving and decision-making.
• Ability to work in cooperation and consultation as a member of a team.
• Strong ethical practices with a specific commitment to:
  • ARA Service Principles;
  • Equal Opportunity and Anti-discrimination;
  • Work Health & Safety;
  • Client-oriented service provision;
  • Child Protection.

• Compliance with Agency WHS policies and procedures.
• Active promotion of safe work practices in the workplace.
• Reporting of all hazards, incidents and actions taken to prevent accidents.
• Maintenance of a safe working environment in all locations.

• Must have evidence of Australian residency or current working Visa.
• Must have DHS Working with Children Clearance, updated every five years.
• Must have National Police Clearance
• Must have or be willing to obtain a Child Safe Environment Certificate.
• Must have or be willing to obtain a First Aid Training Certificate.  
• Must be willing to participate in training and development opportunities as part of continued professional development.
• Must own a roadworthy vehicle that is registered and has minimum third party property insurance and be able to use this for work purposes.
• Must be willing to work in various locations within the metropolitan area.
• Must be willing to participate in occasional after-hours work.
• Must hold a current Australian Driver's licence
• Fluent in Nepalese