Family Case Manager

YWCA Canberra is a respected feminist, not-for-profit community organisation which has been providing community services and representing women’s issues in the Canberra community since its establishment in 1929. Today, we provide leading and innovative services to women and the broader Canberra community in the areas of children’s services, community development, housing, youth services, personal and professional training, and women’s leadership.

As a values-based organisation, and the only Canberra-based Employer of Choice for Gender Equality (WGEA), YWCA Canberra is a great place to work. We have a strong track record in building long-term, sustainable careers with excellent conditions (including charitable salary sacrificing and above award salaries) together with a supportive work environment for all employees to thrive.

YWCA Canberra has been managing homelessness services for families since 1996 and is a specialist women’s service.  We work from an intersectional feminist perspective and also provide support to people that identify as non-binary and trans. We recognise children as clients in their own right. The Housing Support Unit (HSU) provides supported accommodation services on behalf of the ACT Government and is a registered community housing provider. The housing portfolio currently encompasses:

• Affordable housing – providing affordable housing for women in the Canberra community.
• Transitional housing – providing supported accommodation for women and their families who are at risk of homelessness.
• Outreach Support to single women as well as to women and their families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
• Supportive Tenancy Service – working in partnership with Woden Community Service and Capital Region Community Service  to support ACT residents whose housing is at risk, to maintain a safe and stable home.

Predominantly working with women and children living in one of our transitional houses, or in an outreach capacity within the Specialist Homelessness service, this position will also work proactively across the HSU to support the expansion of services, innovation and continuous quality improvement in the provision of client services. Key functions of the HSU include the provision of accommodation, case management, outreach, support and advocacy, support for accompanying children, information, referral and networking. The HSU works closely with the other YWCA Housing programs consisting of Next Door, Rentwell, Common Ground Dickson and Domestic Violence Support Service.

• A Diploma in Community Services, or tertiary qualifications in a relevant field such as social work, psychology or human services. Qualifications in children and family development, (or similar) is desirable.
• Experience working effectively with vulnerable and disadvantaged     people and those who have experienced trauma
• Experience working with people experiencing or at risk of homelessness within a supported accommodation/outreach framework preferred.
• Cultural awareness and experience and/or the ability to work competently with families from Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
• A knowledge and understanding of the impact of family violence and trauma on the cycle of homelessness and gender informed practice.
• Sound working knowledge of the issues affecting homeless families including children and young people and the application of strategies to address issues affecting individual family members when accessing stable housing.
• Knowledge and experience in the following fields:
  • Individual and Family Case management
  • Client Advocacy
  • Outreach support
  • Collaborative professional practice
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills including written skills.
• Demonstrated skills in the use of Microsoft Office and reporting through data base collection systems.

The successful applicant will hold, or be able to obtain, Working with Vulnerable People registration, current National Criminal Record Check, and a current driver’s license.

• Work for a values-based organisation within a feminist and social justice framework
• Work for the only Canberra-based Employer of Choice for Gender Equality (WGEA)
• Benefit from enhanced terms and conditions of employment including 14 weeks paid parental leave
• Generous Salary Packaging Benefits
• Flexibility to work 30 – 38 hours per week in an excellent supportive environment

Applications including a cover letter addressing the selection criteria and resume can be submitted through the YWCA-Canberra e-recruitment web portal – Recruitment – Sign In – Aurion

Applications close on 20 March 2024

For a confidential discussion, please contact Specialist Homelessness Services Manager, Victoria Jenkinson at ***************@ywca-canberra.org.au or for further information email Human Resources at ***************@ywca-canberra.org.au

YWCA Canberra reserves the right to close this role early if a suitable candidate is found

YWCA Canberra is committed to the safety of children and young people. As such, successful applicants will be required to participate fully in all child protection risk management recruitment processes and ongoing character checking and assessment processes.

YWCA Canberra is proud to be an Employer of Choice for Gender Equality and offers above award wages and generous conditions through our innovative and progressive Enterprise Agreement.

YWCA Canberra is an equal opportunity employer. People from diverse backgrounds and with diverse life experiences are encouraged to apply. We specifically encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply.