Independant Living Program Case Worker

Case worker ILP - Full time Contract (8 Month - Maternity Leave cover)

At Stepping Stone House we truly believe in assisting youth to create their future and be the very best they can be!!

We are currently seeking a passionate and enthusiastic Case worker to support our young people aged 16-25 in our Independent Living program with the Sydney area. If you love working with adolescents and have a desire to help them become the best they can be then this job is for you!

About Stepping Stone House

Stepping Stone House is a not for profit charity that provides accommodation and personal development for children and young people aged 12-24 years old who through no fault of their own find themselves homeless, at risk of homelessness or unable to live at home.  It is an accredited out of home care residential service providing medium to long term accommodation across Sydney. At Stepping Stone House we encourage personal growth and development of children and young people with the aim of empowering the individual to achieve responsible independence. We have a foundation of building resilience through outdoor education and activities.

A few other gems for you:

• Cultural Diversity – 48% of SSH team members were born overseas or their parents were
• Gender Leadership diversity – females make up 80% of the SSH operational leadership team  66% of the SSH Board of directors
• Motivation – 96% of our staff team strongly believe in the Vision, Mission and Values of Stepping Stone House
• Family – 96% of our staff team strongly agree that Stepping Stone House support and respect that I have family responsibilities outside of work
• Career opportunities – 36% of our SSH staff team have been promoted internally

About the Role

In this role you will provide client centered, strengths based case management to young people 16-24 years in our Community based Independent Living Programs.  This program will be designed to assist our young people to integrate into a community setting in a supported way and increase their chances of reaching successful independence. This role is based in Dulwich Hill.

Work Life Balance and a sense of fun in the workplace is actively encouraged.

This role is a maternity leave cover role but may have the option to convert into a permanent role. 

Ideal candidate

To be successful in this challenging role – you will need to be hard working, be flexible in your approach, enthusiastic and show empathy, patience and respect for the people you work with. You will need to be a self- starter, be honest in your approach and have passion for working with adolescents.

What you will be doing – Key responsibilities

• Develop, implement and oversee the delivery of effective individualised case plans and manage a case load
• Develop rapport and meaningful relationships with the young people
• Assist young people to achieve responsible independence
• Contribute to the planning, development and implementation of programs
• Manage the dynamic of the young people – group and individual
• Assist in organising, planning, facilitating, engaging in and supervising recreational activities.

And a great deal more – remember this is an exciting and challenging role.

Selection Criteria – candidates must address the essential and desirable selection criteria below with their application 

Essential Criteria

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in the social work, youth work or related field. 
• Minimum 2 years’ experience working with disadvantaged young people 16 to 25 years, preferably in a residential or community support setting or similar field. 
• Demonstrated evidence of working with young people with complex needs
• Demonstrated experience and or understanding of Trauma Informed Care and willingness to work within a therapeutic framework.
• Demonstrated skills in negotiation, problem solving, conflict resolution and engagement with the young people to achieve positive outcomes 
• Demonstrated skills and experience in designing, implementing and reviewing of case management strategies and case plans. 
• Demonstrated ability to work autonomously, under supervision and as part of a team 
• Evidence of collaborative working style and ability to build good working relationships in a team and with external agencies 
• Ability to be on call after hours and on weekends 
• Working with Children Certification 
• A current driver’s license 

Desirable criteria

• First aid Certificate or willingness to obtain

Person Specifications:

• Professionalism and a passion for working with young people
• Emotional intelligence and maturity 
• Honest and trustworthy
• A willingness to align with SSH mission and values. 
• Ability to think and act calmly, deal with distressed young people sensitively and confidently and with dignity and respect
• Collaborative working style and ability to build good working relationships in a team
• Networking skills to liaise with relevant organizations
• A love of outdoor education and adventure would be highly desirable.

Stepping Stone House is an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcomes applicants who have an Indigenous and / or culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) background.

Stepping Stone House provides regular supervision and support for all staff and opportunities for professional development.    Salary and Conditions of employment are based on the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Award level 4. Salary packaging is available.

If you are interested in this exciting opportunity to join Stepping Stone House and have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of young people – please email your resume and covering letter addressing how you meet the criteria and email it to ***************@steppingstonehouse.com.au

Please note: If your application is successful, you will be required to obtain a Working with Children Check and a Criminal History Check.

Stepping Stone House is a Child Safe Organisation and puts the safety and welfare of our young people first in all the work we do. All safety checks will be prioritised through the recruitment process.