Service Lead - Specialist Homelessness Services

We are looking for an experienced Service Lead who understands that one path doesn't determine your direction. 

About Youth Outreach:

For almost 40 years the Gold Coast Project for Homeless Youth Inc. has supported young people seeking accommodation assistance and support. We are a not-for-profit organisation governed by a purpose driven volunteer Management Committee. We are committed to ending the cycle of homelessness and providing greater access to affordable and sustainable housing opportunities. We deliver services that meet the contemporary needs of young people. We promote a culturally safe and diverse workplace which extends to the service that we provide to young people.

Our Values 

We are committed to ensuring that our practices RISE to the following values. 

Resilience - we rise to the challenge and bounce-back after setbacks. We learn from experience and identify opportunities for self-development 

Inclusive - we recognise and uphold the rights of others in our decision making. We are committed to social justice and social inclusion for the community 

Social Change - we are focused on Breaking the Cycle of Youth Homelessness 

Ethical - we hold ourselves accountable to our principles with integrity, honesty and purpose

Our 24/7 Temporary Supported Accommodation Services are provided by the Youth Outreach Support Team. These Specialist Homelessness Services are funded by the Department of Housing. Our accommodation assists at capacity up to 19 young people, 16-19 years who are homeless or at risk of homelessness to gain, maintain and sustain a tenancy. Our core business is housing assistance and the development of independent living skills.  

The Role:

Reporting to the Service Manager, you will support a dedicated team of Youth Workers and will be an integral member of the Leadership Team to ensure efficient service delivery across our locations. This exciting role will see you champion the lives of young people living within 24/7 Temporary Supported Accommodation Services and contribute to delivering Youth Outreach’s strategic and operational goals. The Service Lead supports young people and the team to manage the efficient day to day operations of the services provided by Youth Outreach. 

• Provide strengths-based, trauma-informed support to young people 16-19 years. 
• Support and guide the team in relation to team culture, practice, ethics and duties.
• Oversight of complex cases and guidance for senior support workers.
• Ensure that all services are delivered in accordance with relevant legislation, procedures, policies and ongoing review of same.
• Ensure knowledge and compliance with all policy, procedures and legislative requirements as they relate to record keeping and data collection; specifically, privacy and confidentiality principles, and maintaining client information, auditing and data reporting requirements.
• Establish and maintain a network of professional relationships through respect, integrity and consistency that will enhance outcomes for service users.
• Participate in a rotating on-call roster. 

Our expectation is that you have:

• Degree level qualification and/or extensive experience in community mental health, social welfare, social work or related discipline that provides an advanced level of knowledge, skills and abilities required for this position 
• Demonstrated experience in leading a team in the community, welfare or human services sector 
• Experience in managing stakeholder relationships with a focus on child safety, youth justice, mental health, education/training and family reunification activities 
• Demonstrated knowledge of working within the housing and homelessness sector including an advanced understanding of current trends and legislation 
• Demonstrated knowledge of working within a professional practice model to improve client outcomes 
• Well developed interpersonal skills in negotiation, resolving points of crisis or conflict with a proven ability to maintain effective relationships with staff, peers and key stakeholders in the local community 
• Proficient in reporting, record keeping and data integrity to demonstrate client and business objectives 
• Must have an open Driver's licence, National Police Check, hold a positive Blue Card and current First Aid & CPR Certificate or willingness to obtain prior to commencing employment.

This position is appointed at a SCHADS Level 5 with optional salary packaging and meal card available. 

Applications that do not address this criterion will not be considered.

1. Client-focused - Prioritises needs of the young people, aims for the best outcomes for young people, is outcome focused and follows through with commitments.
2. Inclusive - recognises the rights of others, is committed to social justice and social inclusion, and makes equitable decisions. 
3. Ethical - Has integrity and principles, is truthful, reflects expected standards of behaviour and/or Code of Conduct. 
4. Resilient- Recovers from setbacks, overcomes obstacles and impediments, learns from experience and identifies areas of self development. 
5. Flexible - adapts to changing circumstances in the workplace, prioritises work and addresses why is most important, and takes advantage of new and emerging opportunities.
6. Analytical - reviews arguments and opinions before making judgement, presents clear and logical arguments, takes a systematic approach when building towards improvements. 

Applications must be received by 4 p.m. Thursday 1st of February 2024. Applications will be considered prior to the closing date.