Aboriginal Identified Caseworker - Homelessness Services

• Part-time - two days per week
• Western Sydney
• $46.70-$47.92 per hour

Be Recruitment is seeking an experienced and culturally connected Aboriginal Identified Caseworker to join our client’s specialist homelessness service in Western Sydney.

This newly created position will support young women aged 16–25 and their children who are experiencing homelessness, housing instability or the risk of homelessness. You will provide culturally safe, strengths-based case management while supporting clients to strengthen their connection to culture, access appropriate services and work towards safe, stable and independent living.

Due to the nature of the service and the client cohort, being female is an inherent requirement of the position.

This is a part-time position working 15.2 hours across two days per week. Tuesday is the preferred fixed working day, with flexibility around the second day.

About the role Working within a small and supportive multidisciplinary team, you will manage an allocated caseload of clients living in transitional accommodation or receiving outreach support in the community.
Your responsibilities will include:

• Completing comprehensive assessments and developing person-centred case plans
• Providing culturally safe case management, advocacy and practical support
• Supporting young women and their children to address immediate needs and achieve longer-term goals
• Assisting clients to access housing, health, education, employment, legal and community services
• Responding appropriately to child protection and family safety concerns
• Supporting clients to strengthen their connection to culture and community
• Building relationships with local Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and other community services
• Conducting regular client meetings and home visits
• Transporting or accompanying clients to appointments when required
• Coordinating referrals and collaborating with government agencies, housing providers and other stakeholders
• Supporting family reunification where appropriate
• Maintaining accurate, timely and strengths-based case notes and reports
• Participating in team meetings, case consultations, professional supervision and training

About you To be successful, you will bring:

• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identity
• Experience in casework, youth work, family support, homelessness or a related community-services setting
• Experience supporting children, young people and families experiencing complex needs
• Sound knowledge of the NSW child protection system, Child Safe Standards and mandatory reporting responsibilities
• An understanding of the issues affecting young women and children experiencing homelessness or housing instability
• The ability to balance the needs, wishes and safety of both a young parent and their child
• Strong relationship-building, engagement, conflict-resolution and communication skills
• The ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a multidisciplinary team
• The ability to develop relationships with Aboriginal communities, organisations and service providers
• Strong written communication, record-keeping and computer skills

A Diploma or higher qualification in community services, social work or a related field is preferred. Applicants holding a Certificate III or IV may also be considered where they have substantial relevant sector experience.
Essential requirements The successful applicant will require:

• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identity
• Female gender, which is an inherent requirement of the position due to the nature of the service and client cohort
• A current Working with Children Check
• A satisfactory National Police Check
• A current Australian driver’s licence
• Evidence of Australian working rights
• Evidence of current whooping cough vaccination
• The ability to undertake local travel, primarily throughout the Blacktown area and occasionally towards Penrith

Pool vehicles are available for most work-related travel, although occasional use of a personal vehicle may be required.
What’s on offer

• Permanent part-time employment
• Two days per week, totalling 15.2 hours
• Hourly rate of $46.70–$47.92, depending on qualifications and experience
• Salary packaging arrangements
• Ongoing professional development
• Regular internal and external clinical supervision
• Employee Assistance Program offering free and confidential counselling
• A supportive and collaborative team environment
• The opportunity to make a meaningful difference for Aboriginal young women, children and families

This is an Aboriginal Identified position and is open to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants. Being female is an inherent requirement of the position.

If you are passionate about culturally safe practice and supporting young women and children to achieve greater safety, stability and independence, we would welcome your application.

For more information, please contact Theo on theo@berecruitment.com.au or 0426 538 686