Position: Youth Worker /Case Worker
Classification: Social Worker Class 2
Program: Counterpoint Young Women’s Refuge
Hours: 38 hours per week
Duration: Ongoing
Location: Northern Region/undisclosed
Responsible To: Team Leader Counterpoint
Date: August 2010
OVERVIEW OF PROGRAM
Counterpoint is a state-wide gender specific refuge for young women aged 17-25 years who are escaping situations of violence and/or sexual assault. Counterpoint is funded through the Commonwealth Supported Accommodation Assistance Program (SAAP), administered by the Department of Human Services Northern Region and auspiced by Anglicare Victoria.
The program offers short-term crisis accommodation for a maximum of 6 weeks whilst young women are assisted securing longer-term accommodation. The program offers accommodation for up to 4 young women and is staffed exclusively by women on a 24 hour Residential Youth Worker model. Counterpoint is recognised as a safe house and as such the address is undisclosed.
The aim of the program is to provide a safe and secure environment for young women to ensure they have the physical and psychological space to enact positive change in their lives.
POSITION OBJECTIVES
As part of a rostered youth work team to undertake case work in a service that provides short term accommodation and support for young women aged 17-25 years who are homeless as a result of recently experienced violence and/or sexual assault. The program is part of an integrated service response aimed at addressing personal crisis, at-risk behaviours and homelessness.
1. KEY RESULTS REQUIRED
1.1 Young women who meet the program service criteria appropriately engaged and case plans reflect program goals and objectives.
1.2 Use of intervention strategies (as per program guidelines) which achieve overall program goal of assisting young women in obtaining longer term accommodation options.
1.3 Young women are safe and well cared for whilst in agency accommodation.
1.4 Reduced vulnerability in the young women referred to the service and greater clarity about workable options for their future.
1.5 Effective service termination with service goals for young women met.
2. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
2.1 Intake and Assessment of young women referred to the program as per program guidelines.
2.2 Direct case work with young women in the program and, where appropriate, their families, as per program guidelines.
2.3 Contribution to the development and maintenance of a safe, secure and structured environment where young women’s developmental needs are effectively met.
2.4 Active involvement in the development of positive group dynamics within the program.
2.5 Contribution to the development of a comprehensive living skills program and involvement in educational group-work activities.
2.6 Ensuring that appropriate liaison occurs with DV-related services, sexual assault services, magistrates courts, Department of Immigration, Centrelink, educational providers, legal aid providers, employers and other relevant agencies.
2.7 Keeping Team Leader fully briefed about all matters relating to appointee's role in the program and service implementation and immediately reporting all critical incidents and issues.
2.8 Meeting administrative and documentation requirements of the agency.
3. PERFORMANCE CRITERIA
The job is being performed well when:
3.1 The appointee is clear about the program goals, objectives, target group and work methods and works within this framework and in line with the agency's policies, procedures and guidelines.
3.2 The appointee is engaging young women in co-operative, goal-directed working relationships.
3.3 Young women are being assisted to address the issues which led to the placement, and workable solutions are implemented sufficiently to reduce future risk to them, where possible.
3.4 The appointee uses consultation/supervision appropriately and sufficiently and works co-operatively as part of the overall staff team.
3.5 The appointee contributes actively to reflection on a development of the service model.
3.6 The appointee is committed to continuous improvement in performance and participates in goal directed training and professional development activities.
3.7 The appointee gives adequate written and verbal accounts of work to keep the Team Leader fully informed of progress or stress points.
4. KEY SELECTION CRITERIA
The ideal appointee should have:
4.1 A genuine interest in young people and the capacity and commitment to work closely and effectively with them to achieve planned change.
4.3 Extensive, relevant experience and competence in the field(s) of Youth Work/Social Work/Welfare .
4.4 Ability and willingness to work effectively as part of a team and to meet program goals and objectives.
4.5 A relevant tertiary qualification.
4.5 Flexibility and initiative.
4.6 Commitment to the principles of social justice and to advocating for the provision of adequate support services to the most vulnerable and disadvantaged, and to promoting autonomy and self-determination for clients.
4.7 Effective communication and negotiation skills.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
· Salary and conditions are in accordance with the Social and Community Services Award at the level of Youth Worker Class 2 (year level based on experience). Salary packaging is offered with this position.
· All offers of employment at Anglicare Victoria are subject to a satisfactory police check and a valid Working With Children’s Check prior to commencement of employment. The applicant will be offered ongoing employment only upon successful completion of a three month probationary period. The staff member will be asked to participate in an annual performance review linked to objectives set out for the position.
· The staff member must have a current Victorian driver’s license and access to comprehensively insured motor vehicle, for which mileage will be reimbursed. The agency has a policy of a smoke-free work place in all agency facilities.
· Anglicare Victoria is a member of HEALTH super (Hospitals Superannuation Board) and HESTA ( Health Employees Superannuation of Australia). At present, we contribute 9% of ordinary time earnings to one of these funds.
· Anglicare Victoria has a policy of a smoke free work place in all agency facilities, including motor vehicles.
Please apply addressing selection criteria and nominating three referees, to
Trish Westhead, Team Leader, Counterpoint, Anglicare Victoria, PO Box 214 Carlton North 3054 or via email .
Closing date 6th September 2010
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