Street Address:Postal Address:

69 Northbourne AvenueGPO Box 1526

CANBERRA ACT 2600CANBERRA ACT 2601

Telephone: (02) 6247 5041 Facsimile: (02) 6249 8477
Email:

Client Service Officers- Early Morning Centre - UnitingCare Canberra City

Role of the Position

UnitingCare Canberra City (UCCC) is the community service arm of Canberra City Uniting Church. UCCC has received additional funding from the ACT Government for its Early Morning Centre (EMC) in the City to extend the hours of operation and provide additional services for our guests. The Centre provides free breakfasts and support and referral services for homeless people or for those at risk of being homeless.

We are seeking to fill two part time positions which will develop and build relationships with EMC guests by providing information, referral and support. The Client Service Officers will contribute to the development and facilitation of new or enhanced services for EMC guests and build relationships with other service providers in Canberra.

Suitable applicants will have organisational skills, a high awareness of occupational health and safety policy and procedures, a demonstrated background and understanding of the philosophy of working with marginalised people together with an ability to work within a small team. An understanding and empathy with social justice and equity issues and their translation into a community service context are essential.

Job Description

Reporting to the Director, UnitingCare Canberra City these Client Service Officers will be responsible for:

  • Provision of guest services primarily focussed on support, assessment, information and referral to appropriate community agencies;
  • Assist in the planning and facilitation of new servicesthat engage guests in meaningful activities, programs and events that encourage participation in community, address barriers to engagement and foster skills development,
  • Liaison and collaboration with other service providers;
  • Referrals to First Point and assistance with housing applications and appeals processes;
  • Supporting people to build their resilience;
  • Contributing to the continuing development of policies and procedures as required for the effective management of the EMC;
  • Support of volunteers;
  • Data collection relating to client usage and breakfast participation, including the preparation of statistical reports as needed;
  • Assistance as required with EMC breakfasts;
  • Other duties as directed.

Terms of Appointment

Two part-time positions available

Hours:

Position 1 - Monday to Friday 8.30am -1.30pm and

Position 2 – Monday to Friday 10.30am – 3.30pm

(hours subject to negotiation.)

The Client Service Officersmay be required to attend breakfast sessions on some days, commencing at 7am. The positions will be filled on terms and conditions equivalent to those set down in the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010 (MA000100) for a Social and Community Services Employee Level 4 or Level 5 (depending on qualifications and experience). These conditions include, inter alia:

  • Annual leave at a rate of four weeks per year.
  • Sick leave of 15 days per year.
  • Superannuation paid to a fund of the employee’s choice at a rate equal to that required under the Superannuation Guarantee Legislation (currently 9.5% of gross salary).
  • Reimbursement of the cost of any required work related travel including for the use of the employee's own car.

Qualifications and Experience

Appropriate degree or diploma and/or relevant experience in accordance with requirements for a Social and Community Services Worker Level 4 or Level 5 under the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award.

Selection Criteria

Essential

  • Ability to facilitate the daily work of the drop-in centre with a focus on preserving the dignity of people experiencing homelessness or insecure housing.
  • Excellent communication skills and ability to build rapport with guests.
  • Ability to organise and facilitate groups, activities and events.
  • Ability to facilitate linkages and effective service delivery offered by local organisations, including supported accommodation and outreach services.
  • Ability to work as part of a team and support, train and direct volunteers;
  • Experience in working with marginalised people, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander people and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
  • Ability to undertake data collection as required for the national database, collect internal statistics on daily EMC activities and maintain confidential client records.
  • Understanding of occupational health and safety issues.
  • Understanding of equity and diversity in the workplace.

Desirable

Experience in organising and or conducting training for marginalised people.

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