Tenancy Support Worker

POSITION:Tenancy Support Worker

HOURS:Full-time: 38 hours/Wk

CLASSIFICATION:MHACA EA/NT SACS Level 4.1: (Plus Salary Sacrifice)

LOCATION: Alice Springs

UNIT:Services

REPORTSTO: Team Leader – Tenancy Support Program

ENQUIRIES:(08) 8950 4600

UPDATED:January 2018

ABOUT MHACA

Established in 1992, MHACA is a leading Northern Territory community based, non-profit organisation. MHACA leads the way in psychosocial support services and educational programs aimed at enhancing the mental health and wellbeing of people living in Central Australia.

Through a diverse range of programs, we strive to make a difference in the lives of people with a mental illness by supporting participant-driven mental health recovery, and to assist communities and organisations to actively improve mental health and well-being.

In 21 years MHACA has grown from a small advocacy group to a well-established organisation with a strong presence and reputation in the community. Currently MHACA undertakes a range of activities:

  • Individual support to people experiencing mental illness
  • A drop-in centre, group activities and peer support
  • Tenancy support for people experiencing mental illness
  • Mental health promotion to reduce stigma and raise community awareness
  • Support for individuals, families and communities bereaved by suicide
  • Training in mental health first aid and suicide intervention
  • Advocacy for improved services at local, state and national levels.

In keeping with MHACA’s vision, the Tenancy Support Program is responsible for the delivery of client-centred case management for individuals and families, with a focus on achieving sustainable tenancies.

The aim of this service is to establish a tenancy support program specifically tailored to those living with significant mental health issues, who are eligible for public housing in terms of income but are not eligible for other available tenancy support services to help sustain their tenancy or gain new accommodation.

Amongst other accountabilities, the Tenancy Support Program:

  • Develops holistic and client centred case management plans for each client;
  • Assists clients to understand their obligations under the Residential Tenancy Act: and
  • Provides education about the Public Housing Safety Officers where applicable.
  • Collaborates with NT Housing and other relevant agencies

POSITION SUMMARY:

TheTenancy Support Worker works closely with their immediate team, Pathways to Recovery, PIR and D2DL staff and theServices Manager to implement the Tenancy Support Program and assist program participants to obtain and maintain tenancies with MHACA, Department of Housing, private rental or other housing providers.

This position is funded until June 30th 2018.

KEYRESPONSIBILITIES

Role Specific

  • Work with individuals whose tenancy is at risk and provide advice to people who don’t have a tenancy but are looking to establish one.
  • Assist clients to explore their options in relation to obtaining housing and in overcoming barriers to securing and maintaining tenancies.
  • Work with clients to develop the life skills and knowledge required to maintain tenancies.
  • Conduct assessments of new program participants and work with them to develop plans to maximise their chances of maintaining their tenancy.
  • Conduct referrals for program participants to appropriate programs and services both within and outside of MHACA.
  • Provide appropriate and correct tenancy related information to program participants and others as necessary.
  • Advocate on behalf of program participants and negotiate with Government and non-Government Services, landlords, co-tenants and other housing providers.
  • Collaborate and partner with other community and housing agencies to support positive outcomes for program participants.

The Tenancy Support Workerwill report directly to the Team Leader to further the aims of MHACA in accordance with the MHACA Strategic Plan, policies and procedures, Services Plan and the National Standards for Mental Health Services.

General

  • Attend internal and external meetings and advocate on behalf of MHACA as required by the Senior Manager - Services.
  • Actively participate in the organisation’s quality, safety and risk management activities.
  • Take reasonable care for own safety and that of other people in the workplace.
  • Any other duties which may reasonably be expected in relation to the role.

SELECTION CRITERIA:

Essential

  1. Qualifications in mental health, health, social/ community servicesand/or commensurate work experience in these areas or similar.
  2. A proven ability to develop rapport quickly and to support and work with persons who are experiencing mental unwellness, their families and significant others,stakeholders from a recovery focused perspective.
  3. Demonstrated awareness of the key issues faced by people living with a mental illness, particularly as they may relate to people within Central Australia.
  4. Experience working with people who are homeless or having difficulty sustaining their tenancy.
  5. Well-developed communication skills, including interpersonal skills, networking andpartnership development, and report writing
  6. Demonstrated competency in using databases and Microsoft Programs.
  7. A current NT driver’s license

Desirable

  1. An understanding of the various public and private housing options and related services in Central Australia.
  2. Experience and/or understanding of issues impacting on Aboriginal people in regard to their social and emotional wellbeing.
  3. Knowledge and understanding of the National Mental Health Strategy and the National Standards for Mental Health Services

The successful applicant will be required to undergo a National Police Check and possess an Ochre Card.

For further information please contact Ruby Shoko

on (08) 8950 4600.

or

visit the MHACA website on

Applications must address the Selection Criteria and include a resume and

contact details of 2 current referees. Please forward to:

Ruby Shoko

Mental Health Association of Central Australia

PO Box 2326, Alice SpringsNT 0871

or email

or deliver to 14 Lindsay Avenue, Alice Springs

Applications close on 2ndof February 2018

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