Initial Assessment and Planning (IAP) Worker

Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-Operative; Geelong; On-site; AUD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary Packaging

Job summary

Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-Operative – Geelong VIC is seeking an Initial Assessment and Planning (IAP) Worker to provide timely assessments and immediate support to Aboriginal people experiencing homelessness. The role covers both office-based and outreach services within the Safe Homes & Healing Team of the Homelessness Programs.

Using culturally safe practices, you will assess client needs, arrange and advocate for access to a range of services, and work toward reducing homelessness and

Qualifications

• Relevant qualifications in community services and social housing.
• Experience working with Aboriginal people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
• Knowledge of Aboriginal culture and commitment to the Aboriginal community.
• Ability to work in a multi‑skilled team and independently.

Responsibilities

• Provide immediate assessments and timely support to Aboriginal people experiencing homelessness.
• Deliver office-based and outreach IAP services.
• Collaborate with clients to access programs and services and advocate for housing stability.
• Adhere to Victorian Child Safe Standards and contribute to a child-safe organisation.

Skills

Community services qualifications

Experience with Aboriginal homeless

Case management

Team collaboration

Cultural safety

Job description

Initial Assessment and Planning (IAP) Worker

Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-Operative – Geelong VIC

Make a real difference to the local community

Full-Time, Fixed - Term 2 years

Access to Salary Packaging

The Role

The Initial Assessment and Planning role sits within Safe Homes & Healing Team in the Homelessness Programs.

The Initial Assessment and Planning (IAP) Worker will provide immediate and/or timely assessments and immediate support to Aboriginal People experiencing Homelessness. Both office-based and outreach IAP services will be provided by the IAP Team.

Using a collaborative and planned approach to ensure our clients get the services and supports they need to reach their goals. Using Culturally safe practices, the IAP Worker will assess client needs (and family where appropriate) and arrange, coordinate and advocate for the delivery and access to a range of programs and services that support the client to reduce the risk of homelessness and/or achieve stable housing.

About You

Relevant qualifications in community services and social housing; and/orexperience in working with Aboriginal people experiencing or at risk of homelessnessand/or a demonstrated understanding of the issues associated with homelessness and their effects on the Aboriginal Community.

Knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal culture and commitment to the Aboriginal community

Demonstrated understanding of the unique health challenges and social issues faced by the Aboriginal community, including the impacts of alcohol and drug use and homelessness.

Demonstrated skills in case management.

Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a multi skilled team

Skills in working independently, with initiative and as a team member

Willingness and ability to work within and contribute to the vision, purpose and core values of the organisation.

Able to develop positive relationships with clients and work within a stressful environment

Demonstrate commitment to the care and support of homeless and disadvantaged men, women, youth and families

Knowledge of safe and appropriate culturally centred practices for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander focused services, including employment of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.

Demonstrated understanding of social, physical, economical, and cultural strengths and challenges affecting Aboriginal communities and their ability to access adequate and quality services.

Understanding of the purpose and expectations of the Victorian Child Safe Standards and demonstrated commitment to contributing to a child safe organisation in both practice and culture.

Identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.

Demonstrated experience working with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations.

Demonstrated understanding of and awareness of Mana-na woorn-tyeen maar-takoort

Demonstrated knowledge of the homelessness sector and housing options, including the Opening Doors framework and its application to the service setting

*A police check, Working with Children Check, Vaccination Certificate and current Driver Licence are required for all positions.

About Us

Please visit our website for further information: www.wathaurong.org.au

Wathaurong is committed to providing a child safe environment. We have zero tolerance of any abuse or maltreatment of children. We are committed to ensuring children and young people can actively participate in decisions that affect their lives. All children have the right to be children and live free of abuse and neglect, so they can grow, learn, and develop. Everyone within Wathaurong is responsible for ensuring a culture of child safety, preventing child abuse, and abiding by the Child Safety Principles.