Leaving Care Housing Practitioner

Cafs; Ballarat; On-site; AUD 106,000 - 111,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging

3 days paid Christmas Leave

Professional development

Above award entitlements

Job summary

Cafs invites you to join the Youth Case Management & Better Futures team as a Leaving Care Housing Practitioner in Ballarat, VIC. You’ll deliver housing-focused case management to young people leaving care or transitioning to independence, collaborating with carers, protection services and housing providers to create lasting housing pathways.

The role emphasizes trauma-informed practice, advocacy and system navigation, supporting clients with complex needs and ensuring safe, stable housing

Qualifications

• Experience in housing-focused case management.
• Advocacy and system navigation for vulnerable youth.
• Trauma-informed and therapeutic practice principles.

Responsibilities

• Deliver housing-focused case management aligned with care plans.
• Develop housing transition plans to support sustainable outcomes.
• Advocate for access to public, community and private housing options.
• Support budgeting, tenancy responsibilities and independent living skills.
• Build partnerships with housing providers and homelessness services.
• Coordinate Leaving Care Planning with DFFH requirements.
• Maintain accurate client records and reporting.

Job description

Join our Youth Case Management & Better Futures team and help young people secure safe, stable housing as they transition from care to independence

Employment type: Full Time Permanent
Classification: Social Worker Level 5 (SW5)
Salary: $105,736 to $110,518 + superannuation
Salary packaging options: Up to $15,900 plus meals and entertainment benefits
Location: Ballarat, VIC
Above award entitlements: Including 3 days paid Christmas Leave annually

Leaving Care Housing Practitioner

Join our Youth Case Management & Better Futures team and help young people secure safe, stable housing as they transition from care to independence

Employment type: Full Time Permanent
Classification: Social Worker Level 5 (SW5)
Salary: $105,736 to $110,518 + superannuation
Salary packaging options: Up to $15,900 plus meals and entertainment benefits
Location: Ballarat, VIC
Above award entitlements: Including 3 days paid Christmas Leave annually

Our Values

At Cafs, our work is guided by the values of:

Respect | Integrity | Collaboration | Kindness | Innovation

About the Program

Young people leaving care are at increased risk of housing instability and homelessness. The Leaving Care Housing Program provides targeted, housing-focused support to young people transitioning from care, helping them secure, establish and sustain long-term housing outcomes. The program operates in alignment with DFFH leaving care requirements and supports statutory Leaving Care Planning from age 15, together with ongoing post-care support.

Working alongside young people, care teams, housing providers and community services, the program aims to improve independence, reduce homelessness and create stronger pathways to adulthood.

About the Role

As a Leaving Care Housing Practitioner, you will deliver housing-focused case management to young people in care and transitioning from care, supporting them to access and maintain safe and appropriate housing.

You will work collaboratively with young people, carers, Child Protection, housing providers and community agencies to develop housing pathways that align with broader wellbeing and transition goals. This role requires strong advocacy, system navigation and engagement skills to support young people with complex needs, including those experiencing trauma, mental health challenges, disability and AOD concerns.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver housing-focused case management aligned with case plans and leaving care planning.
• Develop and implement housing transition plans that support sustainable outcomes.
• Advocate for young people to access public, community and private housing options.
• Support young people to build independent living skills, including budgeting, tenancy responsibilities and daily living skills.
• Build strong partnerships with housing providers and homelessness services.
• Contribute to statutory Leaving Care Planning in line with DFFH requirements.
• Coordinate responses across care teams to support successful housing outcomes.
• Maintain accurate client records and reporting requirements.
• Identify and respond to risks relating to housing instability and homelessness.
• Apply trauma-informed and therapeutic practice principles, including TBRI.
• Work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to achieve positive outcomes for young people.

Why Join Cafs?

At Cafs, you'll join a supportive and inclusive organisation where your contribution genuinely matters.

• Salary packaging benefits
• Professional development and career progression opportunities
• Regular supervision and reflective practice support
• A supportive, collaborative and values-based culture
• An organisation committed to child safety, inclusion, diversity and eliminating family violence
• Opportunities to positively influence the lives of young people transitioning from care
• Above-award benefits, including 3 days paid Christmas Leave annually

Our Commitment

Inclusion and diversity are at the heart of everything we do at Cafs. We welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, members of the LGBTIQA+ community and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

"To work with people to enable healing, hope and meaningful impact across all generations."