Youth Worker – Housing Program

Job Description

ABOUT THE ROLE

Transitional housing is a form of social housing delivered by Queensland Youth and Families Support Services (QYFSS). Transitional housing is not long term housing but aims to provide support to eligible young people aged 16 -25 years with life skills and case management for up to 12 months, then support to transition into independent living through:

• Shared accommodation
• Youth worker support
• Support and referral to other services
• Life skills
• Employment Assistance

Our youth workers aim to support young people that is client focused and client centred where young people actively participate in identifying their support needs including individual support, tailored activities, lifestyle education, community participation and advocacy

The young person can contact Queensland Youth and Families Support Services themselves, or be referred by service providers, family members, schools, friends, police or government agencies by phoning (07) 3818 1050 or completing a Queensland Homelessness Information Platform (QHIP) assessment.

The transitional housing program is funded through the Department of Housing and Public Works.

ABOUT YOU

Demonstrated experience working with young people with high and complex needs and an understanding of the issues and challenges in responding to their needs.

Ability to provide brief solution focussed crisis interventions and ongoing case managed support.

Strong communication skills, including oral and written skills, writing report and case files, collaborating with community services, and the ability to liaise effectively with young people and advocate on their behalf.

Strong planning and organisational skills and the ability to work solo shifts in a residential setting.

Ability to respond quickly in a crisis situation and make appropriate decisions to ensure the safety of young people, yourself and / or other staff.

• Provide to clients appropriate case management
• Ensure case notes are accurate, up to date and written in a professional manner
• Monitor and evaluate client progress by completing regular ISP (Individual Support Plan)
• Input all housing vacancies and details on QUIP (QLD Homeless Information Platform) and respond accordingly
• Conduct QHIP assessments
• Conduct interviews and assess client’s needs for housing
• Appropriately select clients on a needs basis for the housing/youth program, with other staff
• teach clients, where necessary life skills such as how to clean
• Develop programs to assist clients and their families to achieve positive outcomes
• Assess client needs and provide in-house training programs for housing clients with input from in house clients, in consultation with housing staff
• Provide relevant support, advocacy and information to all clients and their families
• Carry out regular house inspections
• Manage 1 property
• Respect the client’s privacy and confidentiality and have a good working knowledge of relevant privacy legislation
• Ensure the proper maintenance of data collection in all programs, client files and statistics, etc.
• Have a good understanding of social justice issues for clients and their families
• Advocate effectively for clients to prevent homelessness, by providing referrals and advice
• Have a good working knowledge of all relevant legislation
• Manage any concerns and behaviours of clients through Case Management