Youth Refuge Worker

About the Opportunity

Melbourne City Mission are the largest provider of youth crisis accommodation in Victoria. There are four Youth Refuges within Melbourne City Mission – Stopover; WRAP – Western Region Accommodation Program; Iramoo and Vicky’s Place. All these four supported crisis accommodation services are for young people aged 16 to 24.

• Iramoo Youth Refuge is a purpose-built facility in Werribee, a growth corridor that is seeing a steady increase in young people experiencing homelessness. It is a cluster model with large program rooms to be able to run therapeutic and living skills programs. The Refuge has 10 rooms (including a disability access room) and can accommodate families, couples and single young people.
• Western Region Accommodation Program (WRAP) Youth Refuge is located in Sunshine and is a cluster model refuge that can accommodate 2 single males, 2 single females in shared spaces, 2 family units and a crisis bungalow for a 7 night stay.
• Stopover Youth Refuge is situated in North Fitzroy and can accommodate 9 young people.
• Vicky’s Place Youth Refuge accommodates up to 7 young women and their children in Rosanna. This is a secure address.

All the Refuges work within a strengths-based framework and focuses on assisting young people to build of their existing skills and develop their own capabilities.

The Youth Refuge Worker will assist with providing structured support, assessment and referral to young people and their children within the program and providing assistance to access appropriate accommodation options particularly youth housing, family reconciliation, private rental and public housing.
The Youth Refuge Worker provides structured support to young people who are accommodated at the Refuge in accordance with DFFH and MCM guidelines and offers support to residents in finding appropriate accommodation and support services suitable to needs. Workers shall maintain an environment that promotes the health and safety of all residents and staff; fulfil the record keeping, data and other administrative functions of the service; and assist the general day to day running of the refuge.

About you

We are looking for someone who can:

• Provide structured support whilst on shift, including completion of intake and safety planning assessments with young people and their children.
• Provide assistance to access appropriate specialist support services.
• Respond appropriately to young people presenting with difficult and challenging behaviours.
• Maintain an environment that ensures the health and safety of all residents and staff.
• Liaise and work cooperatively with housing and other human service agencies within the region to provide homeless young people an appropriate support service.

Benefits of working with MCM include:

• Diverse and inclusive organisation
• Attractive Salary Packaging benefits
• Supportive learning and development environment
• Culture of continuous improvement

Essential:

• Tertiary qualifications in Social Work, Youth Work, or related community services field or(Certificate IV with demonstrated experience minimum).
• A clear understanding of working within a case management framework including client assessment and intake processes.
• Strong ability to actively and assertively engage young people with complex needs, particularly in a residential environment.
• An understanding of the homelessness service system with knowledge of patterns, trends and systemic issues, and principles in working with at risk young people.
• Knowledge of local and regional human service networks and service providers.

Screening Criteria

• National Police check
• Working with Children check
• Valid Victorian Drivers license
• Right to Work in Australia

Applications for this role close: 25 July 2024, so please apply early.  Please include your current resume and cover letter.
Please review the position description to understand more about the role and responsibilities.  For assistance with your application please email: recruitment@mcm.org.au

About MCM

MCM is an inclusive and equal opportunity employer with a strong commitment to safety. MCM embraces differences because we know that diversity and inclusion help us to attract, recruit, engage and retain talented people. 
We are a leading not-for profit-for-purpose organisation that offer a broad range of services in Early Years, Disability, Homelessness, Palliative Care and Education.

Our commitment to Diversity

At MCM, we embrace differences in gender, age, ethnicity, race, cultural background, disability, religion and sexual orientation. We know that diversity and inclusion helps us to attract, recruit, engage and retain a team of talented people. 

Our commitment to Safety

MCM is committed to the safety of its clients and employees, taking a zero-tolerance approach to violence within the workplace and abuse, including child abuse and abuse of people with disability. All employees are required to comply with the Child Safe Standards.