Organisation : House of Welcome
Location : New South Wales (SOUTH GRANVILLE)
Work type : Full-time
Sector : Community Engagement, Community Support Services, Homelessness & Affordable Housing, Mental Health
Salary type : Annual Package
Application closing date : 27 Aug, 2018
About the organisation
The House of Welcome
Our vision:
The House of Welcome (HOW), a project of St Francis Social Services, is committed to serve people seeking asylum without discrimination on the basis of age, gender, race, sexuality and religion. We recognise that as people, displaced from their homes through war, conflict and persecution and suffering the effects of these events, as well as of time in immigration detention, and experiencing the difficulties of settlement, they are in special need.
About the House of Welcome:
The House of Welcome (HoW), a project of St Francis Social Services, is committed to serve people seeking asylum who are living in the community. Clients come to the HOW through word of mouth, by referral from another organisation and from other clients.
Based in Granville, HoW currently provides medium term accommodation and housing for approximately 100 asylum seekers in 23 properties. In addition to housing, staff and volunteers offer a variety of support services such as casework, financial assistance, foodbank, referrals, advocacy and community development programs for numerous clients across Sydney.
A number of clients cared for by HoW have been living in the community for an extended period of time without benefits. The stress of their journey thus far, their uncertain future and enforced poverty have devastating impacts, such as homelessness, poor health, isolation, family breakdown and mental health concerns.
Within this context, HoW plays a significant role in client-based advocacy working with various agencies, organisations and other client stakeholders.
The House of Welcome aims to:
- provide a place of welcome and friendship for people seeking asylum.
- assist people seeking asylum in their transition to life in Australia and to develop their capacity to engage confidently in various aspects of life in Australia
- promote the rights of people seeking asylum and accompany them as they seek to have their status recognised.
- enable them to become full and independent members of the Australian community.
About the role
A Description of the Position
The role of Caseworker requires a passionate, and self-motivated individual. The Caseworker is responsible for managing an on-going client case load, performing detailed intake assessment, identifying key needs and risks, external referral and advocacy, internal referral to appropriate HoW programs and on-going case management. The Caseworker reports directly to the Casework Manager, and is a critical member of the House of Welcome and St Francis Social Services Team.
The position requires a high level of collaboration, a commitment to teamwork and a passion to advocate for and uphold the rights of people seeking asylum and refugees living in the community.
Essential Criteria:
- Relevant tertiary qualifications and experience in social work, community services, or similar fields.
- Demonstrated casework experience, especially in a cross-cultural setting.
- Demonstrated experience working with clients experiencing grief, loss and trauma.
- Demonstrated ability to negotiate, liaise, advocate and network with internal and external stakeholders.
- Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills
- Demonstrated ability to manage a diverse work plan and competing workloads
- Proficiency in MS Office and experience using databases.
- A current Working with Children check.
- Strong support for the culture and mission of SFSS and the ability to work in a team culture of service to others which is consistent with Catholic social teaching.
- Driver’s licence and ability to drive own vehicle if required.
Desirable
- Demonstrated understanding of settlement issues impacting individuals and families.
- The ability to speak a community language
- Experience delivering presentations and workshops
How to apply
Applications not allowed for this job listing.
Please quote in application: Caseworker via Pro Bono Australia.
Sector: #Community_Engagement, #Community_Support_Services, #Homelessness_and_Affordable_Housing, #Mental_Health
