Outreach Case Manager

Outreach Case Manager

Position summary: The Connections Program formed with the bringing together of two of the Agency’s established Low Cost Accommodation Support Programs funded by the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services; Active Connections Program (ACP) and the Community Connections Program (CCP). The Commonwealth now jointly funds the Connections Program through the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP). This program is continuing to evolve its service model and strategies for engagement with isolated consumers in low cost accommodation settings and for those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

The position of Outreach Case Manager in the Connections Program sits within a team of six workers, including the Program Leader. The Team has its office in Broadmeadows. Service delivery is across the Northern Metropolitan Region of Melbourne.

The core function of the Outreach Case Manager in the Connections Program is to initially identify and engage people with complex unmet health and social needs who experience homelessness or housing vulnerability. Working predominantly with older people, the Program aims to support consumers to address their needs through the provision of short term case management and linkages (to the broader service systems) interventions.

The Connections Program utilises a team case management service model in contrast to a key worker model. In team case management, all team members have input into the case plan and variously participate in ongoing work with the consumer. This leads to a very supportive team environment and collegiate style of work. The Agency highly values a comprehensive induction process, the provision of regular (supportive) supervision and workers’ participation in professional development.

A key component of the work is the use of assertive outreach to identify and engage with new clients in various accommodation settings such as public housing estates, rooming houses, caravans, Supported Residential Services and sleeping rough. The Connections Program aims to address barriers to accessing supports and works with the broader service system to improve responses to marginalised consumers.

Community development activities are another important component of the role. These activities have several goals; strengthening communities, enhancing safety, addressing social isolation, facilitating consumers’ engagement with the program and established links to the broader service system which lead to increased health and well being outcomes. Ultimately, the support provided through the community development activities of the Program are focused on preventing homelessness and enabling consumers to continue to live independently in the community. 

Outreach Case Managers are required at all times to follow Merri Outreach Support Service policies and procedures, and to work in a manner that is consistent with the Agency’s mission and vision. Our work practice is informed by program guidelines and service standards set out by the funding body. Workers are expected to adhere to the highest professional and ethical standards in performing their duties and responsibilities.