Outreach Case Manager

Outreach Case Manager

Position summary

In 2016 Banyule Housing Support Group merged with Merri Outreach Support Service (MOSS). Banyule Housing Support team of two workers became part of the Transitional Outreach Support Team (TOST). The position of Outreach Case Manager will be based at Shop 48, Bell Street Mall in West Heidelberg but be part of the Transitional Outreach Support Team (TOST) which is based at 279 High Street, Northcote. The core function of the Outreach Case Manager is to provide case management and outreach to individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless in the North East Melbourne Area (NEMA) Case management is delivered using a team case management model. This work includes providing support to children within families. Typically the role requires that the majority of contact with consumers occurs within their accommodation setting, albeit service delivery models have altered in response to COVID-19 with working from home and an increased focus on consumers in hotel emergency accommodation. The work of the Outreach Case Manager is likely to revert to a traditional model as 2021 unfolds.

All support programs at MOSS utilise a team case management approach, rather than a key worker model. In team case management all team members have input into the case plan and ongoing work with the consumer. The aim is to achieve better outcomes for consumers through additional support work, building upon the responses already provided by Access Points as part of the Opening Doors Framework.

The Outreach Case Manager role includes reporting requirements using a computer data base reporting and case management tool, Specialist Homelessness Information Platform (SHIP) for Specialist Homelessness Services (SHS). Consumer file keeping, including electronic case notes is an important task. Workers are expected to participate in and contribute to community development and agency development as part of their role.

Networking and participating in the development of the homelessness service system are another important requirement of the position. Merri Outreach Support Service is part of the Opening Doors model and a member of the regional Local Area Service Network (LASN). Workers are involved in Continuous Quality Improvement and meeting the Human Services Standards and ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Standard. Referrals will also be taken from services within the City of Banyule.

The Outreach Case Manager is required at all times to work within the policies and philosophical framework of Merri Outreach Support Service, the guidelines and standards of the funding body and to adhere to the highest professional and ethical standards in performing their duties and responsibilities associated with the position.