DACO (Darebin Assertive Community Outreach) Coordinator

The Coordinator of the Darebin Assertive Community Outreach (DACO) program is an exciting leadership role overseeing and supporting the DACO team members and consumers. The position is part of a project to assist people sleeping rough or at risk of sleeping rough, in the City of Darebin. In June 2019, Darebin Council committed to funding and establishing a two-year assertive outreach program to bridge the gap between rough sleepers and the service system. The program was initially funded for two full-time workers and more recently an additional part-time position and a Coordinator position have been funded to work as part of the larger Crisis Program based at the Northcote office until the 30^th of April 2022, with the possibility of a renewal of contract. The Darebin Assertive Community Outreach (DACO) program will be delivered in partnership and have direct reporting requirements to the Darebin Council.

The Darebin Assertive Community Outreach program will include:

• Actively seek out and engage rough sleepers using assertive outreach
• Provide street level service delivery, short-term case management and linkages to other support services
• Referrals to various housing and accommodation options
• Referrals to general and specialist services
• Establish a rough sleeper local task force

The role of the DACO Coordinator is a dynamic position with many competing demands. It is therefore critical the coordinator possesses highly developed facilitative leadership skills to maintain effective service delivery, meet funding targets, ensure practice conforms with specified service standards and a culture of continuous improvement. The DACO Coordinator will proactively lead team members through change management. Whilst the Coordinator role is primarily a leadership role, it will also include case management.

Referrals for the DACO program come from a variety of places including Darebin Council. The DACO program responds to and prioritises Council rough sleeper referrals, however, it is acknowledged that urgent referrals from other sources may also need to be responded to as a priority. The DACO Coordinator plays a key role in managing the relationships with Key Stakeholders to maximize the outcomes for consumers. This includes receiving and responding to referrals that are sent to the DACO program.

Case management is delivered using a team case management model. Typically, the role requires that the majority of contact with consumers occurs in an outreach capacity.

The DACO program reporting requirements are completed using a computer data base reporting and case management tool based on the Specialist Homelessness Information Platform (SHIP) used by Specialist Homelessness Services (SHS). Consumer file keeping, including electronic case notes is an important task. The DACO Coordinator is responsible for ensuring that all DACO staff are able to utilise this data-base effectively.

The DACO Coordinator is expected to be actively involved in various working groups and participate in and contribute to community development and agency development as part of their role.

The DACO Coordinator is required at all times to follow Merri Outreach Support Service policies and procedures and ensure that the DACO team members do likewise. The Program should work in a manner that is consistent with the Agency’s mission and vision. The DACO Coordinator will oversee work practice which is informed by program guidelines and service standards set out by the funding body. They will be expected to adhere to the highest professional and ethical standards in performing their duties and responsibilities. The DACO Coordinator reports directly to the Crisis Support Manager.