Housing Support Worker

About the role

The Housing Support Worker provides practical, person-cantered support to people participating in our transitional supported accommodation programs. The role works alongside participants to strengthen housing stability, address barriers to long-term housing and build the skills needed to obtain and maintain safe, appropriate and sustainable accommodation. The position combines case management and housing pathway support with regular home visits, tenancy-readiness work, referrals, advocacy, accurate record keeping and collaboration with internal and external services.

Key responsibilities

• Build respectful, professional and culturally safe relationships with participants, recognising individual strengths, goals and circumstances.
• Complete assessments and develop, implement and review individual case management plans with participants.
• Meet with participants regularly to review progress, identify barriers and agree with the next steps.
• Provide brief intervention, advocacy and practical assistance in areas affecting housing stability, including income, budgeting, health and wellbeing, education, employment, family, cultural and community connections.
• Work with participants from commencement of support to identify realistic pathways to long-term housing.
• Assist with housing applications, supporting documentation, referrals and engagement with relevant housing providers and specialist services.
• Support participants to develop tenancy-readiness skills including rent management, budgeting, property care, household management, neighbour relations and understanding occupancy requirements.
• Undertake scheduled home and support visits in accordance with program requirements, including weekly visits during the initial period where applicable.
• Develop and maintain strong referral pathways with housing, homelessness, health, financial, legal, family, cultural and community services.
• Maintain accurate, timely and professional case notes, assessments, plans, referrals and other program records.

About you

• Relevant qualifications in community services, human services, social work, housing or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Experience supporting people who are experiencing homelessness, at risk of homelessness or facing complex barriers to maintaining housing.
• Experience in case management, tenancy support, accommodation services or a related community services environment is desirable.
• Experience working respectfully with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people from diverse cultural backgrounds is highly regarded.
• Maintain professional boundaries and protect participant privacy and confidentiality.

About us

The St Vincent de Paul Society (Society) is a lay Catholic organisation that aspires to live the gospel message by serving Christ in the poor with love, respect, justice, hope and joy, by working to shape a more just and compassionate society.