Expression of Interest: Housing Workers

Employing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People at Ngwala is essential to maintaining culturally aligned services. We STRONGLY encourage Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander people to apply for this role and others as they become available.

About Us:

Ngwala Willumbong Aboriginal Corporation is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation that is dedicated to delivering quality specialist Alcohol and Drug Treatment, Housing and Homeless and other services to meet the needs of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) People and their families. Our services operate across Victoria.

We have multiple opportunities across our Aboriginal Entry Point (AEP) and Southern Housing Programs. Our AEP program runs statewide, and our Southern services run across the Bayside Peninsula Area. We are seeking applications for Full time positions.

About the Roles

Aboriginal Tenancies at Risk Worker

• Offers assessment, referral, and case management to address risk factors that threaten public and social housing tenancies
• Aims to resolve underlying issues and achieve outcomes that lead to successful, sustainable public and social housing tenancies
• Ensures client contact within 48 hours of referral to conduct assessments and connect them with emergency accommodation or support services

Housing First Worker

• Delivers intensive, culturally appropriate support to Aboriginal individuals and families to secure stable housing and achieve personal goals
• Provides assertive outreach and office-based services, committing to responding to walk-in clients and referrals within 24 hours
• Completes Initial Assessment and Planning (IAP) tools and works closely with multidisciplinary teams to coordinate holistic care and long-term case plans

Initial Assessment & Planning Worker

• Delivers immediate, culturally safe assessments and support to Aboriginal people experiencing homelessness through both office-based services and assertive outreach
• Acts as a primary point of contact by responding to walk-in clients and referrals within 24 hours to ensure timely access to critical resources
• Collaborates within a multidisciplinary team to conduct initial planning and provide interim case management that helps community members become "housing ready"

Aboriginal Private Rental Assistant Program (APRAP)

• The Program focuses on securing housing by negotiating with landlords/real estate agents and coordinating with local services to improve Aboriginal households' access to the private rental market
• The Program provides time-limited, intensive outreach to address issues like rent arrears or tenancy disputes, ensuring households can sustain their housing and avoid homelessness
• Both roles work together to assist households in moving from crisis accommodation into private rentals or stabilizing existing tenancies through tailored financial advocacy and holistic case management

Transitional Housing Worker

• Provides structured support within specific program areas, such as Aboriginal Tenancies at Risk, Transitional Housing, or Initial Assessment and Planning (IAP).
• Uses assessment tools to identify client needs and advocates for access to essential services that reduce the risk of homelessness and help families reach their goals.
• Delivers a collaborative, planned approach to ensure clients achieve stable housing in alignment with specific program targets and funded objectives.

Skills & Experience

• Experience working within an ACCO and/or the Homelessness Services Sector
• Knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal culture and commitment to the Aboriginal community
• A demonstrated understanding of the issues associated with homelessness and their effects on the Aboriginal Community
• Demonstrated skills in case management, including referral pathways and community, stakeholder and support services.
• Demonstrated understanding of housing and homelessness policy, context and systems
• Networking skills to build and maintain relationships with various stakeholders, including local health services, law enforcement agencies, and Aboriginal organisations.
• Outreach skills to conduct assertive outreach within the community, demonstrating sensitivity and respect for cultural norms and practices.
• Computer literacy skills including Microsoft Office suite
• Good organisation and time management skills

Mandatory Requirements:

• Current Victorian driver's licence
• National Police Certificate (not older than 3 months)
• Victorian Employment Working with Children Check

Desirable

• Certificate IV in Social Housing, Community Services or relevant
• First Aid and CPR or Mental Health First Aid
• Client Incident Management System (CIMS) Training
• MARAM Training

What we offer:

• Full Time Opportunities – Monday to Friday 9 AM to 5 PM
• SCHADS Crisis Accommodation Level 1 or 2
• NFP Salary Packaging Benefits up to $15,900
• An opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
• A supportive and culturally inclusive work environment.
• Ongoing professional development and training.

How to Apply:

If you are passionate about supporting individuals on their recovery journey and promoting cultural safety, we would love to hear from you. Please provide the following:

• A cover letter outlining why you would be a great fit for this role
• A resume which outlines your educational and employment background

*Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit pre-employment checks including a Police Check (no older than 3 months), Victorian Employment Working with Children Check, Health Declaration and/or a medical check as well as right to work in Australia Check.