Leaving Care Housing Practitioner

Join our Youth Case Management & Better Futures team and help young people secure safe, stable housing as they transition from care to independence.

Employment type: Full Time Permanent
Classification: Social Worker Level 5 (SW5)
Salary: $105,736 to $110,518 + superannuation
Salary packaging options: Up to $15,900 plus meals and entertainment benefits
Location: Ballarat, VIC
Above award entitlements: Including 3 days paid Christmas Leave annually

Our Values

At Cafs, our work is guided by the values of:

Respect | Integrity | Collaboration | Kindness | Innovation

About the Program

Young people leaving care are at increased risk of housing instability and homelessness. The Leaving Care Housing Program provides targeted, housing-focused support to young people transitioning from care, helping them secure, establish and sustain long-term housing outcomes. The program operates in alignment with DFFH leaving care requirements and supports statutory Leaving Care Planning from age 15, together with ongoing post-care support.

Working alongside young people, care teams, housing providers and community services, the program aims to improve independence, reduce homelessness and create stronger pathways to adulthood.

About the Role

As a Leaving Care Housing Practitioner, you will deliver housing-focused case management to young people in care and transitioning from care, supporting them to access and maintain safe and appropriate housing.

You will work collaboratively with young people, carers, Child Protection, housing providers and community agencies to develop housing pathways that align with broader wellbeing and transition goals. This role requires strong advocacy, system navigation and engagement skills to support young people with complex needs, including those experiencing trauma, mental health challenges, disability and AOD concerns.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver housing-focused case management aligned with case plans and leaving care planning.
• Develop and implement housing transition plans that support sustainable outcomes.
• Advocate for young people to access public, community and private housing options.
• Support young people to build independent living skills, including budgeting, tenancy responsibilities and daily living skills.
• Build strong partnerships with housing providers and homelessness services.
• Contribute to statutory Leaving Care Planning in line with DFFH requirements.
• Coordinate responses across care teams to support successful housing outcomes.
• Maintain accurate client records and reporting requirements.
• Identify and respond to risks relating to housing instability and homelessness.
• Apply trauma-informed and therapeutic practice principles, including TBRI.
• Work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to achieve positive outcomes for young people.

Why Join Cafs?

At Cafs, you'll join a supportive and inclusive organisation where your contribution genuinely matters.

• Salary packaging benefits
• Professional development and career progression opportunities
• Regular supervision and reflective practice support
• A supportive, collaborative and values-based culture
• An organisation committed to child safety, inclusion, diversity and eliminating family violence
• Opportunities to positively influence the lives of young people transitioning from care
• Above-award benefits, including 3 days paid Christmas Leave annually

How to Apply

If you are passionate about helping young people build independence, maintain stable housing and create positive futures beyond care, we'd love to hear from you.

APPLY NOW!

To find out more about this opportunity please refer to the attached Position Description when applying or contact the Youth Case Management & Better Futures team or Jen Allen, Talent Acquisition Partner, on 03 •••• •333 for a confidential discussion.

Applications close 4 September 2026. Please note that applications may be reviewed as they are received, and applicants may be contacted for interview prior to the closing date. All applicants must be eligible to work in Australia, and employment will be subject to satisfactory Police and Victorian Working with Children Checks.

Our Commitment

Inclusion and diversity are at the heart of everything we do at Cafs. We welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, members of the LGBTIQA+ community and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

"To work with people to enable healing, hope and meaningful impact across all generations."