OUR ORGANISATION
The Victorian Aboriginal Community Services Association Limited (VACSAL) is the recognised state-wide Peak Advisory body on Aboriginal Community issues. VACSAL is a community based, community-controlled organisation, comprising representatives from Koorie organisations across the State. As well as having an advisory role, VACSAL delivers and manages a range of critical community services across Victoria
The ACHPI program bridges the gap between existing pre- and post-release housing support programs in Victoria. It combines elements of the Corrections Housing Pathways Initiative, Initial Assessment and Planning (IAP), and Enhanced Housing Pathways (EHP) programs, creating a seamless support system for people leaving correctional facilities. The IAP program provides short, targeted episodes of support to assist those incarcerated in Victorian correctional facilities to either maintain their housing while incarcerated or access accommodation and housing for their release. Upon release a client may be referred to either the EHP program or a homelessness entry point for further assistance. The EHP program provides short term case management and flexible funding to help people who have been released from Victorian correctional facilities to access and sustain housing. The EHP program also supports people to engage with a range of universal services so they can maintain their housing. The EHP program currently operates from three DFFH local areas
POSITION SUMMARY
ACHPI workers provide intensive support to a group of ten clients at any one time. This targeted approach allows them to dedicate focused attention to two types of clients:
• Individuals facing short-term incarceration or remand who need help maintaining their current housing in the Northeast Metropolitan area. This ensures they have a stable place to return to upon release.
• Individuals actively transitioning into or out of a correctional facility in other regions- that want to return to Northeast Metropolitan area.
This helps them navigate the challenges of finding and securing suitable housing post-release. Crucially, the length of support is not limited by program targets. Instead, ACHPI workers exercise discretion to ensure each client receives the necessary support to address their specific housing needs and achieve stability.
Overview of service delivery Model
Sustaining tenancies when in a correctional facility on a short-term sentence (less than 6 months)
ACHPI plays a crucial role in securing and maintaining housing stability for clients facing short-term incarceration. Whether residing in social housing or the private rental market, losing housing during a short-term sentence can create significant challenges upon release. By proactively working with landlords, social housing providers, and other support services, ACHPI can minimise disruption and reduce the need for intensive support post-release. At the beginning of their short-term sentence, Clients are assisted through an assessment of their current housing situation. Through face-to-face meetings, video calls, or phone consultations
Upcoming release from a correctional facility
The ACHPI program places crucial importance on preventing homelessness and building a foundation for successful community reintegration. To achieve this, ACHPI workers actively engage with clients within 10 weeks of their release to understand their housing needs and secure a suitable living situation.
KEY RESULT AREAS
Tasks
Culturally Safe Engagement:
• Establish rapport and trust with the client by approaching them in a culturally competent manner that respects their unique background and experiences.
• Create a safe and comfortable space for the client to share their story openly and honestly
Identifying Needs and Assistance:
• Actively listen to the client’s concerns and aspirations to understand their specific needs and desired support.
• Engage in a collaborative discussion to identify suitable assistance options that align with the client’s preferences and goals.
Conduct comprehensive housing assessments:
This evaluates the client’s current housing situation. If this indicates that the client’s housing is currently at risk whilst the person is in the correctional facility, all attempts should be made to sustain the tenancy whilst the person remains incarcerated. Possible actions for ACHPI to complete are dependent on the clients housing tenure:
Emergency accommodation:
Where a client may experience homelessness on their release. ACHPI workers may utilise brokerage options to secure emergency accommodation such as hotel or rooming house options for their release. ACHPI workers must make all attempts to ensure emergency accommodation provided is safe, suitable and located in the clients preferred area.
Administration:
• To maintain all client files and client data in accordance with VACSAL policies and procedures.
• To respond to the immediate needs of the client, in consultation with other services as appropriate.
• To attend staff meetings and participate in professional development programs as directed.
• Accurately and securely maintain clients’ personal details ensuring confidentiality and privacy of all personnel data and transactions.
• To complete monthly reports.
• Undertake other duties that are peripheral to the main tasks, provided that such duties are reasonably within the employee’s skills, competence and training.
• Ensure you have a sound knowledge of all VACSAL programs
• Create a yearly work plan, with bi monthly targets ensuring it aligns with your KPI’s and is in conjunction with your program and the Strategic Plan. These are to be updated bi monthly as part of your Supervisor Sessions.
• Assist with VACSAL community events such as NAIDOC activities, sports carnivals etc
• Attend VACSAL In Service and AGM annually
KEY SELECTION CRITERIA (KSC)
Mandatory KSC:
• Knowledge of Aboriginal services and frameworks in Victoria.
• Knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal history culture and issues affecting the Victorian communities.
• A good understanding and demonstrated experience in providing case management and the homeless service system.
• A good understanding of the effects of trans generational violence and trauma on Aboriginal people exiting and entering prison and their families.
• Experience working with Aboriginal peoples
• Qualifications: Tertiary qualification in social work or similar would be an advantage however is not a requirement of this position.
• A demonstrated ability to write clear and concise reports and assessments.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Working with children’s check
• National police check
• Current Victorian Driver’s License
Other Relevant Information:
• After-hours work may be required
• The successful applicant will be required to disclosure any pre-existing injury/injuries and/or medical condition/s, which could be aggravated by the type of employment they are applying for. The existence of an injury/injuries and/or medical condition/s will not preclude the applicant from employment, unless they are unable to perform the inherent requirements of the position. However, failure to disclose any relevant information may affect a claim for Worker’s Compensation.
Applications for this position must include the following:
1. Written cover letter that outlines why the applicant believes that he/she would be suitable for this position.
2. Detailed Curriculum Vitae that outlines educational and employment background, which must also include at least 3 referees.
3. A detailed response to the Key Selection Criteria. (Word Document/ PDF)
4. All Applications for External Candidates should be submitted online via Seek. (Internal Candidates via the HR App)
5. Continued employment in all positions, whether ongoing, fixed-term or contract is subject to the availability of funding.
