POSITION DESCRIPTION

Coordinator – Stepping Stones (Crisis Accommodation Service) SWS

ABOUT UNITING

Our purpose:To inspire people, enliven communities and confront injustice.

Our values: As an organisation we are imaginative, respectful, compassionate and bold.

At Uniting, we believe in taking real steps to make the world a better place. We work toinspire people, enliven communities and confront injustice.

Our services are in the areas of aged care, disability, child and family, community services, and chaplaincy and we get involved in social justice and advocacy issues that impact the people we serve. As an organisation we celebrate diversity and welcome all people regardless of lifestyle choices, ethnicity, faith, sexual orientation or gender identity.

Uniting is one of the largest not-for-profit community service providers in NSW and the ACT, with a rich history of providing services to the community for more than 100 years. We have more than 550 services, as far north as Tweed Heads, as far west as Broken Hill, and as far south as the ACT.

Our focus is always on the people we serve, no matter where they are at in their life. Our range of supports and services are designed in partnership with clients and around their needs

ABOUT THE ROLE

This is a management role within the South West Sydneyteam and is responsible for co-ordinatingStepping Stones Crisis Accommodation services for young people 12 to 16years.

This role is focused onproviding day to day coordination, management and leadership of a team delivering a well-coordinated accommodation and casework support response, referral pathways and restoration options to meet the needs of young people and their families. Working in partnership with government departments, other organisations in the region and across Uniting to ensure the success of the program. The service integrates trauma informed and strength based approaches with a variety of wrap around services to work with young people to support and facilitate their restoration to home, enhancement of their significant relationships and increased personal well-being.

ROLE OBJECTIVES

You’ll play a key management role as a member of a management team within the South West Sydney region, you will actively participate in:

  • Developing a stronger and more unified Uniting
  • Working with the Program Manager to define the priorities and appropriate outcomes for the Stepping Stones Crisis Accommodation team and your specific areas of accountability
  • Working with your colleagues to translate Regional and Business Streamstrategies into local plans and tactics, thereby ensuring a consistency in co-ordinationand continuum of care
  • CommunicatingUniting and Business Streamstrategiesand plans to team membersin engaging ways,translating these into meaningful work and fostering a One Uniting way of operating
  • Providing team leadership and working productively as a positive role model

As Coordinator for Stepping Stones crisis accommodation service you will:

  • Provide efficient and effective management of theStepping Stones crisis accommodation service and team
  • Oversee the implementation of the program’s day to day practice so that it serves the needs of young people, reflects Uniting’s core values and meets the service guidelines.
  • Develop in collaboration with the program Manager and Casework Practice Coach a rigorous, trauma informed practice framework, processes, procedures and strategies for working with young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness that have multiple needs and ensure the implementation of these across the program.
  • In consultation with other Coordinators and the Manager, ensure that service standards, identified targets and outcomes of the program are achieved.
  • Ensure all referrals coming into the program receiveappropriate assessment, casework support and/or referrals, working collaboratively with other co-ordinators, intake and casework staff, and other relevant internal and external services.
  • Develop an intentionally inclusive service and equip staff to work positively with culture, gender and ability differences.
  • Assist when necessary with casework or other support for young people especially in crisis situations and with clients who have complex needs.
  • Prepare relevant program work plans and reports against achievements as required by funding bodies and the agency.
  • Actively participate in local and sector networks, advocacy and consultations as relevant to the program target populations.
  • Work in support of other Uniting functions and teams to foster coordination across the organisation, avoiding duplication, standardizing on efficient processes and delivering continuous improvement
  • Be available for after hours or on call as required
  • Manage delivery of specific projects within the Business Plans.
  • Any other duties in line with your role as requested by your Manager

ABOUT YOU IN THE ROLE

Your classification: 53

Your directorate: Resilient Families

You’ll report to: Manager Youth Hope and Stepping Stones

Your direct reports: Stepping Stones Residential workers and caseworker

Your key relationships:

Internal:

  • Manager Youth Hope and Stepping Stones
  • Stepping Stones Residential Workers and Caseworker
  • Doorways for Youth Residential Co-ordinator and team
  • Youth Hope Coordinators and team
  • Casework Practice Coach – Youth Hope and Stepping Stones
  • Practice Manager Youth and Homelessness

External:

  • Family and Community Services
  • SAL Consulting
  • Housing and Homelessness Services across SWS
  • Community Housing Providers

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial management:

  • In collaboration with the Program Manager ensure that all activities and operations within the scope of responsibility are performed in accordance with the allocated budget and internal policy guidelinesadapting the program where necessary
  • Monitor Income and Expenditure reports and manage functional/team expenditure in accordance with agreed plans, timelines and external funding expectations
  • Ensure the effective use of brokerage funds to maximise outcomes for service users.

Operational Processes

  • Monitor and initiate appropriate action (in line with Policy and Procedures) in regards to the maintenance and upkeep of program infrastructure (house and property, pool vehicles, equipment etc).
  • Coordinate the Stepping Stones service, in consultation with Program Manager and other program Coordinators, ensuring administration, HR, financial and other systems are of a high standard and comply with government and Uniting policies and practice.
  • Ensure the development and implementation of clear documented operational and practice processes to assist the delivery of client centred evidence informed practice.
  • Provide a program that has a has a well developed and implemented trauma informed practice framework integrating evidence informed models and ensure that staff are implementing these in a way that deliver positive client outcomes and meet service standards
  • Oversee the Stepping Stones roster to provide on-site staffing support ensuring that the needs of the young people are met and that the staffing model is viable and cost effective.
  • Ensure written and electronic documentation and reporting is maintained pertinent to the position, including daily reports, case plans, CIMS, VMS and other data reporting requirements, other communication systems and all financial systems (for example, the petty cash register).
  • After consultation, you’ll be willing to undertake additional duties, transfer to another equivalent position or assume higher duties when required
  • Implement Uniting policies, processes, systems and platforms (including technology) so as to ensure efficiency of the wider organization
  • Provide and / or make arrangements for the provision of supervision, training, instruction, information and equipment necessary for staff in your area of responsibility to perform duties in a safe, effective and efficient manner
  • Maintain awareness of and fulfill responsibilities, authorities and accountabilities as defined by Uniting’s health, safety and wellbeing management system and in adherence to the attached WHS responsibilities by role
  • Participate and comply with all quality management systems and processes

Client Management:

  • Provide a framework that facilitates a smooth intake and exit of young peopleto and from the program in a timely manner ensuring appropriate support and referrals are in place to support the restoration of the young people to their home where safe and appropriate to do so.
  • Develop an intentionally inclusive service with particular attention to Aboriginal and CALD young people and seeking to identify methods to connect with the hidden homeless.
  • Provide a best practice approach to managing and responding to issues around safety and risk for young people and mitigating negative impacts on their overall wellbeing.
  • Provide a safe and supportive environment for young people that contributes positively to their psychological and physical well-being.
  • Maintain positive relationships with Family and Community Services, housing providers and agents, other SHS providers and other key stakeholders to ensure that the Stepping Stones program is able to achieve the best possible outcomes for young people in the region.
  • Ensure that engagement with external parties enhances Uniting’s reputation and growth
  • Maintain a high standard of conduct and work performance to promote our reputation with key internal and external stakeholders

People Management:

  • Act as a constructive member of the South West Sydney Services team
  • Represent the team and its decisions to your own team members
  • Ensure adequate systems, support and development opportunities are in place for staff to ensure that they can deliver services and support to young people and their families that is bedded in best practice.
  • Provide supervision to Stepping Stones staff at least monthly and provide regular support to assist them to empower young people with the skills and support networks necessary, to support restoration to their family where it is safe and appropriate to do so.
  • Structure and staff your team with appropriate skills, capability and talent.
  • Proactively develop and lead a cohesive and productive team with regular team meetings and opportunities for interaction and collaboration
  • Drive a culture of openness, feedback and productivity
  • Positively model and hold direct reports accountable for upholding the Code of Conduct and Ethical Behaviour for Uniting
  • Provide role clarity to your direct reports and team, ensuring that performance expectations, development and accountabilities are clearly set and that progress is monitored and assured with provision of effective feedback
  • Build and maintain effective team relationships – within own team and with others
  • Actively engage and participate in the performance management framework and review processes across Uniting
  • Engage in professional development and set and fulfill development goals for yourself and your team
  • Model and represent the Uniting culture and values internally and externally, communicating and acting in ways that are consistent with values of Bold, Respectful, Imaginative and Compassionate
  • Model the values and an understanding of the Uniting Church, respecting and valuing the inherent dignity and uniqueness of each person, celebrating diversity, prioritising collaboration, passionately pursuing social justice and inclusion
  • Take care for the safety of yourself and others at all times and undertake work in a safe manner in accordance with policies, procedures and instructions (written or verbal) and in adherence to the attached WHS responsibilities by role

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

Financial management:

  • Performance is monitored on an ongoing basis and financial targets achieved asestablished by the annual budget process
  • Income and Expenditure balance at the end of the financial year and program is monitored and adapted to achieve this outcome
  • Expenses managed in line with agreed timelines, funding expectations and appropriate approval processes

Operational processes:

  • All stakeholders are constantly communicated with and remain informed and involved in appropriate aspects and projects of the performance of your team or area
  • Data collection including CIMS and VMS are in place and implemented
  • Programs and property comply with Uniting’s policies, legislation and standards
  • Staff are trained and resourced to provide services that are inclusive and culturally responsive
  • Program outcomes, targets and reporting deadlines are achieved
  • Program has awell-developed practice framework integrating evidence based models and staff are implementing these in a way that deliver positive client outcomes and meet service standards
  • A comprehensive wrap around program for young people and their families is provided and includes a caseplan that is trauma informed and addresses the individual challenges and opportunities for young people and their families, focusing on restoring the young person to their home, maximising their personal well-being and developing their capacity and life skills.
  • Staff roster is effective, meets award and/or EBA standards and provides appropriate coverage of the service consistent with funders expectations and program model
  • Ensure the program is welcoming, responsive and client focused and incorporates approaches to family restoration and enhancement of social relationships
  • A leadership approach which demonstrates warmth and empathy, initiative, collaboration with staff and stakeholders, reflective practice, clear and respectful communication and availability and responsiveness to crises, staff and client issues.

Client management:

  • Client feedback shows sustained improvement
  • Client feedback indicates their respect for services (work) provided and a good working relationship with you and your team
  • Effective client relationships are in place and stakeholders indicate high levels of satisfaction with service delivery
  • Clients are receiving a service that is safe, consistent, appropriate and responsive to their needs
  • Clients are equipped with strategies to positively manage their own responses to conflict and challenges
  • Client crises are responded to in an appropriate and timely manner regardless of the time of day

People management:

  • Feedback from your line Manager confirms your effectiveness as a people manager and your positive contribution as a member of the Youth and Homelessness Servicesteam
  • Feedback from colleagues and their teams confirms your contribution to an integrated Uniting
  • Safety reports confirm WHS as a priority and effective management/reduction of incidents is evidenced
  • Standards of professional behaviour demonstrate alignment with the Uniting values and are effectively role modeled in all workforce interactions
  • Staff engagement survey indicates high level of engagement from the team and endorses your role as coordinator
  • Staff recruitment, induction, support, monitoring systems and practice in place ensuring staff and the program are achieving positive engagement and outcomes with clients in line with FACS and organisational expectations and staff turnover is minimal.
  • Staff team demonstrates a positive problem solving culture focused on providing client centered services, innovation and collaboration to achieve outcomes
  • Formal annual performance reviews are conducted against agreed KPI’s for all direct reports and position descriptions are reviewed and updated annually
  • Staff are trained and resourced to provide appropriate services to clients in line with practice models, legislation and service standards
  • Relationships with internal and external stakeholders are positive
  • Staff recruitment, induction, support, monitoring systems and practice in place ensuring staff and the program are achieving positive engagement and outcomes with clients in line with FACS and organisational expectations and staff turnover is minimal.

THE IMPORTANT DETAILS

Qualifications:

  • Relevant tertiary qualifications in social sciences or equivalent experience

Your experience ticks the following boxes:

  • Minimum 3 years relevant experience
  • Theoretical and practical understanding of the issues facing disadvantaged young people and their families across the region.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead and manage support services for homeless young people, developing and maintaining motivated, professional and effective work team/s.
  • Demonstrated experience in and understanding of working within a child protection framework and the legislative requirements and mandates.
  • Experience in developing systems and processes to assist the implementation of administration and program plans.
  • Demonstrated experience in working effectively with culturally diverse people, families and organisations and planning, delivering and evaluating services in a culturally sensitive manner.
  • Demonstrated commitment to ensuring best practice program delivery using trauma informed approaches and other evidence based approaches
  • Demonstrated capacity to develop and maintain strategic partnerships that support the delivery of a focused time limited program.
  • Openness to learn, flexibility and well developed conflict resolution skills.
  • Ability to work out of hours and be available on-call to support staff working out of hours.
  • Demonstrated interpersonal skills, time management skills and excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Current, valid driver’s licence.

Even better:

  • Knowledge of the region and or experience working in the region
  • Experience in working with young people with mental health issues
  • Experience in working with aboriginal young people and their families

Core Competencies:

  • You operate with personal integrity anda values base that aligns with Uniting’s
  • Your written and verbal communication skillsare outstanding
  • You succeed through excellent communication skills and a high service orientation
  • You are an exceptional team player.
  • Your team management skills have established high morale and engagement
  • You manage projects and juggle tasks to ensure delivery against objectives
  • Your strong relationship management and influencing skills have been proven
  • You thrive on helping others to succeed; even if it is at a cost to you.
  • You have a high level of energy and enthusiasm.
  • You engage successfully with a wide range of stakeholders
  • You are confident without being arrogant.
  • You are capable but do not have “something to prove”
  • You leverage your experience without always referring to it.
  • You thrive on successful outcomes and not just on processes.
  • You are cool in a crisis and a reconciler in conflicts
  • You genuinely care about the organization and your staff.

Child related role / Yes / WWCC required
Mandatory reporter / Yes / Mandatory Reporters are those employees that deliver services directly to children and young people or who supervise employees who deliver these services. However, all employees have responsibility to apply the Protecting Children and Young People Policy
Employee Name: / Managers Name:
Title
Date: / Date:
Signature: / Signature:
Approved by / Page 1 of 8 / Position Description_xxxxx
Approval date: MONTH 2016 / Reviewed: 5/10/2018
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