Retirement Housing Worker

RETIREMENT HOUSING WORKER

POSITION: Retirement housing worker

CLASSIFICATION: Social and Community Service Worker, Community Development Workers Award 11(b) Year 6, Level 5.3 of the SCHADS Award. Attractive salary packaging available.

TERMS: 0.6 EFT (22.8 hours per week) until 31 December with possibility of extension

FUNDING: Consumer Affairs Victoria

The Housing for the Aged Action Group (HAAG) operates a state-wide Retirement Housing Assistance Service (RHAS). It is comprised of the following two components:

·  the workers’ advice line

·  retirement housing casework service

The workers’ advice line can assist workers with clients who are living in retirement housing covered by the Retirement Villages Act 1986 (RVA) or the RTA (caravan parks, residential parks under Part 4A, and rental villages).

The retirement housing casework service is for older Victorians living in retirement housing who are financially disadvantaged and have a retirement housing matter with a level of detriment that warrants assistance.

The advice line operates 10.00am-4.00pm five days a week. Occasionally there will be a requirement for home visits and outreach work to support clients.

HAAG AIMS

Housing for the Aged Action Group exists to work towards the alleviation of housing related poverty for older Australians and to provide housing support services to disadvantaged older Victorians.

POSITION GOAL:

The role will be part of the Retirement Housing Assistance Service team. The goal is to provide advice to workers about retirement housing matters and to residents on their rights under the Retirement Villages Act and other relevant legislation, via casework, and to promote the Home at Last Service to vulnerable older Victorians.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Program management:

·  Provide telephone and in-person information and advice to vulnerable and disadvantaged older residents living in retirement accommodation.

·  Manage a case-load of vulnerable and disadvantaged clients from within the target group.

·  Establish and maintain referral protocols with Consumer Affairs Enquiries staff, advocates and other services

·  Work closely and constructively with other HAAG programs and staff to assist in the delivery of an overall quality service to older people across Victoria.

·  Develop an ongoing understanding of the retirement village, residential village and rental village sectors.

·  Develop an understanding of the wider older persons housing and aged care services and networks.

·  Provide support, where caseload allows, to the community development functions of HAAG which promote awareness of housing issues and improvements to housing conditions for people who are living on a low income.

Client management:

·  Ensure services to older people are provided in a supportive, understanding and sensitive way.

·  Assist clients to evaluate the best methods for dealing with their presenting problems, depending on their circumstances and living environment.

·  Support clients through the processes of referral, self-advocacy and advocacy by HAAG.

·  Provide support to vulnerable and disadvantaged clients who make application to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

·  Assist clients with information and referral advice on other housing and aged care issues.

·  Maintain appropriate service standards in all interactions with clients and other service providers including confidentiality, consent, information, quality, client dignity and cultural awareness standards.

Advocacy

·  With the retirement housing team and other HAAG staff, identify trends from case work and use to inform systemic advocacy

·  Write submissions and reports as required

·  Identify content for retirement housing website and other HAAG publications, such as newsletters and social media

Administration:

·  Maintain a database that includes case management records as well as numbers of clients in need, service gaps and information required by Consumer Affairs Victoria.

·  Evaluate data and prepare reports on client casework trends and present them to Consumer Affairs Victoria and other relevant government departments.

·  Work within the approved project budget and maintain any associated financial records.

Accountability

·  Report monthly to Management Committee

·  Attend meetings and provide reports to Consumer Affairs Victoria as required.

·  Attend and contribute to regular HAAG staff meetings.

·  Attend retirement housing team meetings and other supervision as required

·  Communicate to co-workers about case work and other matters to ensure smooth operation of the service

SUPPORT PROVIDED

Peer support, including case work discussion, will be provided by the Retirement Housing team. Individual support will be provided by co-manager. There may be the opportunity for professional development delivered by Tenancy Union in the role.

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA:

·  Ability to understand and apply accommodation legislation.

·  High level communication and negotiation skills.

·  Experience working with government and non-government services.

·  Ability to work both independently and under supervision.

·  Proven experience in working with financial disadvantaged people, and/or older people with complex needs.

·  Awareness of, and sensitivity to, the cultural needs of members of the target group.

·  Ability to prioritise tasks in a sometimes demanding work environment.

·  Current driver’s licence essential.

Desirable:

·  Tertiary degree or related qualifications.

·  Proven ability in report writing.

·  Familiarity with Residential Tenancies Act and/or the Retirement Villages Act

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