ANGLICARE NT - Community Outreach of the Anglican Church - http://www.anglicare-nt.org.au
POSITION: Refugee Settlement Worker (Darwin)
http://www.anglicare-nt.org.au/articles/43/1/POSITION-Refugee-Settlement-Worker-Darwin/Page1.html
By Helen Walker
Published on 28/08/2010
 

Do you have a passion for social justice and energy aplenty? Are you seeking an opportunity to use your skills in case work and working in partnership with other service providers? Then a role in our professional team is just the job for you. We have redesigned the position which will also provide opportunities to use your community education and advocacy skills.

>> Download Position Description
>> Download Advertising


Refugee and Migrant Settlement Community Support Worker

EXCITING OPPORTUNITY

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

 

Anglicare NT is a major provider of innovative, culturally appropriate, accountable and high quality community services across urban, rural, regional and remote areas of the NT. We need energetic, committed and skilled professionals who want to make a real difference to the lives of Territorians. If you are seeking a dynamic working environment where you can help shape service delivery, contribute to positive organizational development and a team based learning environment contact us now! Attractive salaries and conditions are offered, along with generous salary sacrifice options.

 

 

Refugee and Migrant Settlement Services

Community Support Worker

Anglicare provides services dedicated to working with Refugees and Migrants: the Refugee & Migrant Settlement Service has been operating for 10 years.  We require a flexible, skilled and committed person to work in a part-time capacity based in Darwin. This person will have a mix of casework experience, effective cross cultural liaison skills; knowledge of emergent communities and relevant languages is desirable. Please submit a letter of no more than 2 pages, expressing your suitability and interest in the role and a copy of your CV by Monday 31 May 2010.

 

 

 

Contact Helen Walker on 08-89850000 or email hwalker@anglicare-nt.org.au for further information.
 Applications can be mailed to:

Human Resources, Anglicare NT, PO Box 36506 Winnellie 0821 or Apply on-line

 

 

….” promoting a child safe, equal opportunity and non-smoking work environment”.…

 

 

 

 


                              Position Description

 

Position Title:

Position type:

Community Support Worker

 Part time

 

Reporting to:

Position Detail

Service Coordinator/Case Manager

Refugee & Migrant Settlement Services 

 

 Hours to be determined

Position based in:

Child Protection Risk Status

Anglicare NT – Ludmilla

 þ High      Low  

 

 

Position Objective

Provide culturally appropriate and gender sensitive assistance to individuals and families (through

agreed casework plans) with a focus on enabling clients to acquire the confidence and skills

necessary to independently access relevant mainstream and specialist services.

 

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Since 2000 Anglicare NT has provided dedicated services to Migrants and Refugees, this occurs  through the provision of the Refugee and Migrant Settlement Service (RAMSS) which is funded through the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC).

 

The Refugee and Migrant Settlement Service (RAMSS) provides casework, information and referral services for humanitarian entrants and other migrants with low English level living in the Darwin urban and rural areas who have lived in Australia for not more than 5 years.

 

Scope

The Community Support Worker will:

o        Provide casework support and assistance to allocated clients

o        Maintain effective liaison with relevant external parties and relevant Anglicare NT staff.

o       Produce and provide required documentation and data

o       Comply with all legislative, funding and organisational policy and practice requirements 

o       Maintain professional networks and further develop skills and knowledge set

 

Duties and Responsibilities

Specific

1.       Adhere to all relevant Federal and Territory legislation, contractual requirements, performance standards and funding guidelines.

2.       Provide effective culturally appropriate support and assistance in line with agreed casework plans to individuals and families; ensuring their rights are acknowledged whilst fostering the development of self responsibility and self determination.

3.       Undertake safety and risk audits in relation to client work, putting appropriate strategies in place in terms of family violence/the potential for aggression and child protection considerations.  

4.       Maintain effective linkages with key migrant and emergent refugee communities.

5.       Maintain network of relevant government and non-government organisations; and other multicultural services in order to support target group.

6.       Maintain comprehensive client and service utilisation related documentation, ensuring DIAC data collection and client file records are up to date, in good order and filed correctly.

7.       Participate in Team and organisational communications such as email groups, scheduled staff meetings, planning and review days, and organisational events as required.

8.       Work collaboratively with the Team to address any client complaints or service improvement requirements resulting from internal or external evaluation processes.

9.       Participate is individual, peer and group supervision and performance appraisal processes as required.

10.   Maintain strong commitment to professional development; ensuring an up to date training & development plan is maintained.

11.   Represent the Team and Anglicare NT on internal and external bodies as required.

12.   Complete timesheets, leave and higher duties requests within the specified time frames and in line with requirements.

13.   Acting higher/different lateral duties as required.

General

1.       Comply with Anglicare NT’s relevant OH&S risk assessments and safe work method statements

2.       Observe and implement as appropriate all Anglicare NT determinations including Code of Conduct, EEO and OH&S

3.       Ensure that all Anglicare NT business is adequately documented in all relevant systems in accordance with appropriate determinations, standards and procedures

4.       Ensure that records adequately document business transactions and are made and kept in the Document Management System in compliance with Anglicare NT’s standards and procedures for recordkeeping

5.       Ensure information, including personal passwords for Anglicare NT’s systems, is maintained in a secure manner with any security breaches reported immediately to the Chief Executive Officer

6.       Enter and maintain time and attendance, leave and higher duty records in the time and attendance system in accordance with Anglicare NT’s procedures and practices, within specified timeframes for each pay period

7.       As necessary, enter occurrence reports (for accidents/incidents) and hazard reports into the OHS&W System in a timely manner in accordance with Anglicare NT’s procedures and practices

8.       Undertake maintenance and management of risk assessments and safe work method statements within the OHS&W System

9.       Manage occurrence and hazard reports within the OHS&W system

Authorities

Expenditure, Operational/Administrative, Personnel, Management and Legal – see Delegation of Authority.

4     No. of persons directly supervised – currently 0.

4     However, please note, periodically assistance may be provided to students on field placements and/or new entrant employees as they gain confidence in there new roles etc.  

 

 

 

 

 

RAMMS - Refugee and Migrant Settlement Services

 

Organisational Structure & Reporting Lines

 

 

Executive Manager

Counselling and Support Services

Community Support Worker

Refugee and Migrant Settlement Services

Service Coordinator/Case Manager

Refugee and Migrant Settlement Services

 

Person Specification

The role of the Community Support Worker requires a pro-active, effective, and resilient person who has demonstrable cross-cultural interpersonal and liaison skills and who can help people get results in terms of addressing issues confronting them. The ability to enable clients to explore issues, determine appropriate actions and respond effectively to challenges is essential as is the ability to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines. We require a person who likes a challenge and a job with diverse tasks, note the person will work parttime across a set two to three days of the week.

 

The person is expected to work in a business office environment and depending on organisational needs; there may be a requirement to visit other Anglicare NT premises or related business premises in order to conduct their role. The person may be required to work variable hours.

Essential Criteria

 

Qualifications

·         Qualifications in a relevant social science/community service related area - desirable.

 

Experience, Skills and Knowledge

·         Prior experience in casework and/or providing support to individuals and/or families under stress to identify practical and sustainable solutions to issues.

·         High level of discretion and sound judgment with confidential information and ability to work respectfully with people from different cultures and of a different gender. 

·         Demonstrated interest in and commitment to working with culturally and linguistically diverse communities. 

·         Ability to work effectively with clients to explore the complex interface between traditional cultural practices and host country legislation and community expectations.  

·         Knowledge of relevant legislation such as the Family Law Act, Immigration, Child Protection, Domestic/Family Violence.  

·         Ability to write reports and maintain comprehensive client related documentation.  

·         Computer literacy and the ability to use data collection systems.  

·         Well developed planning, time management and organisational skills.

·         Ability to work independently and operate as an effective team member.  

·         Well developed interpersonal skills including strong liaison skills at all levels of an organisation.

·         Commitment to OHS&W and sound knowledge of EEO.

·         Knowledge of the local service delivery system is desirable.

·         Intrinsic knowledge of emergent communities and relevant languages is desirable.

 

Licenses or Certificates

·         Current Drivers Licence/ First Aid Certificate

·         Acceptable outcome of Federal Police Criminal History Name check

 

Document Approval

After discussions with the Executive Manager I agree that this Position Description and Person Specification is an accurate and fair description of my position.

 

 

Incumbent signature:                                                                                                         

 

Incumbent name:                                                                 __ Date:                                  

 


                              Position Description

 

Position Title:

Position type:

Community Support Worker

 Part time

 

Reporting to:

Position Detail

Service Coordinator/Case Manager

Refugee & Migrant Settlement Services 

 

 Hours to be determined

Position based in:

Child Protection Risk Status

Anglicare NT – Ludmilla

 þ High      Low  

 

 

Position Objective

Provide culturally appropriate and gender sensitive assistance to individuals and families (through

agreed casework plans) with a focus on enabling clients to acquire the confidence and skills

necessary to independently access relevant mainstream and specialist services.

 

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Since 2000 Anglicare NT has provided dedicated services to Migrants and Refugees, this occurs  through the provision of the Refugee and Migrant Settlement Service (RAMSS) which is funded through the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC).

 

The Refugee and Migrant Settlement Service (RAMSS) provides casework, information and referral services for humanitarian entrants and other migrants with low English level living in the Darwin urban and rural areas who have lived in Australia for not more than 5 years.

 

Scope

The Community Support Worker will:

o        Provide casework support and assistance to allocated clients

o        Maintain effective liaison with relevant external parties and relevant Anglicare NT staff.

o       Produce and provide required documentation and data

o       Comply with all legislative, funding and organisational policy and practice requirements 

o       Maintain professional networks and further develop skills and knowledge set

 

Duties and Responsibilities

Specific

1.       Adhere to all relevant Federal and Territory legislation, contractual requirements, performance standards and funding guidelines.

2.       Provide effective culturally appropriate support and assistance in line with agreed casework plans to individuals and families; ensuring their rights are acknowledged whilst fostering the development of self responsibility and self determination.

3.       Undertake safety and risk audits in relation to client work, putting appropriate strategies in place in terms of family violence/the potential for aggression and child protection considerations.  

4.       Maintain effective linkages with key migrant and emergent refugee communities.

5.       Maintain network of relevant government and non-government organisations; and other multicultural services in order to support target group.

6.       Maintain comprehensive client and service utilisation related documentation, ensuring DIAC data collection and client file records are up to date, in good order and filed correctly.

7.       Participate in Team and organisational communications such as email groups, scheduled staff meetings, planning and review days, and organisational events as required.

8.       Work collaboratively with the Team to address any client complaints or service improvement requirements resulting from internal or external evaluation processes.

9.       Participate is individual, peer and group supervision and performance appraisal processes as required.

10.   Maintain strong commitment to professional development; ensuring an up to date training & development plan is maintained.

11.   Represent the Team and Anglicare NT on internal and external bodies as required.

12.   Complete timesheets, leave and higher duties requests within the specified time frames and in line with requirements.

13.   Acting higher/different lateral duties as required.

General

1.       Comply with Anglicare NT’s relevant OH&S risk assessments and safe work method statements

2.       Observe and implement as appropriate all Anglicare NT determinations including Code of Conduct, EEO and OH&S

3.       Ensure that all Anglicare NT business is adequately documented in all relevant systems in accordance with appropriate determinations, standards and procedures

4.       Ensure that records adequately document business transactions and are made and kept in the Document Management System in compliance with Anglicare NT’s standards and procedures for recordkeeping

5.       Ensure information, including personal passwords for Anglicare NT’s systems, is maintained in a secure manner with any security breaches reported immediately to the Chief Executive Officer

6.       Enter and maintain time and attendance, leave and higher duty records in the time and attendance system in accordance with Anglicare NT’s procedures and practices, within specified timeframes for each pay period

7.       As necessary, enter occurrence reports (for accidents/incidents) and hazard reports into the OHS&W System in a timely manner in accordance with Anglicare NT’s procedures and practices

8.       Undertake maintenance and management of risk assessments and safe work method statements within the OHS&W System

9.       Manage occurrence and hazard reports within the OHS&W system

Authorities

Expenditure, Operational/Administrative, Personnel, Management and Legal – see Delegation of Authority.

4     No. of persons directly supervised – currently 0.

4     However, please note, periodically assistance may be provided to students on field placements and/or new entrant employees as they gain confidence in there new roles etc.  

 

 

 

 

 

RAMMS - Refugee and Migrant Settlement Services

 

Organisational Structure & Reporting Lines

 

 

Executive Manager

Counselling and Support Services

Community Support Worker

Refugee and Migrant Settlement Services

Service Coordinator/Case Manager

Refugee and Migrant Settlement Services

 

Person Specification

The role of the Community Support Worker requires a pro-active, effective, and resilient person who has demonstrable cross-cultural interpersonal and liaison skills and who can help people get results in terms of addressing issues confronting them. The ability to enable clients to explore issues, determine appropriate actions and respond effectively to challenges is essential as is the ability to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines. We require a person who likes a challenge and a job with diverse tasks, note the person will work parttime across a set two to three days of the week.

 

The person is expected to work in a business office environment and depending on organisational needs; there may be a requirement to visit other Anglicare NT premises or related business premises in order to conduct their role. The person may be required to work variable hours.

Essential Criteria

 

Qualifications

·         Qualifications in a relevant social science/community service related area - desirable.

 

Experience, Skills and Knowledge

·         Prior experience in casework and/or providing support to individuals and/or families under stress to identify practical and sustainable solutions to issues.

·         High level of discretion and sound judgment with confidential information and ability to work respectfully with people from different cultures and of a different gender. 

·         Demonstrated interest in and commitment to working with culturally and linguistically diverse communities. 

·         Ability to work effectively with clients to explore the complex interface between traditional cultural practices and host country legislation and community expectations.  

·         Knowledge of relevant legislation such as the Family Law Act, Immigration, Child Protection, Domestic/Family Violence.  

·         Ability to write reports and maintain comprehensive client related documentation.  

·         Computer literacy and the ability to use data collection systems.  

·         Well developed planning, time management and organisational skills.

·         Ability to work independently and operate as an effective team member.  

·         Well developed interpersonal skills including strong liaison skills at all levels of an organisation.

·         Commitment to OHS&W and sound knowledge of EEO.

·         Knowledge of the local service delivery system is desirable.

·         Intrinsic knowledge of emergent communities and relevant languages is desirable.

 

Licenses or Certificates

·         Current Drivers Licence/ First Aid Certificate

·         Acceptable outcome of Federal Police Criminal History Name check

 

Document Approval

After discussions with the Executive Manager I agree that this Position Description and Person Specification is an accurate and fair description of my position.

 

 

Incumbent signature:                                                                                                         

 

Incumbent name:                                                                 __ Date: