Position Title and Program Designation: Tenancy Management Worker, Housing Program Zig Zag Young Women s Resource Centre Inc. Part-time permanent

Transcription

1 ZIG ZAG YOUNG WOMEN S RESOURCE CENTRE INC Tenancy Management Worker POSITION DESCRIPTION Position Title and Program Designation: Tenancy Management Worker, Housing Program Employer: Zig Zag Young Women s Resource Centre Inc. Status: Part-time permanent Work Hours: 32 hours per week Pay Award and Classification: QCSCA Award Level 5 Although there is some flexibility in working hours, according to the needs of the team, it is expected that as far as possible this position is worked 8 hours per day, 4 days per week between 9.00am 5.00pm. Specific work hours and days will be negotiated with the Manager with reference to your own needs, the needs of the Housing Program, and the broader needs of Zig Zag. This position may occasionally require some after hours or weekend work as directed by the Manager and/or Management Committee. FUNDING This is a permanent part-time position. This position is contingent on recurrent funding from the Queensland Department of Housing and Public Works. Should funding be discontinued employees of the service will be advised with as much notice as possible and obligations under the relevant Award/Agreement/legislation fulfilled. REPORTING This position is currently directly accountable to the Zig Zag Manager and to the Zig Zag Management Committee. Please note: Zig Zag is currently undertaking a re-structure within the Housing Program and it is expected that this position will, in the near future, directly report to the Senior Practitioner, Housing Program, and indirectly to the Manager and Management Committee. All employees are expected to engage in supervisory processes and to be accountable for all aspects of their work at Zig Zag.

2 DATES OF REVIEW This position description is to be reviewed following Performance Planning and Review processes and as required. HOUSING PROGRAM TEAM OBJECTIVE The Tenancy Management Worker will work collaboratively within the Zig Zag Housing team in the effective delivery of services to young women through the provision of supported accommodation, information and referral, case management and support, policy development, community education, social action and collaborative projects. POSITION OBJECTIVE The primary role of the position is to address issues in relation to young women s homelessness through: Supporting the Zig Zag Housing team in relation to all tenancy and property management. Ensuring that all property and tenancy management practices and procedures are in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act. Providing a housing information and referral service to young women and workers. Participating in building partnerships and collaborative projects with other community organisations. ORGANISATIONAL PHILOSOPHY AND FRAMEWORK Zig Zag provides a place of healing, support, and social action and change for young women aged years. As a feminist service, we are committed to working alongside young women and acknowledging their expertise in their own lives. We acknowledge that social, political, cultural and economic contexts limit young women s power, creating vulnerability and disadvantage. In particular, Zig Zag provides services to young women who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, and young women who are survivors of sexual violence. Zig Zag recognises the diversity amongst young women, staff and management committee and values the unique experience, knowledge and skills each woman contributes. We work in a way that promotes safety, and is collaborative, inclusive, supportive and respectful. Zig Zag is committed to ethical practice and a process of continuous reflection and development that is informed by young women, practice wisdom, and shared knowledge.

3 The Tenancy Management Worker is required to work within the stated goals, philosophy, policies and procedures of Zig Zag. This involves a commitment to: Utilising feminist and social justice principles in practice; Working within a self-management framework; Actively contributing to teamwork and team care; Utilising collaborative decision making processes, which requires a high degree of participation, communication, and personal responsibility; and Utilising consultative and transparent processes. PRIMARY DUTIES: 1. Tenancy and Property Management: Undertake all activities involved in establishing, maintaining and finalising tenancies, as per the Residential Tenancies Act 1994 (RTA). Support the provision of high quality services to homeless young women through ensuring that Zig Zag maintains its responsibilities as per the RTA, and supporting young women to fulfil their responsibilities as per the RTA. Hold a firm commitment to protecting the confidentiality and privacy of all information relating to tenants sensitive personal information. Coordinate and maintain tenant induction and exit packs. Maintain an accommodation asset database. Maintain an accommodation key register. Liaise with members of public and businesses in relation to donations. Maintain an inventory list. Liaise with the Department of Housing and Public Works to manage property maintenance and repairs, and ensure all work undertaken is monitored and completed. Manage and maintain all of Zig Zag supported accommodation properties and vacancies, including garden, lawn maintenance, and communal areas. Plan, organise and deliver activities and events for Zig Zag tenants. Utilise Department of Housing and Public Works software to calculate rental amounts. Utilise MYOB Software to process payments made to Zig Zag from tenants on a monthly basis.

4 Utilise Centrelink programs such as Centrepay to monitor rental payments and to obtain payment information for tenants. Work collaboratively with Zig Zag s Finance Worker in preparation of all financial records to audit stage in relation to community housing accounts. Work collaboratively with the Housing team and Manager to prepare and monitor all housing service s budget. Inform the Zig Zag Manager, Treasurer, Management Committee, and relevant sub committees in relation to all housing financial matters and tenancy and property management issues. 2. Housing Support: Coordinate the team s function of attracting appropriate donations of goods from the community to support young women in Zig Zag accommodation and their transition to independent living. Accept referrals and provide relevant information in relation to young women s housing options and issues. Provide information and referral services and provision of assistance to young women to access other support services when appropriate. In collaboration with the Zig Zag Housing team, maintain notes on the SHIP database and Queensland Homelessness Information Platform (QHIP) to undertake assessments, make successful referrals, notify the sector of vacancies at Zig Zag, and take referrals. Conduct phone and face to face interviews with young women who have been referred to Zig Zag for property vacancies. 3. Community Work: Where capacity allows, work collaboratively to: Provide information about Zig Zag and young women s issues through community education, workshops, and agency visits as negotiated with the Housing and broader Staff teams. Participate in the organising of innovative group work activities for young women in Zig Zag accommodation. Contribute to the development of innovative, user-friendly resources about young women and homelessness as negotiated with Housing team and Manager.

5 Provide information and community education sessions about the service and the impact of homelessness on young women. 4. Team and Organisational Management Zig Zag is a feminist organisation that uses collaborative decision making processes. Many operational and service delivery-related decisions are made within the Zig Zag Program teams and the wider Staff team. The Tenancy Management Worker requires a high degree of skills in collaborative decision making and will be accountable to the relevant teams for decisions made at that level. Each team member is expected to foster and maintain a supportive and open team environment through the consistent use of open and respectful communication. The following list identifies tasks that the Tenancy Management Worker is expected to participate in with respect to the general operations of the organisation. Organisational Management Tasks Prioritise participation in staff meetings. Active participation in monthly internal supervision and external supervision approximately every 4-6 weeks. Represent Zig Zag and its programs appropriately and professionally to the community. Advocate on behalf of Zig Zag as determined by the staff and/or Management Committee. Provide input into organisational systems and policy development. Participate in organisational planning, review and evaluation, including Strategic and Operational Planning. Attend Management Committee meetings as required and/or as determined within the team. Participate in human resource processes as required (e.g., recruitment processes, performance planning and review processes, student supervision). Participate in organisational team building activities as required. Where possible and appropriate be actively involved in project development including the acquisition of funds.

6 Team Management Tasks Many of the decisions regarding the work of the Housing team will take place in team meetings. This includes case and workload management. Each team member is expected to foster and maintain a supportive and open team environment. This requires that the Housing team: Regularly review and develop policies and procedures directly related to the service delivery functions of the Program team. Prioritise participation in Housing team meetings to inform, plan and make recommendations in relation to the on-going operational needs of the team and/or organisation. Actively participate in team decision-making processes including team meetings and team group supervision. Actively embrace a team culture that is supportive, accountable, transparent and self-reflective, and that supports a high level of ethical practice. Attend relevant training as negotiated within the team and with your supervisor. Participate in the evaluation and documentation of the work done by your Program team. Provide input into the development of the Housing Program budget in conjunction with the Manager and the Finance Worker. Provide input into the development of funding body service agreements. Collect relevant reporting data for the funding body and complete other reporting requirements including monthly reports to Management Committee and Program input into the Annual Report of the Association. Undertake the administration responsibilities relevant to your role within the organisation. Participate in relevant forums and networks in relation to young women and homelessness as negotiated with the Program team. Establish communication with relevant groups (e.g., community organisations, networks, government departments, policy units) in relation to the work of the Program team.

7 ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS Advanced Diploma in Community Work, Youth Work or related area AND a minimum of 2 years experience in working in the youth, homelessness, or women s service sectors. Please note that while a Bachelor level qualification in the social or behavioural sciences is not essential to this position, it will be very highly regarded. A commitment to work within feminist and social justice frameworks. Current Drivers Licence. Current Commission for Children and Young People Blue Card; or willingness to undertake relevant checks. KEY SELECTION CRITERIA 1. Describe your understanding of a feminist analysis of the effects, causes and dynamics of homelessness as they impact on young women. 2. Describe your understanding of issues relevant to young women from diverse backgrounds, including a broad knowledge on the social factors impacting on young women experiencing homelessness, disadvantage, and marginalisation. 3. Demonstrate your knowledge, or ability to rapidly acquire knowledge, of financial administration related to property management in a community based supported housing organisation. 4. Demonstrate your experience in tenancy and property management and a high level of knowledge of the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 (Qld). 5. Describe your time management skills, administrative, and organisational planning skills, and provide examples of how you have worked effectively as an autonomous worker and as part of a team. 6. Demonstrate your knowledge of a broad range of housing, welfare, health, legal, and other essential support services for young women in Queensland; and how you have developed effective professional relationships for supporting referral pathways.