**Full Time | Max term
- 12 months**:
- **Location: Dandenong VIC 3175**:
- **Make a meaningful difference to the lives of Australians in need**
**Life at Mission Australia**
When you join our team at Mission Australia, you become part of a community who are determined to end homelessness and ensure people in need can thrive. United by our Christian purpose and values, we stand together with anyone who needs us, for as long as they need us. Find out more about us and our purpose.
**Your Opportunity**
The Better Futures Housing Specialist is responsible for the development, and implementation, and monitoring of a Head Lease program to support a cohort of Better Futures clients (18 - 21 year olds) access secure, affordable and sustainable housing across Southern Melbourne.
The Housing Specialist will be responsible for building a network of relationships with real estate agents, as well as registered housing providers & associations to source suitable housing options and work collaboratively with Better Futures Support Workers to achieve positive outcomes for young people..
Your key responsibilities will be to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of the_ National Principles for Child Safe Organisations._
- Comply with core responsibilities set out in the MA Child & Youth Safe policies, procedures and supporting documents to practice as required by the role.
- Proactively raise concerns about any issues that affect the safety and wellbeing of children and young people engaging with MA services.
- Respond to referrals of clients to the service and conduct face-to-face outreach assessment
- Help individuals negotiate manageable and appropriate lease agreements with landlords
- Develop strong relationships with key external stakeholders including but not limited to agencies, other homelessness service providers, key homelessness agencies and forums and advocacy groups, and government agencies.
- Address potential barriers to landlord participation such as concern about short term nature of rental assistance and tenant qualifications.
**Requirements for Success**
- Experience in Homelessness and Mental Health
- Experience with outcomes-based programs
- A Degree or Diploma in Social Welfare/Social Science and a minimum of 2 years' case management experience
- Experience in a similar role working with complex needs
- Understanding of the barriers that real estates may have to renting to persons who have challenges to renting in the private rental market
- Ability to negotiate with real estate to acquire accommodation within the affordability of our client group
- Strong Knowledge and experience with Housing products to support access to affordable private rental accommodation such as rental subsidies, bond loans, rental guarantees etc.
- Passionate about supporting clients to access safe, affordable accommodation that meets their needs
- Outgoing, passionate and strong networking and relationship building skills
- Valid Victorian Driver's Licence
Before starting work with us, you will need to undertake a national police history check, qualifications and referee checks.
**Our culture**
Our creative and inclusive culture will ensure you feel valued at Mission Australia as you help Australians in need and develop in your career.
We're committed to the safety and wellbeing of each other and the people we serve.
We recognise and respect diversity. So, whoever you are, if you're skilled and actively support our purpose and values, you would be welcome at Mission Australia.
Find out more about a **career with Mission Australia**.
**Your benefits**
- Rewarding work - every day you know you're making a real difference
- Not-for-profit salary packaging, reducing your tax (details via **AccessPay)**:
- Generous discounts with health insurance and major retailers
- Free external, confidential counselling and access to chaplaincy support.
**How to apply**
For more information, feel free to view the Position Description via Better Futures Housing Specialist Dandenong VIC.docx
📌 Better Futures House Specialist
🏢 Mission Australia
📍 Melbourne