South East Community Links EVERY PERSON COUNTS EVERY SYSTEM FAIR

SECL delivers a wide range of services to meet the needs of people in our community including emergency relief, case work, housing support, youth and family services, financial counseling, and resettlement services for refugees and asylum seekers.

Our service model will ensure people in our community are provided integrated services, linking services to peoples’ needs. As disadvantage has many root causes, only an integrated understanding of these causes can support people to achieve their social and economic goals. In turn, these achievements contribute to economic and social development in our community.

Position Description Title: Volunteer Client Support Worker - Microfinance Terms of Employment: Ongoing

Hours: The hours of the position are Monday – Friday from 9am – 5pm. You must be able to work at least a 4-hour period on the day or days that you work.

Reporting to: Carolyn McAlister, Head of Community Wellbeing

Location: 186 Foster St. East, Dandenong, 3175 and 5 Osborne Ave, Springvale, 3175

Position Context The Community Wellbeing Team (CWB) is seeking a volunteer client support worker in their Microfinance program area. We are seeking a volunteer who can work collaboratively in a non-judgmental manner, is empathetic and solution-focused, can manage change well, and who is professional in their approach. A good understanding of Australian systems and services and an understanding of the root causes of disadvantage are important.

Microfinance within the context of SECL’s services is a financial service provided to unemployed or low-income individuals who otherwise would have no or limited access to mainstream financial services. Microfinance allows people to take on a small personal loan safely, and in a manner that is consistent with ethical lending practices.

The role of Volunteer Client Support Worker is crucial in assisting the CWB team to achieve better social and economic outcomes for people in our community. Your role will be to engage in initial assessments, consult with your supervisor and provide appropriate advocacy, support, information, and referral.

This role is an invaluable addition to SECL’s team. While the skills and experiences of volunteers enhance the work SECL does, there are also many benefits we offer to our volunteers. Including personal development, working in a direct service role that has a meaningful impact, job satisfaction, being a valued member of SECL’s community, social connection, training to enhance and learn new skills, and a strong supervision model to develop professionally.

Key Selection Criteria

• Demonstrated ability to embrace diversity and to treat every person with dignity, compassion, and respect regardless of socio-economic status, ability, age, gender, race, religion, or sexuality
• Clear and succinct communication skills with the ability to adapt your communication to the requirements of our diverse community
• A commitment to advocacy and empowering people to make independent and informed choices
• Willing to build knowledge and imbed contemporary practice, policy and procedure into your work
• Ability to write accurate, succinct case notes. Have competent computer and Microsoft office skills
• Previous volunteer or work experience is desirable

Responsibilities

• Able to work in a professional manner, including always maintaining confidentiality, good boundaries punctuality and reliability
• Engage in assessment, determine eligibility, provide support and refer people internally and externally to ensure people have access to appropriate and ongoing services
• Maintain accurate client information and succinct case notes in various spreadsheets and databases, including the SECL Client Management System and the Microfinance spreadsheet
• Access relevant training modules (Good Shepherd ‘Good Learning’) and attend State/National NILs meetings and conferences to keep abreast of new developments
• Compile NILs data for SECL reports, as needed
• Assist people in developing their financial capability. Advocate for them as needed
• Promote and market the NILs program

What we need from you

• A national police record check
• A valid employment Working with Children Check
• Current Victorian Driver License -Fully vaccinated