Youth Refuge Worker

About the Opportunity

This role sits within the Homelessness, Justice & Family division and plays a key role in supporting the daily operations of the Youth Refuges. The Homelessness, Justice & Family division consists of four conceptual domains:
• Intensive Youth Support
• Supported Accommodation and Justice
• Youth and Family
• Youth Refuge
 Melbourne City Mission Youth Refuges aim to provide safe, secure short-term accommodation for young people 16 – 24 years of age experiencing homelessness and assist them in moving toward independent living. The service provides accommodation, support, counselling, information and assistance to young people based on their needs (e.g. Centrelink, health and legal services) and support in finding suitable accommodation options.

The Refuge programs work within a strength-based framework and focus on assisting young people to build their existing skills and develop their own capabilities. Referrals are accepted under the Opening Doors Framework from Homelessness Access Points.

Melbourne City Mission operates four Youth Refuges situated in the Northwest and Northeast of Melbourne:
• Iramoo Youth Refuge will be located in a brand-new purpose-built facility in Werribee, a growth corridor that is seeing a steady increase in young people experiencing homelessness. It is a cluster model with large program rooms to be able to run therapeutic and living skills programs. The Refuge will accommodate 8 young people and 2 families.

• Western Region Accommodation Program (WRAP) Youth Refuge is located in Sunshine and is a cluster model refuge that can accommodate 2 single males, 2 single females in shared spaces, and has 2 family units.
• Stopover Youth Refuge is situated in North Fitzroy and can accommodate 9 young people.
• Vicky’s Place Youth Refuge accommodates up to 8 young women and their children in Rosanna. This is a secure address.
 Melbourne City Mission Refuges also work in conjunction with the Northwest Outreach team based at the WRAP Youth Refuge. This team provides early intervention, post refuge support and community development activities within an outreach capacity.
The Youth Refuge Worker provides structured support to young people who are accommodated at the Refuge in accordance with DHHS and MCM guidelines and offers support to residents in finding appropriate accommodation and support services suitable to needs. Workers shall maintain an environment that promotes the health and safety of all residents and staff; fulfil the record keeping, data and other administrative functions of the service; and assist the general day to day running of the refuge.
 The appointee will be expected to commit to Melbourne City Mission’s Mission, Vision and Values and align their work to the organisation’s strategic objectives. 

About you

We are looking for someone who can:

• Provide structured support whilst on shift, including completion of intake and safety planning assessments with young people and their children.
• Provide assistance to access appropriate specialist support services.
  Respond appropriately to young people presenting with difficult and challenging behaviours.
• Maintain an environment that ensures the health and safety of all residents and staff.
• Liaise and work cooperatively with housing and other human service agencies within the region to provide homeless young people an appropriate support service.

Benefits of working with MCM include:

• Diverse and inclusive organisation
• Attractive Salary Packaging benefits
• Supportive learning and development environment
• Culture of continuous improvement

Essential:

• Tertiary qualifications in Social Work, Youth Work, or related community services field or (Certificate IV with demonstrated experience minimum).
• A clear understanding of working within a case management framework including client assessment and intake processes.
• Strong ability to actively and assertively engage young people with complex needs, particularly in a residential environment.
• An understanding of the homelessness service system with knowledge of patterns, trends and systemic issues, and principles in working with at risk young people.
• Knowledge of local and regional human service networks and service providers.
• Availability to work shift work including weekends and sleepover shifts.

Desirable:

• Experience working with young people experiencing homelessness
• Knowledge of coaching, attachment and/or trauma informed practice

Screening Criteria:

• National Police check
• Working with Children check and NDIS Worker Screening check or ability to obtain
• Valid Victorian Driver's license
• Right to Work in Australia

Applications for this role will close on 30 November 2025 /or Applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early.  Please include your current resume and cover letter.
Please review the position description to understand more about the role and responsibilities.  If you have any needs throughout the recruitment process that have not already been catered for, we encourage you to contact recruitment@mcm.org.au to let us know how we can better support you to apply.

About MCM

MCM is an inclusive and equal opportunity employer with a strong commitment to safety. MCM embraces differences because we know that diversity and inclusion help us to attract, recruit, engage and retain talented people. 
We are a leading not-for profit-for-purpose organisation that offer a broad range of services in Disability, Homelessness, Palliative Care and Education.

Our commitment to Safety

MCM is committed to the safety of its clients and employees, taking a zero-tolerance approach to violence within the workplace and abuse, including child abuse and abuse of people with disability. All employees are required to comply with the Child Safe Standards.

Our commitment to Diversity, Inclusion & Equity of Access

At MCM we embrace our differences because we know that diversity helps us to innovate and make the biggest impact possible. Our DEI Strategy supports and drives an inclusive workplace culture. We embrace the learning opportunities that come with authentic commitment to equity of access for all. We particularly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates to apply.