Youth Housing Key Worker (K2I)

• Preston location, Wurundjeri Country
• Part Time, Fixed Term 0.8FTE until 30th June 2026
• Base Salary $100K pa (pro rata) plus Super + Salary Packaging

Our vision is everyone feels safe, included and supported to lead their best lives.

For over 240 years combined, Berry Street and Yooralla have been at the forefront of supporting Australians with a disability and those experiencing poverty, violence and abuse. Now, as one unified organisation, we bring together unparalleled expertise and a shared commitment to empowering individuals and families to thrive, while upholding and championing their human rights. We believe in a future where everyone has the opportunity to live the fulfilling life they choose for themselves, free from the impacts of trauma, violence, and abuse, achieved safely and with dignity.

The Opportunity

The Keys to Independence Program (K2I) provides assistance to young people aged 16-21 who are/were on a Family Reunification, Care by Secretary or Long-Term Care order who are transitioning from/have left care in the North East Metro and Hume Moreland areas.

In collaboration with care teams, carers and young people, K2I aims to build the capacity of young people to strengthen their independent living skills, determine housing readiness and facilitate opportunities to identify appropriate accommodation pathways. The K2I program will provide brokerage subsidies to assessed young people to access appropriate accommodation and provide tenancy support and referral to maintain/prevent accommodation breakdown for up to 12 months as required.

Key Responsibilities

This role has two key elements, firstly to build capacity of young people from 16.5+ years to strengthen their independence and facilitate opportunities to increase living skills and subsequently identify appropriate accommodation pathways. In collaboration with care teams/carers and young people, K2I workers will support the implementation of the ‘Everyday Life Skills’ tool in preparation for independent living to ensure young people are linked to suitable accommodation and brokerage support.

Secondly, K2I workers will offer assistance to young people in Out of Home Care and their case managers/carers or via assertive outreach to young people who have left care to assist them to make informed choices around accommodation options, provide information and referral to community, education and training, social links and where appropriate provide tenancy support to access and maintain independent accommodation utilising brokerage subsidies in either Private Rental, Head Leases or Shared Accommodation for up to 12 months.

About You

• A Bachelor qualification in Youth Work, Social Work or associated human service field are deemed essential. 
• Excellent written and oral communication skills (including public speaking, presentations and facilitation skills).
• A comprehensive understanding of the statutory out of home care system and issues related to the support needs of young people. 
• Demonstrated ability to flexibly manage competing priorities and stressful situations, monitoring own stress levels and practising and promoting self-care strategies.

The Benefits

• Additional salary packaging available for meals/accommodation.
• Flexible work arrangements and generous leave conditions.
• Access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), including access for staff members’ immediate family.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role by Wednesday 4th Feb.

For enquiries, please contact Emily Courtenay Team Leader Youth Housing – Education, Housing and Early Intervention Services on 03 9450 4700 or ecourtenay@berrystreet.org.au

Please Note; the successful applicant will be subject to comprehensive reference and background checking prior to employment, including a Working with Children Check, National Police Check (International Police check required) and Victorian Carer Register clearance if applicable.

Berry Street is committed to being a child safe, child friendly and child empowering organisation. In everything we do we seek to protect children. We are committed to the cultural safety of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children; children from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds; children with a disability; children who identify as LGBTIQA+. We aim to ensure every individual is treated with dignity and respect regardless of their cultural background, ability, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, spirituality or religion.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people; people from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds and people with a disability are encouraged to apply.