SAAP Caseworker

About this role

Murray Valley Aboriginal Cooperative (MVAC) is seeking a compassionate and community-minded SAAP Caseworker to support individuals, young people, and families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Working closely with the APRAP broker and local service providers, this role focuses on helping households establish or maintain tenancies, navigate crisis accommodation, and build long-term stability.

This role is grounded in cultural safety, child safety, and a strong commitment to improving outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members. As part of MVAC’s Family & Youth Services team, you will play a key role in ensuring that supports are accessible, respectful, empowering, and aligned with our organisational values.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide crisis accommodation support for individuals, young people, and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
• Build trusting, positive relationships with clients and deliver culturally safe, responsive services.
• Support clients with private rental applications and attend property inspections.
• Assist clients with connecting utilities, enrolling children in school, and accessing community services.
• Help clients understand rental ledgers, reporting processes, and liaising with real estate agents.
• Develop tailored support plans that address the factors contributing to tenancy instability.
• Advocate for clients, including VCAT support and negotiations with real estate providers.
• Work collaboratively with homelessness service providers across Robinvale.
• Support clients to budget, manage household expenses, and maintain stable housing.
• Attend pre-vacate inspections to prevent negative listings such as TICA blacklisting.
• Promote continuous improvement in service delivery and client outcomes.
  

Child Safety Responsibilities

• Uphold MVAC’s commitment to Child Safe Standards at all times.
• Ensure compliance with legislative requirements and organisational policies.
• Participate in child safety training, policy implementation, and incident-reporting processes.
• Identify risks, participate in audits, and support a culture of child safety across all services.
  

Key Requirements

• Essential Knowledge & Experience
• Experience in community services, homelessness support, or related fields.
• Strong understanding of Child Safety Standards and child protection laws.
• Demonstrated experience working with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder-engagement skills.
• Strong computer skills (MS Office, email, data entry, record keeping)
  

Personal Qualities

• Respectful understanding of local Aboriginal history and culture.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse community members.
• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.
  

Mandatory Pre-Employment Requirements

• Working With Children Check (linked to MVAC).
• Police Check (within 3 months).
• Unrestricted driver’s licence.
• Child Safety Standards training.
• First Aid Certificate (code ending in 0003 or later).
• MARAM training (if required).
  

How to apply

To apply for this role, please download the attached Position Description. Then, using the Apply Now button, upload a cover letter that responds directly to the key responsibilities and selection criteria outlined in the PD, along with your current resume.