Youth Homelessness Intake and Early Response Worker in Coffs Harbour

Blue Sky Community Services is seeking to employ a professional and values-aligned person to join our supportive and friendly team providing a welcoming first point of contact for people who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or seeking support through the Youth Housing team. We are seeking a permanent part-time Youth Homelessness Intake and Early Response Worker to join our Families, Young People and Communities Team.

The role manages intake and referral pathways, undertakes initial assessment and risk screening, determines eligibility and priority, and redirects people to appropriate internal or external services where the Youth Housing Team or a Specialist Homelessness Service (SHS) is not the right pathway. The role also supports accurate records, reporting, brokerage administration and safe, participant-centred service delivery. This role is integral to the broader support ecosystem, helping individuals navigate their recovery journey with dignity, purpose, and connection.

The position will be based in Groundworks, Coffs Harbour with the role working across the Bellingen, Coffs Harbour and Nambucca Heads Local Government Areas (LGAs). This position is a permanent part-time position at 15 hours per week. The position is classified at Level 4 under the SCHADS Award.

The Youth Homelessness Intake And Early Response Worker Will:

• Work collaboratively with the Youth Housing Team and other Blue Sky services to provide a coordinated, no wrong door response.
• Provide first point of contact for young people who present as homeless, at risk of homelessness or seeking SHS support.
• Build trusting, respectful and professional relationships with customers, families, guardians and support networks where appropriate.
• Manage intake of referrals, including assessment of eligibility, urgency, risk, duty of care and program suitability.
• Conduct initial support assessments and risk screening, including referral to crisis intervention or emergency supports where required.
• Make referrals to other Specialist Homelessness Services, Blue Sky services, or community supports where the person is ineligible for the Youth Housing Team or another pathway is more appropriate.
• Work with case workers to coordinate new referrals, prioritisation, allocation and follow-up of participants.
• Source accommodation options or make appropriate referrals in response to urgent presenting need, in line with program guidelines.
• Support case workers with brokerage administration, including clear records and timely information, in line with applicable guidelines.
• Maintain accurate, clear and concise participant files, databases and reporting information in accordance with Blue Sky Community Services policies, procedures and funding requirements.
• Undertake administrative tasks and projects allocated by the Team Leader or Program Manager of the Families, Young People, and Communities team.

Who We Are Looking For:

• Relevant qualification in youth work, community services, social work, welfare, homelessness or a related field, and/or equivalent demonstrated experience in a relevant community services setting.
• Demonstrated experience providing intake, assessment, triage, referral or case coordination support to young people and/or people experiencing homelessness, disadvantage or complex needs.
• Demonstrated ability to identify, assess and respond appropriately to risk, including homelessness, family and domestic violence, child protection concerns, mental health concerns, substance use and other presenting safety issues.
• Strong engagement and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport quickly, respond calmly to people experiencing distress, and maintain clear professional boundaries.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgement, make decisions within role authority, and seek guidance or escalate when necessary.