Elements and Performance Criteria
- Develop knowledge of causes and impacts of homelessness
- Demonstrate consideration of the changing social, political and economic context in which homelessness occurs
- Demonstrate understanding of the historical context of homelessness, supported housing, transitional housing and crisis housing
- Demonstrate understanding of the structural causes which allow and maintain homelessness
- Apply knowledge of the current issues which impact on homelessness
- Identify additional barriers in accessing safe, secure housing for people in specific circumstances experiencing homelessness or risk of becoming homeless
- Demonstrate understanding of the complexity surrounding family violence
- Collect and use the views of key stakeholders andrepresentatives from relevant target groups when collecting information about homelessness
- Demonstrate commitment to the central philosophies and legal requirements of working with people who are experiencing homelessness or risk of becoming homeless
- Demonstrate consideration and understanding of the underpinning values and philosophies of working with people who are experiencing homelessness or risk of becoming homeless
- Work within relevant service standards and guidelines
- Demonstrate understanding of the legal requirements when dealing with young people who are experiencing homelessness or risk of becoming homeless
- Demonstrate understanding of the legal requirements when dealing with people who are experiencing family violence
- Demonstrate understanding of duty of care requirements and the law of negligence in delivering services to those experiencing homelessness or risk of becoming homeless
- Demonstrate a commitment to access and equity principles in all work
- Where appropriate, ensure opportunities are provided for client participation in service planning and support activities
- Identify personal values and attitudes regarding homelessness and take these into account when planning and implementing work activities
- Develop a professional rapport with people who are experiencinghomelessness or risk of becoming homeless
- Conduct interpersonal communication in a manner that enhances a client-centred approach consistent with organisation standards
- Communicate with clients respectfully and in a manner that builds trust
- Consider cultural sensitivities in communication techniques and adapt style and language to accommodate different cultural values and practices
- Recognise how one's own ethnicity, religion, class and gender will affect interactions with clients
- Recognise the communication needs of clients who are experiencing homelessness or risk of becoming homeless
- Define boundaries and use communication skills that will establish a trusting and respectful relationship
- Take appropriate measures to resolve conflict and interpersonal differences
- Address issues associated with people who are experiencing homelessness or risk of becoming homeless
- Evaluate personal safety of those experiencing homelessness or risk of becoming homeless
- Make appropriate referrals to ensure client's safety requirements are met
- Recognise trauma and refer to appropriate personnel or services
- Evaluate issues impacting on the person's homeless situation and modify approach appropriately
- Support clients to deal with a range of complex issues
- Work with client to identify potential solutions to complex issues raised including referral to appropriate services and personnel
- Support clients to deal with discrimination
- Advocate as required to facilitate addressing of issues on behalf of people who are experiencing homelessness or risk of becoming homeless
- Support people who are experiencing homelessness or risk of becoming homeless
- Advocate and negotiate in conjunction with clients where appropriate
- Support clients to advocate and/or negotiate on their own behalf
- Effectively negotiate and create access pathways with support services and the full range of social and private housing providers
- Use a range of advocacy techniques to support people from differing cultural backgrounds, in addition to gender sensitive and age appropriate practice