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Glen Waverley Uniting Church - Position Description – Welfare Coordinator

Congregation Setting

Glen Waverley Uniting Church (GWUC) is in the south-eastern suburbs of Melbourne and has a membership of approximately 500.

GWUC is a faithful, Christ-centred community that meets God and aims to share that unconditional love. We are committed to having a diverse ministry that encourages and empowers individuals to explore their faith and purpose in a community environment of unconditional love. We offer a variety of worship services, communion, faith development, baptisms, weddings, funerals, small groups, faith exploration groups, bible studies, welfare, broadcasts, podcasts, gatherings, hospitality, English conversation classes, pastoral care, coffee and so many other seasonal programs and ministries, for all ages and cultures. In all we do, we aim to serve our community, our world and each other.

Accountabilities

The appointee is accountable to the Church Council for all functions and responsibilities. On a day to day basis, direction may be provided by the Minister of the Word.

The person will report to Church Council on a quarterly basis as part of our Community Hub Missional Group.

Qualifications/Experience

• Diploma or Certificate IV in a relevant discipline or equivalent qualifications;
• Relevant experience over a period of 3 or 5 years in areas related to Welfare, Support and interviewing and assisting people requiring assistance, support and referral.

Professional Requirements

• Relevant experience in supporting those experiencing personal and financial crises;
• crisis intervention and ongoing counselling support and referral to other professional services;
• Proficiency in making assessments, and recording details;
• Appropriate knowledge of community resources and services and a willingness to learn these;
• Preparedness to refer clients on to appropriate community agencies;
• Commitment to ongoing development and learning;
• Commitment to continuous quality improvement;

Professional Practice/Clinical Proficiency

• Demonstrates a sensitivity to the needs of welfare clients;
• Timely assessments;
• Regularly maintains records of interventions including any financial assistance provided;
• Liaises regularly with members of the GWUC Welfare Committee meeting informally and formally as required:
• Practice is underpinned by AASW Code of Ethics and GWUC Welfare Policy and Procedures;
• Actively explores opportunities for improvement, seeks learning opportunities for self and encourages the exchange of skills and knowledge within the Welfare Team;
• Actively overviews and supports our small team of Volunteers even though they may operate independently on a day to day basis;
• Facilitates a team approach, utilising the expertise of the Welfare Committee, Ministry Team, specific congregation members etc, within the bounds of confidentiality;
• Deals appropriately with client complaints/concerns;
• Financial responsibility;
• Accesses community-based resources, referring clients to alternate agencies when appropriate;
• Strives for optimal communication within GWUC, with active participation in and reporting to other committees as required (see Policy and Procedures Manual);
• Participates in Monash Welfare Network meetings;
• Strives consistently to enhance GWUC’s positive image within the community.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Familiarity with the congregation’s organic vision and how our welfare program is a key component of this;
• Provide leadership and guidance in relation to the elements of our welfare program;
• Attentive to the hopes, concerns, and needs of individuals in the community to determine how the congregation might best serve them;
• Advising the Ministry Team as to both internal and external clients requiring welfare support and assistance and referral to other specialist services;
• Participates in welfare programs, assessing and interviewing and support activities.

Position Status

This is a part time position for 6 hours per week. From time to time, it may be necessary to work extra hours to support a welfare need. However, this is unexpected and not routine.

The position is offered for an initial period over 2025, and subject to a three-month probation period.

Glen Waverley Uniting Church is committed to this ministry area and has made budget provisions for salary and programs that fit within the church’s mission and vision.

Remuneration

Remuneration will be in accordance with award conditions including Superannuation requirements, based upon qualifications and experience of the appointee. The Position will be reviewed in terms of the Social, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award with the Pay Guide published 17 October 2024