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Common Ground Case Manager

Due date:

02/04/2026

Job Description

Are you passionate about housing-first, trauma‑informed support and walking alongside people with a history of homelessness to sustain safe, permanent housing? Join YWCA Canberra as a Common Ground Dickson Case Manager and provide intensive, wrap‑around, on‑site support to residents at Common Ground Dickson, an innovative permanent supportive housing community.

About Common Ground Dickson & the Role

Common Ground Dickson is part of an international permanent supportive housing model that provides safe, secure homes with flexible on‑site support to people with complex needs and a history of homelessness. As a Common Ground Case Manager, you will work with individuals and families who may have multiple and complex needs (including mental health, physical health, AOD, domestic and family violence, and child safety concerns) to sustain their tenancy and build independence.

You will:

  • Provide long‑term, assertive, on‑site case management and coordination to residents, using child‑centred, family‑focused, gender‑ and trauma‑informed practice.
  • Support residents to meet their tenancy responsibilities and maintain safe, stable housing in partnership with CHC and the YWCA tenancy team.
  • Coordinate wrap‑around support and case plans, collaborating with mainstream and specialist services to reduce unmet needs and support resident goals.
  • Work closely with the Community Development Coordinator to deliver group programs, social activities and meaningful place‑based engagement opportunities.
  • Contribute to the ongoing development and continuous quality improvement of Common Ground services.

You will be part of the Housing Support Unit and report to the Team Leader Next Door, Common Ground and Community Development, working with a high degree of autonomy on site at Common Ground Dickson.

Key Responsibilities

  • Provide proactive, strengths based case management and advocacy to adults and families, including development, implementation and review of individual case plans.
  • Undertake risk assessments, develop and implement safety plans, and respond to incidents in line with policy and procedure.
  • Provide tenancy support, including induction of new residents and early intervention where tenancy issues arise, in partnership with CHC and the Community Development Coordinator.
  • Build and maintain collaborative relationships with other agencies and services, participate in case coordination meetings and sector networks, and stay informed about service options and sector developments.
  • Maintain accurate and timely case notes, documentation and reporting, and adhere to quality and housing standards.
  • Actively participate in team meetings, supervision, professional development and continuous improvement activities.

About You

You will be an experienced case manager who is motivated, organised and comfortable working with people with multiple and complex needs in a permanent supportive housing environment.

You will have:

  • Minimum Diploma in Community Services, or tertiary qualifications in social work, psychology or human services (mental health qualifications highly regarded).
  • Demonstrated experience working effectively with vulnerable and disadvantaged people, ideally in homelessness, supported accommodation and/or outreach settings.
  • Knowledge of Housing First principles and how they apply in a permanent supportive housing program.
  • Experience assessing and managing risk and safety, including risk assessments and safety plans.
  • Understanding of the impacts of family violence and trauma on the cycle of homelessness.
  • Experience working competently and in a culturally safe manner with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
  • Experience in individual and family assertive case management, advocacy, outreach and collaborative professional practice.
  • Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills, strong teamwork, sound judgement and the ability to prioritise and meet deadlines.
  • Competence using Microsoft Office and client/data reporting systems.

Other requirements:

  • Current Working with Vulnerable People registration (or ability to obtain).
  • Current full driver’s licence (and access to a comprehensively insured vehicle if required).
  • Australian citizenship or appropriate work rights in Australia.

What’s in it for you?

Working at YWCA Canberra offers more than just a pay cheque. Here, you’ll find a job with real purpose, where your efforts directly contribute to improving lives in our community. Whether you’re involved in early childhood education, housing support, or any of our other programmes, you’ll see the tangible results of your work.

YWCA Canberra offers:

  • Competitive base salary
  • Flexible working options to support work-life balance
  • Opportunities for professional development and further study through our in-house registered training organisation.
  • Salary packaging options that can improve your take-home pay by $5K annually
  • Generous parental leave entitlements, 3 days extra paid annual leave between Christmas and New Year, annual flu vaccinations.
  • Access to Employee Assistance Program for guidance and counselling

Join Canberra’s ONLY Employer of Choice for Gender Equality (WGEA) and contribute to an inclusive, equitable future.

How to Apply

  1. Visit https://ywca-canberra.org.au/about-us/careers/ to access the position description and job demands checklist. 
  2. Applications including a cover letter and CV can be submitted through our recruitment portal here: https://candidate.aurion.cloud/ywca/production/signin
Apply here

Want more information?

For a confidential discussion or further information please contact Jasmina Ong via email at Jasmina.Ong@ywca-canberra.org.au

For assistance with the application process please contact Recruitment@ywca-canberra.org.au

Applications close on 2 April 2026

All applications will be reviewed upon submission and applicants may be interviewed and appointed prior to the closing date.

Make a difference with us.

At YWCA Canberra, we’ve been championing change since 1929, empowering women and promoting gender equality for nearly a century. Our legacy isn’t built on words alone—it’s rooted in real action. Every day, we transform lives through our community services, affordable housing programs, early childhood education, and leadership initiatives. Whether it’s providing a safe home through YHomes, supporting survivors of domestic violence, or nurturing the next generation of leaders, we walk the talk. Our impact is tangible, and our commitment to building an inclusive, equitable future remains stronger than ever.

YWCA Canberra reserves the right to close this role early if a suitable candidate is found prior to the closing date.

YWCA Canberra is committed to child-safe recruitment and the wellbeing of children and young people. Successful applicants must therefore fully participate in all pre-employment screening and risk-based assessments. ALL employees are required to hold and maintain a valid Working with Vulnerable People (WWVP)/Working with Children Check (WWCC) registration for the duration of their employment. We operate under a strict ‘No card, no start’ policy, meaning this clearance must be obtained prior to commencing in any role.

YWCA Canberra is an equal opportunity employer. We actively promote an inclusive workplace that values diversity in all its forms. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and people of all ages.