New Victorian community officers get to work
Victoria media release
Wednesday, 14 July 2010
Centrelink support for homeless people in Victoria has received a boost thanks to the Community Engagement Officer Program.
The program sees 90 specialist Centrelink staff, located across all capital cities and many regional centres, supporting some of the most vulnerable people in our community.
This means homeless people in Victoria, and those at risk of homelessness, will have better access to income support and the many other services available through Centrelink.
Centrelink Community Engagement Officer Program Manager for South Eastern Victoria, Jodie Lake, says the task of helping vulnerable local people most in need has begun in earnest.
"Our job is to offer extra support and assistance to particularly vulnerable customers and try to really help them change their lives," said Jodie.
"We help them understand, claim and maintain Centrelink income support payments.
"You don’t necessarily need a fixed address – we can still deliver services without one.
"We get out from behind our desks to drug and alcohol rehabilitation services, mental health units, hostels, boarding houses, refuges and drop-in centres.
"For example, our Dandenong-based team member, Tim Webster, has been regularly visiting the Cornerstone Drop-in Centre.
"Tim sits with the visitors to the Centre as they enjoy a hot meal and is able to chat with them about Centrelink payments and services. It’s a really comfortable and relaxed environment and through a friendly chat, many of the visitors have been surprised to learn about the different support available to them.
"We aim to work very closely with people to nurture individual abilities and overcome individual barriers, rather than just get them on a payment.
"It’s a great job - because I know we can make a real difference in the lives of some of our community’s most vulnerable people."
For more information, telephone the relevant Centrelink media contact.