When Junction Support Services started at Wangaratta in Victoria’s North East in 1989, the single focus was helping people in need.
What began with only one supported accommodation program for people who were experiencing homelessness, or who were at risk of homelessness, has grown to nearly 40 tailored support programs being provided across the state’s North East.
Junction’s success working with children and young people was acknowledged more than 20 years ago when the Victorian Government asked Junction to provide care for young people across North East Victoria who were unable to live with their families or in foster or kinship care.
“The Department of Families Fairness and Housing recognise our capacity, capability, innovation and commitment to caring for children and young people with multiple and complex needs,” says Michelle Fell, Junction’s Chief Operating Officer.
“Junction has worked with Placement Support, Child Protection and the Care Teams supporting the young people through the development and provision of individualised models of care to ensure their needs are met and their voices heard.”
The not-for-profit organisation is the largest Youth Residential Care provider for children and young people in North East Victoria and the only Therapeutic Residential Care provider in the Ovens Murray area.
In addition, Junction provides various support programs, ranging from early intervention to statutory services, across regional communities in Victoria’s North East and Goulburn Valley and extends into southern New South Wales.
Junction provides services for people across the life span. This includes supporting young people in Youth Residential Care, supporting young parents, family violence and homelessness support, youth crisis accommodation, education support and counselling, driver education, victims of crime assistance, and NDIS support.
Despite the expansion across multiple support areas, providing support to the community through the provision of Youth Residential Care and homelessness support remains Junction’s core business.
Junction is currently recruiting a team to deliver essential Youth Residential Care to children and young people in Gippsland.
The organisation will have its base in Morwell.
“Having a safe, stable place to live is a basic human right, and it opens opportunities to actively engage in the community,” says Junction CEO Megan Hanley.
“The pathways to independent living are complex and challenging for young people. The task is all the more challenging for young people with limited family and community support and connections.
“Without a safe place to call home, it is extremely tough for young people to navigate education, health, recovery and actively engage in their local communities.
“We are excited to be able to bring our experience and passion to Gippsland.
“Junction will provide a safe and stable base for these young people to find their way to achieve their desired future.”
That is why Junction is fast-tracking a recruitment campaign to build a Gippsland workforce.
“Because we are regional, our expertise is tailored to regional and rural needs,” says Michelle Fell.
“We want to employ Gippsland locals who can add their experience and understanding of the unique challenges Gippsland youth face to our team.
“The recruitment process is already underway.
“We encourage anyone interested in rewarding careers that positively impact young people’s lives to get in touch.”
To learn more about working with Junction and the range of full-time, part-time, casual and traineeship opportunities available across Gippsland, contact People and Culture Manager Shayne Medcraft at 0427 227 776 or recruitment@junction.org.au.
Alternatively, people can view and apply for all vacancies through the Careers links on Junction’s website: junction.org.au.
