This case study relates to the VPS value of respect and accountability.
Background
The Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) built on lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic and created the Yarra Estates Tenants Employment Program to provide job opportunities for people who have lived experience or are currently living in public housing.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, local organisations (particularly Local Government and community health centres) employed local people to maximise the impact and effectiveness of service delivery for the broader community.
This was a successful approach, with the Yarra estates experiencing high rates of vaccination and uptake of testing as a result.
Residents recommended that local organisations – including the department – continue to prioritise the employment of local people post-pandemic to sustain and build on the significant benefits as part of ‘business as usual’ service delivery. The Yarra Estates Tenant Employment Program was developed in response to this.
Working in partnership with members of the Yarra Resident Voice Group, Box Hill TAFE, Hope for the Future and the Yarra Estates Housing Office, the project aimed to recruit 10 current or former renters each year, from diverse backgrounds, to roles within the Yarra Housing Team.
Challenge
The aim of the program was to concurrently:
- help strengthen connections in the Yarra public housing estate communities
- provide a clear employment pathway to public housing renters and other groups who are often under-represented in the VPS workforce
- create a pipeline of diverse talent to fill critical vacancies in the department’s housing office teams.
Result
In 2023, DFFH was fortunate to exceed its target by recruiting 11 trainees, all of whom completed a three-month tailored Certificate III short course on ‘Public Sector Service and Delivery.’ Trainees reported feeling welcome and quickly felt they were part of the team.
Trainees are making a difference to renter’s lives by sharing their experiences and insights to inform planning and operational responses.
They play key roles in supporting home visits and other community-facing activities. Many of the trainees speak multiple languages – which is extremely valuable when working with diverse communities.
All 2023 trainees seeking employment at the end of the program have been employed in ongoing roles with the department or in the Victorian Government.
In the words of one trainee:
“the program sends a positive message to renters about the department’s commitment to accessibility and responsiveness to community needs”.