IHSS Services

IHSS services are provided over an average of 6 months from arrival in Australia and can be clasified into 7 main categories:

Case Coordination, Information and Referrals is the provision of Case Management, where a Case Coordinator will provide advice, information and referrals based on an initial needs assessment, further needs as they arise and entrant and proposer capacity. Where an entrant or entrant family does not know how to get to the service they have been referred to, or have a Proposer, friend or relative who cannot assist to access this service, a Caseworker may be allocated to show the entrants how to get to their initial appointment.

On Arrival Reception and Assistance includes meeting entrants on arrival at the airport, taking them to their initial accommodation, providing orientation to their accommodation and meeting any emergency needs such as medical attention or clothing. Where the entrants have a Proposer, friend or relative, the Case Coordinator can assist by providing advice and support on how best to assist the entrants.

Accommodation Services includes provision of information about the entrant’s rights and responsibilities as a tenant, assists entrants to find suitable long-term accommodation and provides them with basic household goods assistance to start establishing their own household in Australia. Where the entrants have a Proposer, friend or relative, the Case Coordinator or Property Officer can assist with providing advice and support on how to help the entrants in this regard.

Short Term Torture and Trauma Counselling Services is the provision of a psychosocial and psychological health assessment, short-term torture and trauma counselling and training for health professionals and organisations working with refugees.

Volunteer Assistance links entrants with volunteers for social support and establishing links to the community.

Airport Transit Assistance provides assistance to refugees who are transiting through Sydney airport to reach another destination in Australia. Refugee entrants will be taken to their ongoing flight, provided with food where time allows, provided with overnight accommodation near the airport if required and assisted with emergency medical needs.

Advocacy and Community Awareness Raising includes the provision of Proposer information sessions, training for mainstream agencies, participation on advisory committees, and attendance at and chairing various forums and interagencies. For more information click here.