Specialist Homelessness Services tools and systems
We’ve created tools and systems to help you connect clients with the right services faster and more effectively.
Use our tools to improve service delivery
Our tools ensure consistent assessments, referrals, and information sharing, while making it easier to track and report outcomes.
Our tools help you:
- carry out consistent assessments and referrals
- accept assessments and referrals
- connect people to appropriate and available services
- record and share client information (with their consent)
- share accurate and up-to-date information about available accommodation and support services.
- capture client outcomes information and data.
Streamline your work with the Client Information Management System
The Client Information Management System (CIMS) helps you deliver faster, more consistent support to people who are homeless or at risk.
Key features of CIMS
With CIMS you can:
- conduct and record an assessment of client needs
- easily search and share client records, with client consent
- restrict access to client records for safety reasons
- send and receive electronic referrals
- access up-to-date service information
- find real time support and accommodation vacancies.
Access CIMS
Need help?
Use our quick reference guides to get started with CIMS:
- Referrals Quick Reference Guide for CIMS users
- Editing Service Details Quick Reference Guide for all CIMS Administrators/Coordinators
- Initial Assessment Quick Reference guide for CIMS users
- Statewide Search Quick Reference Guide for CIMS users
- Consent to Share Quick Reference Guide for CIMS users
- Client Sensitivity Quick Reference Guide for CIMS users
- Client Record Visibility Quick Reference Guide for CIMS users
Information about further support is available on the CIMS website.
Find accommodation with the Vacancy Management System
The Vacancy Management System (VMS) simplifies finding accommodation and support services for clients.
The VMS:
- Shows a statewide view of available vacancies at a glance.
- Lets you search by location, district, or client group.
- Reduces the need to call multiple services for availability.
To keep the system effective, review and update your vacancy details daily.
Access VMS Resources
Conduct an initial assessment with confidence
When a person calls Link2home or visits a specialist homelessness service, use the Initial Assessment Form in CIMS to:
- Identify their immediate needs and safety concerns.
- Record their information and determine the next steps.
Refer to the Initial Assessment Question Guide for tips on identifying client needs.
Support client outcomes with the Client Outcomes Survey Tool
The Client Outcomes Survey (COS) Tool helps track and improve client outcomes. Use the COS resources to guide your work:
Personal Wellbeing Index - Administration manual
The key purpose of the administration manual is to explain how to conduct and then report on the Personal Wellbeing Index (PWI). Technical instructions for entering the PWI in CIMS (if your services uses that system) are provided in the CIMS help topics.