Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Homelessness Worker

Why this role matters

The Salvation Army (Salvos) is one of the largest providers of homelessness services across the country. Our philosophy is that every person should be afforded dignity and respect and that no one should be without a safe, affordable, and secure home. We provide services and supports to adults, and families with accompanying children in the form of accommodation, case management, assertive outreach, financial assistance, community connection and referral services.
 

About the role

We are seeking an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Homelessness Worker to join our Housing Pathways Program (Courts).
 

In this role, you will support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have been referred through the court system and are at risk of homelessness. You will provide culturally safe and responsive support, help people access housing and other services, and work to reduce ongoing homelessness and involvement with the justice system.
 

This role uses strong knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander homelessness services and works in line with national and state strategies.
 

Reporting to the Team Leader, Housing Pathways Program (Courts). This is a 12-month maximum-term, Full-time role. The role is based on site in Coburg North, with some travel across metropolitan and regional areas.
 

This position is open to people of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent only as TSA considers Aboriginal and/or a Torres Strait Islander people are under-represented in this industry as per section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Victoria).

Conditions

Compensation is in accordance with Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Award (SCHADS) Level 5.

How you will make an impact

• Support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are involved with the court system and may be at risk of homelessness
• Provide safe, respectful and culturally appropriate support that understands trauma and past experiences
• Meet people where they are and work alongside them to understand their housing needs
• Help people find short‑term and long‑term housing, such as crisis accommodation, rooming houses, transitional housing and social housing
• Work with clients to create simple support plans based on what matters to them and check in regularly on their progress.
• Help people connect with community, cultural and other support services that are important to them
• Build strong working relationships with courts, housing providers, Aboriginal organisations and other services to make sure support is well coordinated
• Keep clear and accurate records, follow safety and service requirements, and work independently when needed

You will have

• A degree level qualification in Social Work or community services (or a lower qualification with strong relevant work experience)
• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identity, with knowledge of and connection to local communities
• Experience supporting people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness
• An understanding of trauma‑informed and client‑led support
• The ability to support people with complex needs, including involvement with the justice system or family violence
• Confidence working with different services and building positive relationships
• A current Victorian Driver’s Licence and an Employee Working with Children Check, or willingness to get one

What we offer

• Salary packaging up to $15,900 tax free + $2,650 meal entertainment benefit
• Generous Paid Parental leave for primary (12 weeks) & secondary carers, Purchased Leave Scheme (up to 8 weeks) and 5 days paid leave per year to experience working in other TSA programs or activities
• Access to EAP and health & wellness initiatives incl Fitness Passport
• Sorry Business and Ceremonial leave (up to 10 days)
• Seek STAR Award winner or Best Diversity Equity and Inclusion Initiative (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Recruitment and Retention Working Group)
• Becoming part of our Burra Burra Network – a pastoral care network where regular group and topic-specific yarning circles are hosted to bring an awareness of the support and opportunities available
• Compassionate Leave - All full and part time employees are entitled to two days paid Compassionate Leave on each occasion it is required
• Message Stick - quarterly newsletter update from the Territorial

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Team for those who are interested in our work and engagement with First Nations communities, including current and upcoming activities.

How to apply

If this role feels right for you, please apply with your resume and cover letter.

The Salvation Army is an Equal Opportunity Employer who provides an inclusive work environment and embraces the diverse talent of its people. We value people of all cultures, languages, capacities, sexual orientations, gender identities and/or expressions. We are committed to achieving a diverse workforce and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islander people.

The Salvation Army is a child safe organisation and is committed to protecting children and young people from harm. All child facing roles will require the successful completion of a Working with Children Check. Applicants for all roles require a mandatory Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.

We value Integrity, Compassion, Respect, Diversity, and Collaboration