Care Coordinator (Indigenous Identified)

This is an identified position for an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person. Wayside considers being Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander to be a genuine occupational qualification specified under section 14 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW).

About Wayside Chapel

Wayside Chapel has provided unconditional love, care and support to the most marginalised people on and around the streets of Sydney since 1964. Our mission is to create a community with no ‘us and them’, and address underlying issues of inequality, wellbeing, and loneliness. From our centres in Kings Cross and Bondi and through outreach teams, we offer a range of support services that place dignity, respect, and love at the heart of what we do

Every day, we walk alongside people facing homelessness, addiction, mental health challenges, and isolation. We provide care that is trauma-informed, respectful, and human.

Purpose of Position

This role is an identified position and is open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants only.

This position contributes to our broader commitment to cultural safety, truth-telling and the importance of lived experience and First Nations knowledge in healing and community development. The Care Coordinator plays a central role in promoting dignity, connection and healing by walking alongside visitors to identify their strengths, set meaningful goals and access the supports they need to live well. This role provides high-quality, trauma informed, culturally safe and person-centred care to people experiencing homelessness, disadvantage and complex life challenges. The Care Coordinator supports visitors through collaborative planning, system navigation, advocacy and consistent relational engagement that prioritises empower and self-determination.

Responsibilities

• Build trusting, respectful relationships with visitors using culturally safe, trauma-informed and strengths-based approaches.

• Conduct holistic assessments and partner with visitors to set meaningful goals and develop personalised care plans.

• Provide practical support, clear information, and warm referrals across housing, health, legal, and social services.

• Advocate strongly for equitable access and outcomes, helping visitors navigate complex service systems.

• Respond to crisis situations and support frontline teams in managing visitor wellbeing.

• Promote connection to culture, community, and self-worth through yarning, storytelling, and peer-led engagement.

• Collaborate with other Wayside programs and external services to deliver seamless, joined-up care.

• Strengthen local partnerships, including with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, to better support visitor needs.

• Contribute to a positive, inclusive team culture that reflects Wayside’s values of connection, courage, curiosity, and collaboration.

About you

• Tertiary qualification in Social Work, Community Services, or related field, and extensive experience working with people experiencing homelessness or complex needs.

• Strong professional experience working with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities

• Demonstrated understanding of the impacts of intergenerational trauma, systemic racism, and social disadvantage.

• Experience in advocacy, systems navigation, and care planning

• Knowledge and application of trauma-informed, culturally safe, and harm reduction frameworks

• Strong interpersonal, written, and organisational skills

What we offer

• Five weeks Annual Leave

• $15,900 of your annual salary tax-free through generous NFP salary packaging

• 3x Flex Leave days

• Paid Cultural and Ceremonial Leave

• Access to monthly External Clinical Supervision

• Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Wayside is an Equal Opportunity Employer that 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 and Torres Strait Islander people.

Prior to an offer of employment, candidates will be required to complete pre-employment checks, including a Police check, reference checks and Working With Children Check.