Waitlist Support Worker

Catherine House is a quality accredited, not-for-profit organisation that works holistically with women affected by homelessness.  Catherine House continually looks for innovative housing and support solutions for women experiencing homelessness.  Our goal is not just to house women, but to also offer life-changing opportunities that will enable them to move forward and live a life that is purposeful and meaningful to them. 

In January 2021, Catherine House proudly joined the Housing Choices Group of Companies, to become part of Housing Choices South Australia (HCSA).  Housing Choices is a leading national non-profit community housing organisation that holds the same values as Catherine House. 

The Opportunity

Based in the inner city, we are piloting a new approach working with women on our waitlist. We are looking to recruit a motivated and compassionate Waitlist Support Worker to join our team on an initial 12 month fixed-term contract, working 30 hours per week, Tuesday to Friday. 

Reporting to the Team Leader, Supported Accommodation Services, the position will work alongside our Intake Worker enabling Catherine House to provide a new Waitlist Support Service, offering a broader range of assistance to women who meet the eligibility criteria. 

This position will be responsible for providing outreach support as needed, warm referrals to relevant services, assessment, and recommendation of brokerage funding to address identified needs to minimise personal hardship from their current experience of homelessness, and where able, divert from or shorten periods of homelessness. 

The position is classified as a Crisis Accommodation Employee Level 2, Pay Point 1 - 4 (currently $41.58 to $44.74 / hour) under the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services (SCHADS) Award. The pay point offered will be subject to the successful candidate's qualifications and experience. 

Download a copy of the Position Description here.

(Please note: SEEK applicants only - if you are viewing this job advert on SEEK you will not be able to view the position description until you click APPLY) 

About You

• Relevant post-secondary qualification (e.g., social work, psychology, social science, relevant health qualification) plus extensive experience working in a similar role / environment.
• Experience supporting people who have had experiences of disadvantage, a mental health condition, past trauma, and / or other complex needs. 
• Experience working with women from diverse backgrounds, cultures, religions, and sexuality. 
• An understanding of the issues that may bring a woman to a period of homelessness.
• Adept at building trust and rapport with clients in a timely way.
• Advocacy skills to support clients achieve housing or other goals and outcomes. 
• Well-developed interpersonal skills including oral and written communication skills.
• Client crisis management, de-escalation of incidents and management of client behavioural and support issues.
• A sound knowledge of mental health conditions / diagnoses.
• Ability to work independently, effectively, and collaboratively and as a member of a team, both with staff and volunteers and with relevant external stakeholders.

What we offer in return

• Five (5) Weeks Annual Leave.
• Salary Packaging for living expenses, meal, and entertainment expenses.
• Up to 16 weeks paid parental leave.
• Reward and recognition program.

How to Apply

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Cristy Pamment, Team Leader - Supported Accommodation Services, on 8232 2282.

To be considered for this position you will need to submit your resume, together with a cover letter outlining your experience, knowledge and capabilities. 

Please note that it is a minimum requirement that the successful position holder:

• agrees to and undergoes relevant employment screening as required - including but not limited to Working with Children or NDIS Worker Checks.
• agrees to and complies with child safety policies and procedures.
• provides a current driver’s license and willingness to travel across Catherine House locations, as required.

Whilst COVID-19 vaccination mandates are no longer in place in South Australia, vaccination is important for managing COVID-19 related risks in our residential settings and service provisions.  Prospective staff are encouraged to be up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations as per ATAGI guidelines. 

Applications close 11:59pm Sunday, 3 March 2024.

Housing Choices reserves the right to cease recruitment proceedings earlier upon appointing a suitable candidate for the role. This opportunity is only open to candidates with appropriate legal working rights within Australia. Housing Choices recognises the benefits of a diverse workforce. We celebrate and respect our people's differences and are committed to being inclusive. We strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and persons with a disability to apply.