Cafe and Client Support Worker

The Salvation Army; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging up to 15,900 tax free

Meal entertainment benefit 2,650

Paid parental leave

Flexible working arrangements

Health & wellness initiatives

Job summary

The Salvation Army in Footscray, VIC, seeks a Cafe & Client Support Worker for a full-time 12-month maximum term role. This position supports the cafe and clients facing homelessness, addressing needs per case plans while upholding food safety and service standards.

You will work with diverse client groups, assist with accessing services, maintain records, and collaborate with external agencies to progress housing outcomes, while ensuring welcoming cafe operations.

Qualifications

• Experience working with multiple complex client groups.
• Experience in the areas of food handling, barista, first aid and managing challenging behaviours.
• A National Police Record check is required; a Victoria Working with Children check is required.

Responsibilities

• Provide integrated support to clients at the cafe, addressing homelessness, mental health and other presenting needs in line with case management plans.
• Assist clients with complex needs, helping them access supports and maintaining documentation for smooth service transitions.
• Collaborate with external agencies to progress clients toward stable housing outcomes.
• Deliver respectful, empathetic customer service while maintaining safe, efficient cafe operations and a positive representation of Melbourne Project 614.

Skills

Complex client groups

Food handling

Barista

First aid

Managing challenging behaviours

Job description

Number of Positions Available: 1 ABOUT US The Salvation Army is a Christian movement and one of Australia's largest and most-loved charities. We believe in doing good that transforms lives and futures for the better.

It is this belief which drives us to find new ways and places where we can make a difference. From times of personal crisis to moments of national grief, we are always here — providing support, safety, community, and opportunity.

About the role

As a Cafe & Client Support Worker, this is your opportunity to contribute to a community hub that provides meals, crisis assistance, and meaningful connection for people experiencing homelessness, isolation, or hardship in Melbourne. Reporting to the Corps Officer - Team Leader, this is a full-time, 12-month maximum term role based in Footscray, VIC.

Provide integrated support to clients at the cafe, addressing homelessness, mental health and other presenting needs in line with case management plans.

Assist clients with complex needs, helping them access supports and maintaining documentation for smooth service transitions. Collaborate with external agencies to progress clients toward stable housing outcomes. Ensure all clients are supported toward positive, sustainable outcomes.

Deliver respectful, empathetic customer service while maintaining safe, efficient cafe operations and a positive representation of Melbourne Project 614. Support volunteers and maintain high standards of cleanliness, food‑handling compliance, and post‑service cleaning across all cafe areas.

What you will bring

Experience working with multiple complex client groups.

Experience in the areas of food handling, barista, first aid and managing challenging behaviours. A National Police Record check is required A Victoria Employee Working with Children check is required Understanding of, and commitment to, the mission and values of

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.


• Flexible working arrangements.


• Access to EAP and health & wellness initiatives incl Fitness Passport.


• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander supports such as Burra Burra Network (pastoral care network), Cultural Events, Sorry Business and Ceremonial Leave (up to 10 days)


• Ongoing training and development opportunities that enhance on the job skills and proficiency.


• Rewarding and fulfilling purpose driven careers that have positive and sustainable / social impacts.

Conditions

Compensation is in accordance with SCHADS Level 3

Together we can build a brighter future. Applications will closeas soon as a suitable candidate is secured. 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 At the Salvos, we believe in doing good that transforms lives and futures for the better. And it is this belief which drives us to find new ways and places where we can make a difference.

From times of personal crisis to moments of national grief, we are always here — providing support, safety, community, and opportunity. Mission, Vision & Values The Salvation Army is a Christian movement dedicated to sharing the love of Jesus.

We share the love of Jesus by: Caring for people Creating faith pathways Building healthy communities Working for justice When you work with the Salvos, you help make a real difference to the community and the lives of others.

Find more information here. Check out how we’re bringing some more good in the world. Why work with the Salvos?

The Salvation Army offers a range of employment opportunities across the organisation, including those in community programs, aged care, retail, employment services, corporate and other support services. When you choose to work with the Salvos, you choose to believe in doing good that transforms the lives of people and communities facing hardship or crisis. So, if you are passionate about work that has purpose and satisfaction, are keen on delivering social and sustainable outcomes that change lives, we want to hear from you.

Our employees have access to a range of benefits, plus personal development and career diversity opportunities that deliver real and meaningful benefits. Enjoy flexible working arrangements and a healthy work-life balance, generous salary packaging opportunities, parental leave, purchase leave schemes and much more. The Salvation Army encourages people from all backgrounds, abilities, and identities to apply.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment that accepts and recognises every person, embraces their strengths and differences, and provide opportunities for all people to achieve their highest potential. Check out our career page to find out more about our recruitment process and what its like to work at the Salvos. We are always on the lookout for individuals keen to help us fulfil mission to support those in need.

Along with contributing their valuable time to a good cause, volunteers bring much-needed vitality and a fresh perspective through their ideas to the range of roles we have on offer. Whatever your skillset, availability, or areas of interest, we are keen to hear from you. Check out our volunteer opportunities here.