Community Development Worker

Women's Community Shelters; Sydney; Vor Ort; AUD 70.000 - 90.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

Women’s Community Shelters invites a committed Community Development Worker to lead the establishment, development and delivery of the Women’s Community Hub at Aurora Place, Ashfield. You will design, coordinate and evaluate programs that support women and children experiencing homelessness and DFV, fostering social inclusion and wellbeing.

You will build partnerships with services, schools, businesses and government agencies, coordinate group activities and ensure trauma‑informed practices

Qualifikationen

• Qualification in Community Development, Community Services, Social Work, Human Services or a related discipline, or significant equivalent experience.
• Experience establishing partnerships and working collaboratively across the community services sector.

Aufgaben

• Develop and implement community development initiatives that promote social inclusion, connection and wellbeing for women and children.

Kenntnisse

Communication skills

Networking

Relationship-building

Trauma-informed practice

Organisation skills

Team work

Microsoft Office

Client management systems

Driver licence

Working with Children Check

Criminal history check

First Aid

Ausbildung

Community Development / Social Work qualification or related discipline

Tools

None

Jobbeschreibung

Women’s Community Shelters (WCS) was established in 2013 to build community capacity and response to women’s homelessness, including domestic and family violence. WCS works with communities to establish new shelters which provide short term emergency accommodation and support in a safe environment.

Under a tripartite model, WCS brings together government, community and philanthropy to fund the establishment and ongoing operation of shelters and other innovative housing solutions.

As a Tier 3 Community Housing provider, WCS relies on traditional and innovative housing solutions to achieve positive individual outcomes for women with and without children.

Position summary

The Community Development Worker (CDW) will lead the establishment, development and delivery of the Women’s Community Hub located at Aurora Place, Ashfield. The Hub provides a structured, trauma-informed environment for women and children experiencing homelessness, domestic and family violence, social isolation and housing instability.

The role is responsible for building community connections, developing and facilitating programs and groups, establishing strategic partnerships, increasing access to essential supports, and creating pathways that assist women and children to achieve safety, stability and social inclusion.

The Community Development Worker will play a critical role in ensuring the Hub operates as a welcoming, purposeful and outcomes-focused service that bridges the gap between crisis response and long-term community participation and wellbeing.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and implement community development initiatives that promote social inclusion, connection and wellbeing for women and children.

Build strong relationships with local community members, service providers, schools, businesses, volunteers and government agencies.

Facilitate community participation and strengthen community capacity through engagement strategies and collaborative projects.

Promote awareness of the Women’s Community Hub and its services throughout the Inner West community.

Represent Women's Community Shelters at local forums, networks, committees and community events.

Design, coordinate and evaluate community-based programs and activities that meet identified client needs.

Facilitate or coordinate programs such as:

Parenting and Practical Positive Parenting (PPP) programs.

Mother's groups and playgroups.

Women's wellbeing groups.

Community connection activities.

Educational and guest speaker sessions.

Social and recreational groups.

Ensure programs are culturally appropriate, inclusive and trauma-informed.

Monitor attendance, participation and outcomes to inform continuous service improvement.

Establish and maintain effective partnerships with key stakeholders including:

Domestic and family violence services.

Housing and homelessness services.

Financial counselling services.

Legal services including Legal Aid.

Mental health and counselling providers.

Serviced Australia and community support agencies.

Educational institutions and volunteer organisations.

Develop referral pathways and collaborative service responses to improve client outcomes.

Work alongside Aurora Place accommodation team to support women and children accessing the service.

Assist clients to access information, referrals, advocacy and practical supports.

Promote early intervention approaches that reduce homelessness risk, social isolation and DFV support.

Support the provision of practical assistance including food relief, essential items and community resources.

Recruit, train and support volunteers where appropriate.

Encourage community participation and leadership opportunities for women using the Hub.

Identify community strengths, resources and opportunities that contribute to sustainable outcomes.

Foster an environment that promotes empowerment, independence and community connection.

Collect and maintain accurate program and participation data.

Monitor outcomes against service objectives.

Prepare reports, case studies and program evaluations.

Identify opportunities for service improvement and innovation.

CIMS

Compliance and Risk Management

Operate in accordance with Women's Community Shelters' policies, procedures and values.

Maintain professional boundaries and uphold client confidentiality.

Ensure all activities are consistent with trauma-informed and child-safe practice principles.

Participate in risk management, incident reporting and workplace health and safety processes.

Promote a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for all participants.

Essential skills, knowledge, experience, qualifications and/or training:

Qualification in Community Development, Community Services, Social Work, Human Services or a related discipline, or significant equivalent experience.

Demonstrated experience in community development, community engagement or social inclusion programs.

Sound understanding of homelessness, domestic and family violence, housing instability and the barriers faced by vulnerable women and families.

Experience establishing partnerships and working collaboratively across the community services sector.

Demonstrated ability to develop, coordinate and evaluate community programs and group-based activities.

Excellent communication, networking and relationship-building skills.

Understanding of trauma-informed, strengths-based and person-centred practice.

Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.

Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office and client management systems.

Current NSW Driver Licence.

Current Working with Children Check.

National Criminal History Check.

Current First Aid Certificate (or willingness to obtain).

Desirable skills, knowledge, experience, qualifications and/or training:

Experience within the homelessness, housing or domestic and family violence sector.

Knowledge of community resources and service systems in the Inner West region.

Experience in, project development or community capacity-building initiatives.

Why Join WCS?

Contribute your skills to an organisation creating real, lasting change in the lives of women and children.

Be part of a values-driven organisation making a lasting social impact.

Access to salary packaging benefits and additional wellbeing leave

WCS’ services are provided only to women and their children. WCS considers being a woman is a genuine occupational qualification for this position under section 31 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW) and section 30 of the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth).