Community Inclusion Worker

The Salvation Army; Geelong; On-site; AUD 74,000 - 77,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging

Parental leave

Learning & development

Employee assistance program

Wellness initiatives

Cultural supports

Job summary

The Salvation Army in Geelong seeks a committed Community Inclusion Worker to join the Journey to Social Inclusion (J2SI) team. You will support people experiencing homelessness to strengthen community connections, pursue education, training, volunteering and employment, and achieve personal goals.

This outreach-based role requires trauma-informed, person-centred practice, working with Case Managers. 22.8 hours per week, fixed-term until March 2028, on-site in Geelong, VIC.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in Social Work, Psychology, Occupational Therapy, Community Services or related field (or extensive relevant experience).
• Experience in the community services sector.
• Experience in outreach or community-based settings.
• Strong communication and report-writing skills.
• Current Victorian Driver's Licence and Working with Children Check.

Responsibilities

• Support participants to achieve their education, employment, volunteering and social inclusion goals.
• Build pathways to training, volunteering, work experience, social enterprises and employment opportunities.
• Deliver tailored one-on-one and group-based skills development activities.
• Advocate for participants and help reduce barriers to inclusion.

Skills

Communication skills

Outreach experience

Community engagement

Time management

Trauma-informed practice

Team collaboration

Independent work

Driver's licence

Education

Tertiary qualification in Social Work or related field

Job description

Help people move beyond homelessness and into a life of connection, belonging and opportunity.

Do you believe everyone deserves the chance to participate in their community, pursue their goals, and build a future they're proud of?

Why this program matters - About J2SI

Journey to Social Inclusion (J2SI) is a proven, long-term intervention for people experiencing chronic homelessness. Unlike traditional homelessness programs, J2SI provides intensive support for up to three years, helping participants not only secure housing but also improve their wellbeing, social connections, and quality of life.

Delivered through a partnership between The Salvation Army, Sacred Heart Mission, Uniting Vic.Tas, and VincentCare Victoria, J2SI is funded by the Victorian Government's Early Intervention Investment Fund and works closely with local Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) and community partners across Victoria.

About the Role

We're looking for a passionate and purpose-driven Community Inclusion Worker to join our Journey to Social Inclusion (J2SI) team. This is a unique opportunity to support people who have experienced chronic homelessness to strengthen their community connections, engage in education, training, volunteering and employment opportunities, and achieve meaningful personal goals.

Working as part of an innovative and evidence-based program closely with Case Managers, you'll walk alongside participants to identify goals, overcome barriers, build skills, and access opportunities that strengthen their independence, social connection, and sense of belonging. This outreach-based role requires strong relationship-building skills, creativity, and a commitment to person-centred, trauma-informed practice.

Reporting to the Team Leader, this is a fixed-term part-time position, 22.8 hours per week contracted until March 2028, based on-site in Geelong, VIC.

Conditions

Compensation is in accordance with SCHADS Award Level 5.

$53.43 - $55.85 hourly + superannuation based on experience level and qualifications, exclusive of penalties, allowances, NFP salary packaging.

How you will make an impact

• Support participants to achieve their education, employment, volunteering and social inclusion goals
• Build pathways to training, volunteering, work experience, social enterprises and employment opportunities
• Deliver tailored one-on-one and group-based skills development activities that increase participation and independence
• Advocate for participants and help reduce barriers to economic and social inclusion
• Apply trauma-informed, strengths-based and culturally safe approaches while working collaboratively with Intensive Case Managers and community partners

About You

You are someone who sees potential where others see barriers.

You are passionate about social justice, thrive on building meaningful relationships, and understand the transformative impact that employment, education and community connection can have on a person's life.

What you will bring

• Tertiary qualification in Social Work, Psychology, Occupational Therapy, Community Services or a related discipline (or extensive relevant experience)
• Experience working within the community services sector
• Strong background supporting people to achieve goals through employment, education, volunteering, mentoring or community participation
• Experience working in outreach or community-based settings
• Excellent communication, engagement and report-writing skills
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams
• Strong organisational and time management skills
• Commitment to trauma-informed, person-centred practice
• Current Victorian Driver's Licence
• Current Employee Working with Children Check

Highly Regarded

• Experience supporting people experiencing homelessness
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care and recovery-oriented practice
• Experience within mental health and/or alcohol and other drug settings
• Understanding of culturally safe practice and working alongside First Nations communities
• Alignment with The Salvation Army's mission, values and commitment to social justice

What we offer

The Salvos offer eligible employees a well-balanced package of meaningful benefits including

• 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
• 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

About us

The Salvation Army (Salvos) 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, the Salvos are always there providing support, safety, community, and opportunity.

The Salvation Army is an Equal Opportunity Employer who provides an inclusive work environment and embraces the diverse talent of its people. We value and include people of all cultures, languages, abilities, sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions and intersex status . We are committed to achieving a diverse workforce and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal 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 National Police Check.

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