Community Service Worker (SAS)

Housing Choices Australia; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 60,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Purposeful impact

Growth opportunities

Flexible leave (5 weeks)

Salary packaging

16 weeks parental leave

Inclusive culture

Job summary

Catherine House is seeking Community Service Workers to support women experiencing homelessness across day, evening, and weekend shifts. You may perform overnight sleepovers and assist with housekeeping, meal preparation, and client-focused tasks under supervision.

The role emphasizes collaboration with the team, administration support, and compassionate client care within a values-driven environment. A relevant qualification and safety training are required.

Qualifications

• You will have a relevant post-secondary qualification and extensive experience in a similar role with similar clients.
• Mental Health First Aid Training or willingness to attend within two months of commencement.
• Child Safe Environments Training or willingness to attend within two months of commencement.
• Food Safety Certificate or willingness to attain within two months of commencement.
• Experience supporting vulnerable clients with disadvantage and mental health needs.
• Experience working with women from diverse backgrounds, cultures, religions, and sexuality.
• Ability to manage client crises and de-escalation, plus documentation in electronic systems.

Responsibilities

• Provide collaborative, high‑quality service in a safe, positive environment for clients.
• Support case workers with program administration and client tasks.
• Assist with client administration and data management duties.
• Housekeeping, cleaning duties, meal provision and service as required.
• Cover shifts including day, evening, weekend and overnight sleepovers when needed.

Skills

Mental Health First Aid

Child Safe Environments

Food Safety Certificate

Experience with vulnerable clients

Experience with diverse backgrounds

Crisis management

Electronic data systems

Education

Post-secondary qualification

Tools

Data management software

Job description

Job Category: Community Services and Development

Make a difference where it matters most

Catherine House has supported women out of homelessness since 1988. We provide crisis, recovery and longer-term accommodation, as well as outreach services and an integrated Women’s Centre that supports mental health, wellbeing, education, and community connection.

Our vision is a society where all women are safe, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.

Join our team and be part of something truly life-changing.

Why you will love working with us

Join a passionate, purpose-driven team where your work creates lasting impact, and your wellbeing, growth, and individuality are genuinely valued.

• Purposeful impact – make a meaningful difference in people’s lives by supporting inclusive, safe, and affordable housing.
• Growth and development – enhance your skills and advance your career through tailored learning opportunities.
• Balance that works – enjoy 5 weeks annual leave and flexible working arrangements suited to your lifestyle.
• Valuable benefits – increase your income through salary packaging, and 16 weeks of paid parental leave.
• Supportive culture – be recognised and celebrated in an inclusive, values-driven workplace.

Job Description

About the role

Community Service Workers (CSWs) are engaged across day, evening and weekend shifts. They may work isolated worker shifts or part thereof, with a co-worker or within a team. CSWs will also perform the overnight passive sleepover shift as part of their shift worked. Some CSW shifts may be more client focused while others may require a greater focus on housekeeping/cleaning and or meal preparation support. The focus will depend on the program/client needs at the time.

The Community Service Worker will be accountable for:

• Working collaboratively with team members to deliver a high-quality service, which is consistent with program goals and provide s a safe and positive environment for clients
• A diverse range of program admin and client support under the direction of the case worker
• Supporting case workers in client related administration activities
• Housekeeping and cleaning duties
• Meal provision, food preparation and service

Key responsibilities include:

• Assist clients with practical household tasks or chores; preparing dinner, keeping their personal environment clean and tidy, packing up their room/unit and other necessary tasks as required.
• Under the guidance of the Case Worker assist clients in developing independent living skills, this may include using public transport, orientating to a new environment, support to attend a community event or other goals related to their support plan.
• Be responsible for a range of administrative tasks associated with the operational aspects of the program. These may include; data management and reporting, client file management, preparing client scripts for the chemist, or other related tasks as delegated by the Team Leader, Supported Accommodation Service.
• Answer phone calls and direct/triage as necessary.
• As needed to cover Housekeeper leave, prepare, or finish the preparation of client meals and serve to clients- clean kitchen and dining areas afterwards
• Ensure clients are respected and treated in a non-judgemental way.
• Participate in the organisation’s process of continuous quality improvement.

Desired Skills and Experience

You will have:

• Relevant post-secondary qualification plus extensive experience working in a similar role and environment with similar clients.
• Mental Health First Aid Training or willingness to attend course within two months of commencement of employment.
• Child Safe Environments Training or willingness to attend course within two months of commencement of employment.
• Food Safety Certificate or willingness to attain within two months of commencement of employment.
• Experience supporting vulnerable clients who have had experience of disadvantage, manage their mental health issues and other complex needs.
• Experience working with women from diverse backgrounds, cultures, religions, and sexuality.
• Client crisis management, de-escalation of incidents and management of client behavioural and support issues.
• Client case note recording including electronic data systems.

.For further information please view the position description here .

You must agree to undergo any required employment screening, including but not limited to a National Criminal History or Police Check, Working with Children or Vulnerable Persons Check, and NDIS Worker Screening Check.

Housing Choices Australia is a child safe organisation. We are committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people and have zero tolerance for child harm. All employees are expected to uphold our Child Safety Policy and Code of Conduct to ensure a safe environment for children.

Even if you do not meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. We value unique experiences and perspectives.

Our values in action

Everything we do is guided by our shared values:

• People First - We build trust through empathy, kindness, integrity and active listening we create meaningful relationships and deliver results that truly matter.
• Responsible - We follow through on our commitments and take ownership of our actions with transparency, honesty and accountability.
• Purposeful - We aim high and take deliberate action challenge the status quo, embrace change, and continuously improve to make a lasting impact.
• Collaborative - We work together with flexibility and shared purpose through teamwork, innovation, strong strategic partnerships and listening to those we serve.
• Inclusive - We embed inclusion in everything we do recognising and removing barriers and acting on diverse voices so everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

We are committed to a strategy that supports tenant wellbeing, organisational growth, environmental responsibility, and workforce empowerment.

Belong at Catherine House

We are an inclusive and values-led employer, proudly welcoming people of all identities and backgrounds. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and those with lived experience of housing insecurity.

We support inclusive hiring practices. Please let us know your pronouns or if you require any adjustments during the application process, as we are here to assist you.

Disclaimer: To the best of Housing Choices Australia’s knowledge, this information is valid at the time of publication.