Emergency Relief Case Worker

Mission Australia; Sydney; On-site; AUD 66,000 - 75,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Not-for-profit salary packaging

Free confidential counselling

Volunteering opportunities

Fitness passport

Additional annual leave

Extra leave days

Job summary

Mission Australia is seeking an Emergency Relief Case Worker in Kings Cross to assess needs, provide practical support, and connect clients with services. The role covers pantry coordination, stock management, and stakeholder engagement in a four‑day week on-site position.

Applicants should have a Certificate IV in Community Services (or higher) and experience assisting vulnerable people, with strong admin and IT skills. First Aid & CPR are required.

Qualifications

• Certificate IV in Community Services or equivalent; two years’ experience with vulnerable people preferred.
• Demonstrated clear communication and ability to engage diverse people and stakeholders.
• Non-judgemental, client-centred approach with commitment to supporting people through challenging circumstances.
• Experience managing challenging behaviours, resolving conflict, and de‑escalating situations calmly.
• Ability to lead or support volunteers within a collaborative team.
• Strong admin and technology skills including data entry and client management systems.

Responsibilities

• Conduct face-to-face and phone assessments to determine eligibility for Emergency Relief support.
• Provide brief case work, practical assistance, and referrals to internal/external services.
• Coordinate Food Pantry operations including ordering, deliveries, stock control and distribution.
• Maintain pantry stocks, keep a clean and safe environment, and manage records.
• Develop strong relationships with partners like Foodbank, OzHarvest, and community organisations.
• Enter client data into MA Connect and other required systems.

Skills

Communication

Empathy

Volunteer leadership

Administrative skills

Microsoft Office

Data entry

Education

Certificate IV in Community Services

Associate Diploma / degree

Tools

MA Connect

MS Office

Job description

• Permanent Part Time Contract– 30.4hrs = 4 days per week
• Location: Kings Cross NSW 2011
• Salary: $65,522 + super + NFP salary packaging benefits
• Make a meaningful difference to the lives of Australians in need

Life at Mission Australia

When you join the team at Mission Australia, you become part of a community who are determined to end homelessness and ensure people in need can thrive. United by our Christian purpose and values, we advocate for a fairer Australia, to meet the growing needs of people across the country. Together we’re building hope and possibility for all.

Find out more about us and our purpose.

Your Opportunity

Every day, people experiencing financial hardship, homelessness, or an unexpected crisis need practical support that helps them get through today while building a pathway toward greater stability. As an Emergency Relief Case Worker based in Kings Cross, you will play an important role in helping individuals and families access essential assistance including food, vouchers, and referrals to services that can support their longer-term wellbeing.

Working within Mission Australia's Emergency Relief and Food Pantry program, you will complete assessments, provide brief case work support, and connect people with the right internal and external services to meet their needs. This is an on-site position, working four days per week Monday to Thursday, where you will combine person centred support with hands on pantry coordination, stock management, stakeholder engagement, and service delivery. No two days are the same as you assist people facing financial distress, rough sleeping, and homelessness while helping maintain a welcoming, respectful, and dignified service environment.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Conduct face to face and phone-based assessments to determine eligibility and suitability for Emergency Relief support.
• Provide brief case work, practical assistance, and referrals to relevant internal and external support services.
• Coordinate Food Pantry operations including food ordering, receiving deliveries, stock control, and pantry distribution.
• Sort, stock, and replenish pantry supplies while maintaining a clean, safe, and organised environment.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with key stakeholders including Foodbank, OzHarvest, community organisations, and service providers.
• Accurately maintain client records, complete assessments, and enter data into MA Connect and other required systems.
• Support people experiencing financial hardship, homelessness, and complex personal circumstances with professionalism, empathy, and respect.
• Experience managing challenging behaviours, resolving conflict, and de escalating situations in a calm and professional manner.
• Ability to lead or support volunteers while contributing positively within a collaborative team environment.
• Strong administrative and technology skills, including data entry, record keeping, and confidence using client management systems and Microsoft Office applications.
• First Aid & CPR certificate.

Requirements for Success

• Certificate IV in Community Services, or an Associate Diploma, degree, or equivalent experience acceptable to Mission Australia.
• Demonstrated experience working with vulnerable people in a community services setting, ideally for two years or more.
• Ability to communicate clearly and adapt your approach to engage effectively with a diverse range of people and stakeholders.
• A non-judgmental, person centred approach with a genuine commitment to supporting people through challenging circumstances.
• Experience managing challenging behaviours, resolving conflict, and de escalating situations in a calm and professional manner.
• Ability to lead or support volunteers while contributing positively within a collaborative team environment.
• Strong administrative and technology skills, including data entry, record keeping, and confidence using client management systems and Microsoft Office applications.
• First Aid & CPR certificate.

Your Benefits

• Rewarding work – every day you know you’re making a real difference
• Not-for-profit salary packaging, reducing your tax (details via AccessPay)
• Free external, confidential counselling and access to chaplaincy support
• Volunteering opportunities
• Fitness passport
• Opportunity to purchase additional annual leave
• Extra leave including: Mission Australia Thank You Day & Work Anniversary Day off

Our Culture

Our innovative and inclusive culture will ensure you feel valued at Mission Australia as you help Australians in need and develop in your career.

We prioritise the safety and wellbeing of everyone, both within our team and the individuals we serve.

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive working environment. We actively support and encourage people of all backgrounds; gender, age, ethnicity, race, cultural background, disability, religion, and sexual orientation to submit an application and aim to ensure that the recruitment and employee experience is as accessible and inclusive as possible. So, whoever you are, if you’re skilled and actively support our purpose and values, you would be welcome at Mission Australia.

If you live with disability and require support to submit your application , please email [e-mail] or visit our Careers page for additional contact details.

We strongly encourage applications from people who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. For culturally safe support or assistance with your application, please contact us at [e-mail]

Find out more about a career with Mission Australia.