Homelessness Support Worker

Elmo; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

You’re Amazing Day

Free counselling sessions

Supportive workplace culture

Flexible working

Salary packaging

Job summary

Lutheran Care is seeking a Homelessness Support Worker to provide client-centred, trauma-informed support to individuals and families experiencing homelessness or at risk. This 6-month parental leave cover will operate within the Toward Home Homelessness Services program, offering information, referrals and advocacy to support housing stability.

You will work collaboratively with alliance partners, maintain documentation, and use digital systems to coordinate services while ensuring culturally

Qualifications

• Relevant qualifications in Community Services or related field.
• Certificate IV or Diploma in Community Services or a relevant degree highly regarded.
• Experience in person-centred support and trauma-informed practice.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality homelessness support using trauma-informed, culturally responsive practices.
• Engage with clients respectfully and build rapport through timely communication.
• Provide information, referrals and advocacy based on each client’s needs.
• Assist eligible clients towards rapid rehousing and stable housing outcomes.
• Collaborate with Toward Home Alliance partners and external service providers.
• Maintain timely case notes and client records in relevant databases.

Skills

Trauma-informed care

Client-centered support

Referrals & advocacy

Cultural sensitivity

Interpersonal communication

Time management

Education

Certificate IV or Diploma in Community Services

Relevant degree in social services

Tools

VI-SPDAT

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Category: Community Services & Development

Welcome to Lutheran Care! We are an energetic, forward thinking, not-for-profit organisation, providing support to people who need it most. Our current programs include emergency relief, financial counselling, family support and education, community support, foster care, housing and homelessness services and disability services.

From South Australia to the Northern Territory, we provide a diverse range of vital community services, including homelessness services, foster care, emergency relief, financial counselling, family support, and NDIS disability services. Whoever you are, wherever you come from, we will walk side by side with you, regardless of cultural background, sexual orientation, gender identity, belief systems or circumstances. Our diverse range of programs isn't just a list of services; we're leading the charge to break down barriers and foster genuine inclusion and participation in our communities.

Our eyes are firmly on the future with our plan to harness new technologies and expand our service offerings and footprint in innovative ways.

Job Description

We are seeking a passionate and client-focused Homelessness Support Worker to assist individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of entering the homelessness system to cover 6 month month parental leave to June 2027.

Working within the Toward Home Homelessness Services program, you will provide telephone-based support to people who are entering the homelessness system for the first time, are at risk of becoming homeless, or are returning to the system following a period of 12 months or more.
You will provide information, advice, referrals and advocacy to help clients understand their accommodation options and connect with services that support housing stability and wellbeing. Using a person-centred, strengths-based, trauma-informed and culturally responsive approach, you will work alongside clients to identify their needs and achieve positive outcomes.
Working collaboratively with Toward Home Alliance partners, Lutheran Care teams and other community services, you will help ensure clients receive coordinated support without having to repeatedly share their story.

Your Key Responsibilities:

• Provide high-quality, client-centred and strengths-based homelessness support using trauma-informed and culturally responsive practices.
• Engage respectfully with clients and build rapport through responsive and timely communication.
• Provide information, advice, referrals and advocacy based on each client’s individual circumstances and support needs.
• Assist eligible clients to work towards rapid rehousing and sustainable housing outcomes.
• Connect individuals and families with appropriate services to address factors affecting housing stability, including mental health, substance use, physical health and life skills.
• Work collaboratively with clients, colleagues, Toward Home Alliance partners and external service providers.
• Assess and prioritise responses for clients experiencing multiple and complex needs in consultation with the line manager.
• Develop and maintain support plans and work towards positive outcomes for clients on the Homelessness Support list.
• Maintain timely, accurate and professional case notes, client information and referrals within relevant databases.
• Use digital systems to create accessible client profiles and support coordinated service responses.
• Participate in team and Alliance meetings, reflective supervision, individual supervision and professional development.
• Support Toward Home telephone and face-to-face triage services across Lutheran Care and Alliance partner locations when required.
• Work flexibly across Lutheran Care and Alliance partner sites in the southern and CBD regions.

What's in It for You?

We believe great work deserves great rewards. When you join Lutheran Care, you'll enjoy:

• You're Amazing Day – a day off just for you!
• Access to free, confidential counselling sessions
• A kind and supportive workplace culture
• Flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance
• Salary packaging benefits available to increase your take-home pay

What You'll Need to Succeed

• Relevant qualifications, specialist skills or experience in Community Services, Social Work, Psychology or a related field. A Certificate IV or Diploma in Community Services or a relevant degree will be highly regarded.
• Demonstrated experience in person-centred support, assessment and referral using a trauma-informed approach.
• Knowledge and experience of homelessness services and an understanding of the challenges faced by people experiencing housing instability.
• Knowledge of the impact of past government policies on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• Understanding of rapid rehousing and Housing First models.
• Understanding of the emotional impact that emergency and crisis accommodation can have on children and young people.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to engage effectively with clients, colleagues and stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to work respectfully with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Strong time management, planning and organisational skills, with the ability to manage priorities and achieve agreed outcomes.
• Ability to work independently, use initiative and contribute positively to a team environment.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and high-quality service delivery.
• Competence using databases, video-conferencing systems and Microsoft Office applications.
• Knowledge of the effects of trauma and abuse in relation to homelessness.
• Training or experience in the use of VI-SPDAT. Training may be provided.
• Experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
• Knowledge of domestic and family violence and its impact on individuals and families.
• Experience in safety planning.
• Understanding of the H2H database.

Ready to Apply?

We'd love to hear from you! Show us your experience and passion for supporting people experiencing homelessness by submitting your application below.

If you would like a confidential discussion about the position, please contact Shaina McIvor on0498 839 204

Lutheran Care is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and those from culturally diverse communities. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants are encouraged to apply to join us in our vision of changing lives and building communities. The role works within the Toward Home Alliance, a collaborative partnership committed to ending homelessness through innovative, person-led and responsive services.

Please note, Lutheran Care retains the right to close this advert earlier upon identifying a suitable candidate.