Housing Pathways Advocate - Initial Assessment

The Salvation Army Australia; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging up to $15,900 tax‑ex

Meal entertainment benefit $2,650

Paid parental leave

EAP and health initiatives

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander支

Training and development

Job summary

The Salvation Army Australia is seeking an Initial Assessment & Planning Worker to join the Housing Pathways Program, based in Sunshine, VIC. You will assess housing needs for people in custody and provide planning, advocacy and referrals to secure stable housing on release.

You will work with housing providers and justice partners, travel within the Barwon region, and deliver supports across custodial settings, ensuring culturally safe, person-centred care.

Qualifications

• Tertiary Social Work/Community Services qualification or equivalent.
• Experience in homelessness sector or case management.
• Knowledge of homelessness and housing systems.
• Able to travel within service region and custodial settings.

Responsibilities

• Conduct housing assessments and develop tailored support plans for people at risk of homelessness.
• Provide housing information, referrals and advocacy to secure appropriate accommodation options.
• Support clients to maintain or resolve existing tenancies while in custody.
• Assist clients to connect with community supports and local service networks pre and post release.
• Collaborate with housing providers, homelessness services and correctional facilities.
• Deliver trauma-informed, culturally safe and trauma-informed services in line with best practice homelessness frameworks.

Skills

Empathy

Case management

Stakeholder engagement

Advocacy

Education

Tertiary qualification in Social Work or related field

Job description

About Us

The Salvation Army 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, we are always here — providing support, safety, community, and opportunity.

Help Break the Cycle of Homelessness and Create Lasting Change

Are you passionate about housing justice, social inclusion and supporting people to rebuild their lives?

Number Of Positions Available

1

About Us

The Salvation Army 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, we are always here — providing support, safety, community, and opportunity.

Help Break the Cycle of Homelessness and Create Lasting Change

Are you passionate about housing justice, social inclusion and supporting people to rebuild their lives?

Why this role matters

This rewarding role enables you to work directly with individuals in correctional settings, helping them access safe and sustainable housing, navigate complex service systems, and establish the foundations for a successful transition back into the community.

About The Role

We are seeking a dedicated Initial Assessment & Planning Worker to join our Housing Pathways Program (HPP), providing vital housing support to people in custody who are at risk of homelessness upon release. Additionally, will provide housing-focused assessments, case management, advocacy and referral support to people in custody across Barwon region prisons and correctional facilities. Working collaboratively with housing providers, support services and justice stakeholders, you'll help remove barriers to housing and improve outcomes for vulnerable individuals.

Reporting to the Team Leader, this is a permanent full-time position, based in Sunshine, VIC.

Conditions

Compensation is in accordance with the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Award (SCHADS) Level 5.

How You Will Make An Impact

• Conduct housing assessments and develop tailored support plans for people at risk of homelessness
• Provide housing information, referrals and advocacy to secure appropriate accommodation options
• Support clients to maintain or resolve existing tenancies while in custody
• Assist clients to connect with community supports and local service networks pre and post release
• Assess and administer financial assistance through housing-related support funds where appropriate
• Build strong partnerships with housing providers, homelessness services and correctional facilities
• Deliver services that are trauma-informed, culturally safe and aligned with best practice homelessness frameworks
  
  

About You

You are an empathetic and resilient case manager who thrives in a relationship-focused environment and is passionate about supporting people facing significant life challenges.

You will bring

• A tertiary qualification in Social Work, Community Services or a related field (desirable)
• Experience in case management and/or the homelessness sector
• Strong understanding of homelessness, housing systems and client-centred practice
• The ability to engage effectively with people experiencing disadvantage and complex needs
• Excellent assessment, advocacy and stakeholder engagement skills
• Knowledge of the justice system and experience working within correctional settings (highly desirable)
• Commitment to diversity, inclusion and culturally safe practice
• Current Victorian Driver's Licence
• Current Employee Working with Children Check
• Ability to work across custodial settings and travel within the service region
  
  

What We Offer

The Salvos offer eligible employee’s 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
  
  

Be Part of Something Bigger

Join a team committed to ensuring that every person can access safe housing, support and hope for the future. If you're passionate about social justice and helping people create positive change in their lives, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply now and help create pathways out of homelessness for people leaving custody.

The Salvation Army is an Equal Opportunity Employer who provides an inclusive work environment and embraces the diverse talent of its people. We value people of all cultures, languages, capacities, sexual orientations, gender identities and/or expressions. We are committed to achieving a diverse workforce and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal people 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 Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.

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