Support Worker

Iaawg; Alice Springs; On-site; AUD 24,000 - 30,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Not-for-profit salary packaging

Counselling services

Volunteering opportunities

Extra leave

Remote benefits allowance

Work anniversary day off

Job summary

Mission Australia’s Stuart Lodge in Alice Springs, NT is hiring a part-time Support Worker for 14 hours across two shifts weekly. The role supports residents in crisis, working on-site with day, afternoon and overnight supervision, and involves basic admin and site upkeep.

The position requires a relevant Community Services qualification or equivalent experience, First Aid/CPR, a full driver’s licence, and clearance checks.

Qualifications

• A relevant qualification in Community Services or demonstrated industry experience.
• A minimum of one year’s experience in support work, ideally within homelessness, mental health, AOD, or family & domestic violence contexts.
• Experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and strong cultural awareness.

Responsibilities

• Provide day, afternoon and overnight supervision of residents, ensuring safety and adherence to guidelines.
• Establish and maintain positive relationships with clients while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Assist clients with immediate and practical needs, including food services, appointments and referrals to case managers as required.
• Monitor resident wellbeing and respond to challenging or complex behaviours, escalating concerns as needed.
• Undertake urgent after-hours support for arrivals in collaboration with on-call case management staff.
• Complete basic administrative tasks including updating client notes and handovers using Microsoft programs.
• Maintain cleanliness, safety and general upkeep of the site and contribute to a well-presented communal environment.

Skills

Support work

Cultural awareness

Microsoft Office

Communication skills

Education

Community Services qualification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Permanent Part Time Contract – 14 hours = 2 shifts per week Location: Mparntwe (Alice Springs) NT 0870 $26,999 + 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

Stuart Lodge is a short- to medium-term crisis and transitional accommodation service located in Mparntwe Alice Springs, supporting individuals and families who are experiencing, or are at risk of, homelessness. The service operates as a 24-hour facility with a mix of single, double and family rooms, including allocated accommodation for Patient Assisted Travel Scheme (PATS) clients travelling from very remote communities following medical procedures. As a Support Worker at Stuart Lodge, you will play a critical role in creating a safe, respectful and supportive environment for residents during their stay of up to three months. Working closely with case managers and the broader team, this is an on-site position where you will provide day, afternoon and overnight supervision, practical participant support and contribute to the smooth operation and presentation of the facility. Your work will support positive outcomes for people in crisis, in line with service requirements and Mission Australia’s values, while responding sensitively to the cultural and individual needs of the Alice Springs community. This is a 24 hour service, therefore applicants must be available to work evening, overnight and also weekend shifts when required. Please note this is not a disability or aged car support role.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Provide day, afternoon and overnight supervision of residents, ensuring safety, support and adherence to service guidelines at all times.
• Establish and maintain positive, professional relationships with clients while working within appropriate boundaries of care.
• Support clients with immediate and practical needs, including answering questions, providing food services, assisting with appointments and making referrals to case managers as required.
• Monitor resident wellbeing and respond appropriately to challenging or complex behaviours, escalating concerns in line with procedures.
• Undertake urgent after-hours support for arrivals, in collaboration with on-call case management staff.
• Complete basic administrative tasks, including updating client notes, handovers and service records using Microsoft-based systems.
• Maintain the cleanliness, safety and general upkeep of the site, including light cleaning tasks and contributing to a well-presented communal environment.

Requirements for Success

A relevant qualification in Community Services or a related field or demonstrated industry experience. A minimum of one year’s experience working in support work, ideally within homelessness, mental health, alcohol and other drugs (AOD), or family and domestic violence contexts. Experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, with strong cultural awareness, respect for local protocols and knowledge of the Central Australian context. The ability to take a solution-focused, person-centered approach when supporting people experiencing crisis and complex life circumstances. Confidence and capability in managing complex behaviours, maintaining professional boundaries and working as the sole support worker on site during a shift. Computer literacy, including the ability to complete accurate case notes, handovers and administrative tasks using Microsoft programs. Physical capacity to meet role requirements, including standing for extended periods, climbing stairs, bending, twisting, and carrying loads of up to 15kg while performing light cleaning and site duties. First Aid & CPR Certificate. Full Driver Licence with no restrictions. Before starting work with us, you will need to undertake a national police history check, qualifications, and referee checks, and have a clearance to work with children/vulnerable people.

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
• Opportunity to purchase additional annual leave
• Extra leave including: Mission Australia Thank You Day & Work Anniversary Day off
• Remote Benefits include: + Additional $350 each year to assist with cost of living in a remote area
• Access to up to 3 additional days Personal/carers leave each year (non-accruing)

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.

We strongly encourage applications from people who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.

Find out more about a career with Mission Australia.

Mission Australia is a national Christian charity motivated by a shared vision of an Australia where everyone has a safe home and can thrive. Since 1859, we’ve been standing alongside people in need across Australia, offering real hope that has lasting impact. Backed by our supporters, churches, partners, and funders, we work together for the long-term wellbeing of anyone who needs us, reflecting our values of respect, compassion, integrity, perseverance and celebration. We collaborate with people experiencing homelessness or disadvantage to tackle the root causes of their challenges through providing access to safe, affordable homes and innovative, evidence-based support services. Every day we deliver homelessness crisis and prevention services, provide social and affordable housing, assist struggling families and children, address mental health issues, fight substance dependencies, support people with disability and much more. Mission Australia believes a person’s circumstances shouldn’t define their future and that given the right support, everyone can reach their full potential. That’s why we stand together with Australians in need, until they can stand for themselves. Learn more about Mission Australia and its purpose.