Waitlist Support Worker

Housing Choices Australia; South Australia; On-site; AUD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Five weeks annual leave

Salary packaging

Flexible working arrangements

16 weeks paid parental leave

Job summary

Housing Choices Australia in Adelaide is seeking a Waitlist Support Worker to assist women experiencing homelessness move toward a safe, stable home. You will work with the Gateway program, providing practical, person-centred outreach and support to eligible women awaiting accommodation.

Collaborate with Intake and Gateway teams; manage client records and referrals; support housing registration and brokerage processes.

Qualifications

• A relevant post-secondary qualification in social work, psychology, social science or health.
• Extensive experience in a similar role.
• Experience supporting clients experiencing disadvantage, mental health conditions, trauma and complex needs.

Responsibilities

• Assess client needs, safety and risks, provide outreach and warm referrals.
• Assist with housing registration applications and updates; advocate for housing access.
• Assess eligibility for brokerage funding and prepare client support packages.
• Build relationships with housing providers and community services to expand options.
• Maintain accurate electronic client records and contribute to reporting.

Skills

Crisis management

De-escalation

Advocacy

Communication

Case recording

Trauma-informed care

Independent & collaborative

Mental Health First Aid

Education

Social Work / Psychology / Social Science / Health

Tools

Electronic case records

Job description

Introduction:

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.

Description

About the role

Help women experiencing homelessness move towards a safe, stable home. Join Catherine House's Gateway program as a Waitlist Support Worker on a two-year fixed-term contract. Working alongside the Intake and Gateway team, you'll provide practical, person-centred outreach and support to eligible women awaiting accommodation. Your work will help minimise hardship and prevent or shorten periods of homelessness.

Key responsibilities include

Your responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Assess client needs, safety and risks, providing outreach, follow-up and warm referrals to appropriate services.
• Assist with housing registration applications and updates and advocate for access to housing and other supports.
• Assess eligibility for brokerage funding and prepare and administer client support packages.
• Build relationships with housing providers and community services to expand accommodation and support options.
• Maintain accurate electronic client records and contribute to case reviews, service reporting and team collaboration.

For further information about the role, please view the position description here.

Skills and Experiences

You will have:

• A relevant post-secondary qualification, such as social work, psychology, social science or health, and extensive experience in a similar role.
• Experience supporting clients experiencing disadvantage, mental health conditions, trauma and complex needs.
• Sound knowledge of trauma-informed, person-centred practice and the factors contributing to homelessness.
• Strong crisis management, de-escalation and advocacy skills, with the ability to build trust and respond respectfully and without judgement.
• Well-developed communication, organisation and electronic case-recording skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Mental Health First Aid training (or willingness to attend)

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.

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.

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.