Waitlist Support Worker

Housing Choices Australia; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5 weeks annual leave

Flexible working arrangements

Salary packaging

16 weeks paid parental leave

Inclusive workplace culture

Job summary

Housing Choices Australia seeks a Waitlist Support Worker for Catherine House’s Gateway program on a two-year fixed-term contract. You will provide practical, person-centred outreach and support to eligible women awaiting accommodation, helping minimise hardship and shorten periods of homelessness.

You will assess needs, assist with housing registrations, advocate for access to housing, and collaborate with housing providers and community services to broaden options.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary qualification in social work, psychology, social science or health.
• Experience in a similar role supporting disadvantaged clients.

Responsibilities

• Assess client needs, safety and risks; provide outreach, follow-up and warm referrals.
• Assist with housing registration applications and updates; advocate for access to housing and supports.
• 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 reviews and reports.

Skills

Crisis management

De-escalation

Advocacy

Communication

Organization

Education

Post-secondary qualification in social work/psychology/social science/health

Tools

Electronic case-recording

Job description

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.

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.

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.

Even if you do not meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. We value unique experiences and perspectives.

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.

We are committed to a strategy that supports tenant wellbeing, organisational growth, environmental responsibility, and workforce empowerment.

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.

If you do not meet every requirement, please still apply, as we value potential and diverse experiences as much as a perfect CV.

Applications close: EOD 13 November 2026unless a suitable candidate is identified earlier.