Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Homelessness Worker

• Identified position for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander candidates
• Foster meaningful connections with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
• Supports and benefits for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff such as Sorry Leave and dedicated EAP

The Salvation Army welcomes, encourages and supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. We are registered with Reconciliation Australia and have an active Reconciliation Action Plan. We have an embedded cultural competency and capability framework and are committed to a culturally welcoming and safe working environment. We offer additional support by providing connection to our Burra Burra support network and virtual yarning circles.

About the role

We recognise the key to our success is an exceptional Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person and therefore, we are seeking an outstanding individual to be part of the Housing Pathways Programs and Courts team.

You will support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have been referred through the court system and are at risk of homelessness. You will provide culturally safe and responsive support, help people access housing and other services, and work to reduce ongoing homelessness and involvement with the justice system.

This role uses strong knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander homelessness services and works in line with national and state strategies.

Reporting to the Team Leader, this is a fixed-term full-time position, contracted for 12 months, based on-site in Coburg North, VIC. Travel will be required across metropolitan and regional areas.

Conditions

Compensation is in accordance with the SCHADS Award Level 5.

$53.43 – $55.85 hourly + superannuation based on experience level and qualifications, exclusive of penalties, allowances, NFP salary packaging.

Responsibilities include

• Provide culturally safe, trauma-informed and client-centred support
• Meet people where they are and work alongside them to understand their housing needs
• Assess housing needs and assist clients to secure crisis, transitional and long-term housing
• Work with clients to create simple support plans based on what matters to them and check in regularly on their progress
• Help people connect with community, cultural and other support services that are important to them
• Build strong working relationships with courts, housing providers, Aboriginal organisations and support services

To be successful for the role, you will possess

• A degree level qualification in Social Work or community services (or a lower qualification with strong relevant work experience)
• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identity, with knowledge of and connection to local communities

• Demonstrated understanding of and an active interest in the impacts of history, culture and intergenerational trauma on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander colleagues

• Experience supporting people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness
• An understanding of trauma‑informed and client‑led support
• The ability to support people with complex needs, including involvement with the justice system or family violence
• Confidence working with different services and building positive relationships
• A current Victorian Driver’s Licence and an Employee Working with Children Check, or willingness to get one

What we offer

The Salvos offer eligible employees real and meaningful package of 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
• Sorry Business and Ceremonial leave (up to 10 days)
• Becoming part of our Burra Burra Network – a pastoral care network where regular group and topic-specific yarning circles are hosted to bring an awareness of the support and opportunities available
• Message Stick - quarterly newsletter update from the Territorial Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Team for those who are interested in our work and engagement with First Nations communities, including current and upcoming activities.

This position is open to people of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent only as TSA considers Aboriginal and/or a Torres Strait Islander people are under-represented in this industry as per section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Victoria).

How to apply

If you’re passionate about making a difference and ready to join a team dedicated to creating positive change, please submit your resume and cover letter detailing your alignment with the requirements of the role. Together we can build a brighter future. 

Applications will close as soon as a suitable candidate is secured.  

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