Homelessness Worker

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.

Why this role matters

The Salvation Army (Salvos) is one of the largest providers of homelessness services across the country. Our philosophy is that every person should be afforded dignity and respect and that no one should be without a safe, affordable, and secure home. Through our Housing Pathways Program (Courts), we walk alongside people navigating the justice system who are also facing the complexities of homelessness.

About the role

As a Homelessness Worker – Housing Pathways Program (Courts), this is your opportunity to provide intensive, client-centred support to people exiting court processes who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness. You will support clients to stabilise their housing, strengthen supports, and address the issues contributing to their housing insecurity, using a trauma-informed and justice-aware approach.

Reporting to the Team Leader, Housing Pathways Program (Courts) this is a fixed-term full-time position, contracted for 12 months, based onsite located in Coburg North, Victoria.

Conditions

Compensation is in accordance with the SCHADS Award – Level 5.

How you will make an impact

• Assess housing needs: Conduct thorough assessments of immediate and long-term housing needs for clients at risk of homelessness (bail and Drug Court participants)

• Connect to housing and supports: Link clients to suitable housing (crisis, rooming, transitional, social) and advocate with services, agents, and supports to sustain tenancies

• Provide trauma-informed case management: Deliver outreach and client-led case management aligned with TSA standards, supporting clients to achieve individual goals

• Respond to family violence and complexity: Support clients experiencing or at risk of family violence to access flexible supports and coordinate responses to intersecting needs (mental health, AOD, justice, safety)

• Strengthen partnerships and safe practice: Maintain key service relationships, ensure culturally safe and accessible support, complete risk assessments, and align with relevant models and legislation

What you will bring

• Tertiary qualification in Social Work or a related community services field (degree level preferred; lower qualifications with significant experience considered).

• Demonstrated experience working with people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, including understanding of homelessness context, causes, philosophies, policies and legislation.

• Strong case management capability, including client-led planning, outreach, coordination with multiple services, and ethical, accountable interventions.

• Knowledge of the justice system and experience working within correctional or court-related settings (highly desirable).

• Ability to work with complex needs, build positive client relationships, and respond in culturally safe and inclusive ways with diverse communities.

• Current Victorian Employee Working with Children Check

• Current Victorian D river’s L icence

What we offer

Eligible employees can access a meaningful and supportive employment experience, 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

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 safer and more empowered future for families and communities.

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. W e 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