Introduction:
Join us and share our Vision:
Since 1988, Catherine House Inc. has provided inner-city services, supporting women out of homelessness, for women over 18 years of age and unaccompanied by children. It offers crisis, mental health, and longer-term supported accommodation, as well as supporting many others via outreach services or through women using our onsite Women’s Centre or Education and Employment Program. Catherine House is an unregistered NDIS service provider with an area of specialty in psychosocial disability, delivering a range of supports to clients living in our accommodation programs or in the community.

We provide a culture that supports individuals to be their best, with opportunities for personal and career development. We are committed to cultivating an equal, diverse, and inclusive environment for our staff, residents, and stakeholders.

Description:
The Opportunity

Join our dedicated team as a Community Service Worker (CSW) in our Supported Accommodation Service in a flexible casual role that offers diverse shift patterns, including days, evenings, and weekends. As a CSW, you’ll have the chance to make a real impact in clients' lives, providing essential support tailored to their needs. Whether working independently, alongside a co-worker, or within a team, you’ll play a vital role in creating a safe and welcoming environment. Your responsibilities may range from client-focused support to housekeeping and meal preparation, ensuring our services align with individual care plans.

What you’ll do

• Collaborate with team members to deliver high-quality, client-centered support in line with program goals.
• Assist clients with daily tasks such as meal preparation, housekeeping, and developing independent living skills.
• Support case workers with client administration, including intake documentation and housing needs assessments.
• Monitor client safety and wellbeing, providing crisis management and support as needed.
• Participate in client handovers and reviews, communicating effectively with the team to ensure a safe environment.
• Facilitate group activities aimed at building clients' independent living and social skills.
• Manage a variety of administrative tasks, including data entry and responding to client inquiries.
• Maintain cleanliness in shared spaces and assist with food preparation and service as required.

Skills and Experiences:
What you'll bring:
To excel as a Community Service Worker (CSW), you will need a strong foundation of relevant qualifications and experience, particularly in supporting vulnerable clients with complex needs. Your background should reflect a deep understanding of mental health issues, trauma-informed care, and the challenges faced by women from diverse backgrounds. You will bring not only your expertise but also a commitment to fostering a supportive and respectful environment for clients, ensuring their dignity and autonomy are prioritised.

• Relevant post-secondary qualification with extensive experience in similar roles supporting vulnerable clients.
• Mental Health First Aid and Child Safe Environments Training (or willingness to complete within two months).
• Food Safety Certificate (or willingness to attain within two months).
• Proven experience in crisis management and de-escalation techniques for client behavioral issues.
• Strong knowledge of mental health diagnoses and trauma-informed, person-centered care.
• Familiarity with the NDIS and its implementation in South Australia.
• Proficiency in client case note recording and electronic data systems.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively and build rapport with diverse populations.
• Must be able to work overnight shifts.

What we offer in return

• Make a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable clients, empowering them to achieve their goals and improve their well-being
• Salary Packaging for living expenses, meal, and entertainment expenses
• Excellent career development opportunities

Please note that it is a minimum requirement of this position that all appointments are made subject to a satisfactory National Criminal History or Police Check conducted by Catherine House and the successful post holder to:

• Agree and undergo any other employment screening as required by Catherine House - including but not restricted to Working with Children or Vulnerable Persons and NDIS Worker (this will be as applicable based on the state location and/or function of the role)
• Agree and comply with Child Safety policies and procedures
• Provide a current driver’s license and willingness to travel across locations, if and as required.

How to apply

Download a copy of the Position Description and Apply here.

(Please note: SEEK applicants only - if you are viewing this job advert on SEEK you will not be able to view the position description until you click APPLY)

Housing Choices reserves the right to cease recruitment proceedings earlier upon appointing a suitable candidate for the role. This opportunity is only open to candidates with appropriate legal working rights within Australia. Housing Choices recognises the benefits of a diverse workforce. We celebrate and respect our people's differences and are committed to being inclusive. We strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and persons with a disability to apply.

We recognise that applying for positions can be challenging. You might be questioning if the role aligns with your skills or if your experience is sufficient. At Housing Choices, we value the unique skills and perspectives new team members can contribute to our culture. Even if you don't perfectly match the criteria, we encourage you to reach out – we're interested in hearing from you.

We base our hiring decisions on your skills, experience, and enthusiasm. When you apply, please let us know any accommodations you require during the recruitment process.