Careers

Community Service Worker (Supported Accommodation Service)

Job type: Permanent – Part Time
Location: Adelaide
Closing date: 01/05/2025

About Catherine House

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. 

About the role

We’re currently seeking a Community Service Worker (CSW) to join our Supported Accommodation Service (SAS). This permanent, part-time position involves a dynamic and varied roster, including day, evening, passive overnight, and weekend shifts.

As a CSW, you’ll be an essential part of our frontline team, providing practical, emotional, and administrative support to women on their journey to independence. Every shift brings the opportunity to make a meaningful difference — from supporting clients with daily tasks to building independent living skills and ensuring the safety and smooth operation of the residence.

What you’ll do:

• Work alongside case workers to deliver high-quality support aligned with client care plans
• Assist with daily living skills such as cooking, cleaning, and using public transport
• Provide crisis and emotional support with a trauma-informed, person-centred approach
• Carry out light housekeeping and food preparation duties when needed
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to a safe, supportive, and empowering environment
• Participate in program activities and group sessions to support client wellbeing and growth

What you’ll bring:

To thrive in the role of Community Service Worker (CSW), you will bring a strong combination of relevant qualifications, hands-on experience, and a deep commitment to supporting vulnerable clients. Your background will include extensive work with individuals facing complex challenges, particularly women from diverse backgrounds. You’ll possess a solid understanding of mental health issues and the principles of trauma-informed care, along with essential skills for crisis management and client support. Your dedication to fostering a safe and respectful environment will be key to empowering clients in their journeys.

• Relevant post-secondary qualification with extensive experience in a similar role 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
• Strong knowledge of mental health diagnoses and trauma-informed care practices
• Familiarity with the NDIS and its implementation in South Australia
• Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills, both oral and written
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively while maintaining professionalism and integrity

What we offer in return

• Make a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable clients, empowering them to achieve their goals and improve their wellbeing
• 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 Housing Choices Australia 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 via Seek or Housing Choices.

Housing Choices and Catherine House reserve 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 of any accommodations you require during the recruitment process.

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