Support Worker

• Permanent Part Time Contract – 14 hours = 2 shifts per week
• Location:  Mparntwe (Alice Springs) NT 0870
• $26,999 + super + NFP salary packaging benefits
• Make a meaningful difference to the lives of Australians in need

Life at Mission Australia

When you join the team at Mission Australia, you become part of a community who are determined to end homelessness and ensure people in need can thrive. United by our Christian purpose and values, we advocate for a fairer Australia, to meet the growing needs of people across the country. Together we’re building hope and possibility for all.

Find out more about us and our purpose.

Your Opportunity

Stuart Lodge is a short- to medium-term crisis and transitional accommodation service located in Mparntwe Alice Springs, supporting individuals and families who are experiencing, or are at risk of, homelessness. The service operates as a 24-hour facility with a mix of single, double and family rooms, including allocated accommodation for Patient Assisted Travel Scheme (PATS) clients travelling from very remote communities following medical procedures.

As a Support Worker at Stuart Lodge, you will play a critical role in creating a safe, respectful and supportive environment for residents during their stay of up to three months. Working closely with case managers and the broader team, this is an on-site position where you will provide day, afternoon and overnight supervision, practical participant support and contribute to the smooth operation and presentation of the facility. Your work will support positive outcomes for people in crisis, in line with service requirements and Mission Australia’s values, while responding sensitively to the cultural and individual needs of the Alice Springs community.

This is a 24 hour service, therefore applicants must be available to work evening, overnight and also weekend shifts when required.

Please note this is not a disability or aged car support role.

Your Key Responsibilities:

• Provide day, afternoon and overnight supervision of residents, ensuring safety, support and adherence to service guidelines at all times.
• Establish and maintain positive, professional relationships with clients while working within appropriate boundaries of care.
• Support clients with immediate and practical needs, including answering questions, providing food services, assisting with appointments and making referrals to case managers as required.
• Monitor resident wellbeing and respond appropriately to challenging or complex behaviours, escalating concerns in line with procedures.
• Undertake urgent after-hours support for arrivals, in collaboration with on-call case management staff.
• Complete basic administrative tasks, including updating client notes, handovers and service records using Microsoft-based systems.
• Maintain the cleanliness, safety and general upkeep of the site, including light cleaning tasks and contributing to a well-presented communal environment.

Requirements for Success

• A relevant qualification in Community Services or a related field or demonstrated industry experience.
• A minimum of one year’s experience working in support work, ideally within homelessness, mental health, alcohol and other drugs (AOD), or family and domestic violence contexts.
• Experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, with strong cultural awareness, respect for local protocols and knowledge of the Central Australian context.
• The ability to take a solution-focused, person-centered approach when supporting people experiencing crisis and complex life circumstances.
• Confidence and capability in managing complex behaviours, maintaining professional boundaries and working as the sole support worker on site during a shift.
• Computer literacy, including the ability to complete accurate case notes, handovers and administrative tasks using Microsoft programs.
• Physical capacity to meet role requirements, including standing for extended periods, climbing stairs, bending, twisting, and carrying loads of up to 15kg while performing light cleaning and site duties.
• First Aid & CPR Certificate.
• Full Driver Licence with no restrictions.

Before starting work with us, you will need to undertake a national police history check, qualifications, and referee checks, and have a clearance to work with children/vulnerable people.

Your Benefits

To ensure our employees feel valued, empowered, and celebrated, we provide a range of employee benefits including:

• Rewarding work – every day you know you’re making a real difference
• Not-for-profit salary packaging, reducing your tax (details via AccessPay)
• Free external, confidential counselling and access to chaplaincy support
• Volunteering opportunities 
• Opportunity to purchase additional annual leave 
• Extra leave including: Mission Australia Thank You Day & Work Anniversary Day off
• Remote Benefits include:
  + Additional $350 each year to assist with cost of living in a remote area 
  + Access to up to 3 additional days Personal/carers leave each year (non-accruing)

Our Culture  

Our innovative and inclusive culture will ensure you feel valued at Mission Australia as you help Australians in need and develop in your career.  

We prioritise the safety and wellbeing of everyone, both within our team and the individuals we serve.

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive working environment. We actively support and encourage people of all backgrounds; gender, age, ethnicity, race, cultural background, disability, religion, and sexual orientation to submit an application and aim to ensure that the recruitment and employee experience is as accessible and inclusive as possible. So, whoever you are, if you’re skilled and actively support our purpose and values, you would be welcome at Mission Australia.

If you live with disability and require support to submit your application, please email talentattraction@missionaustralia.com.au or visit our Careers page for additional contact details.

We strongly encourage applications from people who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. For culturally safe support or assistance with your application, please contact us at Deadlycareers@missionaustralia.com.au  

Find out more about a career with Mission Australia. 

How to apply

Click ‘Apply’ and send your application today!

As a committed Circle Back Initiative employer, we will respond to your application.

Applications for this role are shortlisted as received and we are interviewing through the advertising period.  Please apply as soon as possible to be considered. Thank you