Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Intake Case Worker in Canberra

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.

Make a meaningful difference by helping Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples access the support, services and opportunities they need to thrive. At The Salvation Army’s FIRST Canberra Central Intake Service, you’ll play a vital role in supporting individuals, families and communities experiencing homelessness, housing insecurity, financial hardship, family and domestic violence, and other complex challenges. Your cultural knowledge, community connections and advocacy will help build trust, reduce barriers to support and strengthen culturally responsive service delivery.

As a key member of FIRST Canberra’s Central Intake Service, you’ll provide culturally safe intake, assessment, referrals, advocacy and short-term support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples experiencing homelessness, housing insecurity, financial hardship and other complex challenges. Working alongside Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs), Elders, community leaders and service providers, you’ll help people access appropriate support while promoting self-determination, cultural connection and equitable outcomes. Based in Belconnen, ACT, this is a full-time, permanent identified position offering a salary at SCHADS Award Level 4. This is an identified position for an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person. The position is exempt under Section 28 of the Discrimination Act 1991 (ACT) and relevant Commonwealth legislation.

How you will make an impact:

• Provide culturally safe assessments, risk screening, brief interventions and short-term case coordination.
• Connect clients with housing, health, financial and family support services.
• Build trusted relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, Elders and families.
• Collaborate with ACCOs, government agencies and service providers to coordinate support.
• Promote cultural safety, self-determination and continuous practice improvement.
• Participate in supervision, professional development and initiatives aligned with The Salvation Army’s values and Reconciliation Action Plan.

What you will bring:

• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identity, as this is an identified position.
• A Diploma in Community Services, Social Work, Aboriginal Studies or a related discipline, or significant demonstrated experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
• Experience supporting people experiencing homelessness, housing insecurity, financial hardship, family violence or complex needs.
• Strong cultural knowledge and a commitment to culturally safe, trauma-informed and person-centred practice.
• Excellent communication, advocacy and collaboration skills, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Desirable: Existing ACT community connections, knowledge of local homelessness services, and experience with SAMIS, SHIP or similar systems.

What we offer:

• 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.
• 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.
• Compassionate Leave 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.
• Access to EAP and health & wellness initiatives incl Fitness Passport.
• Ongoing training and development opportunities that enhance on the job skills and proficiency.

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.