Recovery Worker

• Permanent Full-Time position

• Location: Cairns QLD 4870

• Salary: $94,472.36 Base Salary + Super + not-for-profit 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

Join Douglas House, Mission Australia's 22-bed supported accommodation service in Cairns, providing safe housing and recovery-focused support for people experiencing chronic homelessness. Every day, our team works alongside residents to build stability, strengthen wellbeing and create pathways towards independent living.

As a Recovery Worker, you'll play an important role in this journey. Through personalised case management, practical support and advocacy, you'll support residents achieve their goals, overcome barriers and access the services and opportunities that support long-term recovery.

Working within a residential accommodation setting, you'll build meaningful relationships with residents, and support people experiencing homelessness, AOD, mental health challenges and the impacts of trauma. You'll play a key role in supporting residents achieve sustainable housing outcomes, strengthen their wellbeing and develop the skills and confidence needed to live independently.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone passionate about supporting people, values genuine human connection and wants to contribute to positive change in your community.

Your key responsibilities will be to

• Provide intensive case management and individualised support to residents.

• Develop and implement support plans that reflect client goals, strengths and needs.

• Deliver support using recovery-oriented, trauma-informed and culturally responsive practices.

• Advocate for residents and connect them with housing, health and community services.

• Support residents transitioning to independent living and sustainable housing outcomes.

• Participate in case conferences and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.

• Maintain accurate case notes, client records and reports.

• Contribute to a safe, supportive and positive team environment

Requirements for success

• Relevant Cert IV, diploma, degree or equivalent experience in Community Services, Social Work, Human Services or a related field.

• Demonstrated experience supporting people experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges or other complex needs.

• Experience providing case management, client advocacy and person-centred support.

• Knowledge of recovery-oriented, trauma-informed and strengths-based practice.

• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.

• Ability to assess and respond appropriately to risk and crisis situations.

• Strong organisational and administrative skills, including experience maintaining case notes and reports.

• Current full unrestricted Driver Licence

• Current First Aid & CPR Certificate or willingness to obtain

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

• 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  

• Extra leave available including an additional public holiday, additional annual leave day on your work anniversary and the opportunity to purchase further annual leave.

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 [email protected] 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 [email protected]  

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.