Job Description

About Wayside Chapel

Wayside Chapel has provided unconditional love, care and support to the most marginalised people on and around the streets of Sydney since 1964. Our mission is to create a community with no ‘us and them’, and address underlying issues of inequality, wellbeing, and loneliness.

From our centres in Kings Cross and Bondi and through outreach teams, we offer a range of support services that place dignity, respect, and love at the heart of what we do.

Every day, we walk alongside people facing homelessness, addiction, mental health challenges, and isolation. We provide care that is trauma-informed, respectful, and human.

Purpose of Position

The Care Coordinator will work alongside team members to proactively support and empower visitors to identify and work towards achieving their personal goals.

You will have a deep understanding of the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness, particularly in relation to mental health and alcohol and other drug (AOD) issues.

Experience in case management, incident reporting, and conflict resolution is highly desirable. Above all, you are passionate about enhancing outcomes through compassionate care, effective communication, and a commitment to excellence in case management.

This is an identified position for an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person. Wayside considers being Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander to be a genuine occupational qualification specified under section 14 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW).

Responsibilities

• Build rapport with visitors, conduct initial assessments, identify goals, and develop personalised, strengths‑based care plans.
• Regularly review care plans, monitor progress, and identify emerging or additional needs.
• Support visitors to make informed decisions by offering options and tailored, circumstance‑aware guidance.
• Coordinate care by liaising with social, health, housing, financial and legal services; make referrals and advocate for best outcomes.
• Assist frontline staff in managing visitor behaviour and provide support during critical incidents.
• Promote independence, self‑determination and wellbeing through one‑to‑one engagement and community‑based activities.
• Collaborate with internal programs and participate in case planning, case reviews and interagency meetings.
• Build relationships with external service providers and explore new collaborative opportunities.
• Develop and facilitate therapeutic groups where appropriate.
• Apply trauma‑informed and harm‑minimisation approaches in all aspects of care coordination.
• Maintain accurate, timely records in internal systems (e.g., CIMS, visitor flags) and ensure thorough documentation of assessments, plans, brokerage and case notes
• This role supports visitors across Wayside, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous.

About you

• Undergraduate qualifications in Social Work/other relevant disciplines or substantial experience working in Community Services;
• Experience working with at-risk populations and understanding of related issues, both practical and systematic (including but not limited to Juvenile Justice, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, CALD, trauma, homelessness, mental health, alcohol and other drugs);
• Knowledge of and ability to operate with regard to trauma-informed principles;
• High-level interpersonal communication and problem-solving skills;
• Ability to work as part of a team with a commitment to sharing knowledge and expertise and supporting Wayside culture;
• Understanding of the community-based model of care and commitment to the mission, vision and values of Wayside.

What we offer

• Five weeks Annual Leave
• $15,900 of your annual salary tax-free through generous NFP salary packaging
• 3x Flex Leave days
• Paid Cultural and Ceremonial Leave
• Access to monthly External Clinical Supervision
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Next Steps

Please submit a cover letter and CV with your application.

We will shortlist applicants as they come through, and we strongly encourage you to apply early.

Wayside is an Equal Opportunity Employer that provides an inclusive work environment and embraces the diverse talent of its people.

Wayside is committed to creating a safe and respectful environment for children, young people, and vulnerable adults who may engage with our services. All employees share responsibility for safeguarding and are expected to actively contribute to a culture of safety, dignity, and respect. The successful candidate will be required to comply with our Safeguarding Policies and hold (or obtain) a valid Working With Children Check, as well as reference checks and a background check.