Are you looking for a career with meaning; one that connects your personal values with an organisation that supports vulnerable and disadvantaged young people in our community? Do you want to be rewarded with a competitive salary and benefits package; and receive training and ongoing professional development?

Mercy Community exists to support and empower those who are poor, vulnerable, marginalised or in a position of disadvantage. We aim to be recognised as a leading provider and facilitator of quality, responsive community services.

The Supported Independent Living team (SILP) currently have a part time vacancy for a Support Worker to join the Mercy Community in Toowoomba. Initially the position will be 2 days per week, however this will increase to 4 days per week for the period November 2019 to April 2020, after which the role will continue as 2 days per week.

The Role

Supporting young people accessing SILP Services, the Support Worker will be responsible for one on one mentoring and provision of direct support and group activities. The SILP program helps young people meet their individual goals, through either gaining independence or engaging with education/vocation. Although part of a small but supportive team, the Support Worker operates mostly independently. This role will suit someone who works with the team to achieve goals but is also comfortable working autonomously.

To be eligible for this position you will require:

• Certificate IV or higher in Education, Community Services or related discipline
• Minimum 2 years’ experience working with children/young people affected by trauma and disrupted attachment
• Computer literacy and the ability to write clear and concise client notes and other reporting via Mercy community systems meeting pre-set timeframes
• Demonstrated high level skills in providing effective, creative and targeted engagement, intervention and care strategies for young people affected by trauma and disrupted attachment, including managing complex dynamics and range of behaviours
• Exemplary self-management skills to effectively prioritise tasks, including an ability to work creatively and flexibly to ensure young people achieve positive outcomes
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with clients, their families, statutory case managers, neighbours and other key stakeholders
• A Queensland Provisional Green or above Driver’s Licence, and the ability to obtain positive notice in the Working with Children Check (Blue Card) and any other legislatively required personal history screening as required
• Ability to maintain extreme confidentiality when providing service to clients and external stakeholders from culturally diverse backgrounds

It is beneficial for candidates to have:

• Senior First Aid Certificate
• An understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, cultures and societies and the issues which impact upon them in contemporary society together with a commitment to culturally appropriate engagement and practice.

As a Mercy Community employee, we’ll offer you:

• The chance to make a genuine difference in people’s lives
• The opportunity to increase your take-home pay by salary sacrificing
• Continued professional development opportunities
• Flexibility and work life balance through shift work
• Regular supervision
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program (confidential counselling service)
• Career pathways for those wishing to grow within the organisation
• Friendly and supportive workplace

Currently the position offers a competitive remuneration package of $34.05 gross per hour in line with level 4 of our Enterprise Agreement.

About Us

Mercy Community is a not-for-profit organisation, focused on the provision of innovative and responsive services in the areas of child protection, multicultural community support, family mental health, community and residential based aged care and disability support services. We are a strongly committed team that works hard and truly lives our values – Mercy, Acceptance, Excellence, Dignity, Empowerment and Integrity.

We encourage and welcome candidates from all cultural backgrounds and recommend that you view our website and Employee Value Proposition.