We are seeking an enthusiastic, passionate person to join the Fletcher Street Cottage team at Byron Community Centre, working to provide direct assistance to people who are sleeping rough and supporting them to meet their own needs, improve their well-being and enhance their quality of life.

About Us

The Byron Community Centre is a not-for-profit organisation, entirely self-funded through donations, income and project grants. These funds are used to support vulnerable people and offer a range of arts and social programs for the benefit of the whole community.

Fletcher Street Cottage, in the heart of Byron Bay offers a welcoming, safe and respectful space where homeless people can come to enjoy simple, practical relief opportunities, find connections and access broader supports.

Position Summary

The Community Support Worker works directly with people who are sleeping rough, to offer support and improve the quality of their life.

As a Community Support Worker, based at the Fletcher Street Cottage, you will be working two to three days per week on the SCHADS Level 3.1. Hours may vary between 7am to 5pm.

You will be responsible for engaging with service users and responding to their immediate needs, along with supporting the running of daily activities at the cottage and other homelessness projects.

You will connect with vulnerable community members, building relationships that support on-going engagement. Undertaking tasks which may include general outreach, case planning and documentation, appointments and referrals.

The Community Support Worker will be an active team member assisting in the development and implementation of activities and projects, as well as participating in community development, advocacy, and consultative activities within the broader homelessness and housing sector.

Key Accountabilities

Promote and follow the vision and values of Fletcher Street Cottage (FSC) and the Byron Bay Community Association within a collaborative and inclusive framework.

• Provide best practice, strengths based delivery of services which are grounded in cultural sensitivity, restorative and trauma informed practice.
• Support service users with complex needs to access services, support and relevant information.
• Maintain timely and accurate client and casework records, including client information system records.
• Maintain service referral information and lists and contribute to data collection and evaluation mechanisms.
• Attend community venues and local services in an outreach capacity.
• Undertake logistical arrangements for meetings, projects and other activities that directly support case planning and decision making.
• Contribute to written reports for internal and external purposes including monthly impact reports.
• Actively participate as a Fletcher Street Cottage team member, openly sharing information, aiming for group cohesion and supporting the vision.
• Follow work plans and team priorities, achieving targets and meeting quality standards.
• Contribute to strengthening a welcoming, respectful and inclusive FSC culture, including supporting and working with volunteers and students.
• Engage in continuous improvement, reflection and learning.
• Build professional relationships and networks and other information-sharing activities.
• Contribute to awareness-raising, advocacy and systems change processes.
• Undertake activities outside of usual role and normal position description as required.

Essential Selection Criteria

• Relevant tertiary qualifications or equivalent experience in a related field
• Experience working with vulnerable individuals and families and people with complex needs and/or mental health issues
• Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage conflict and aggressive behaviours
• Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse range of stakeholders
• Ability to work independently, managing own time with minimal supervision, and as part of a team
• Ability to think critically and creatively, to identify and solve problems, deal with obstacles and adapt to change
• Ability to engage in action learning and evidence generating practice.
• Current Drivers Licence
• Current National Police Check and WWCC (or be willing to obtain one)

Desired Selection Criteria

• Understanding of the psychological and emotional needs of homeless people and the impacts of homelessness
• Experience working with volunteers, students and other service providers
• Project planning and coordination skills and experience

For further information about the role please contact Jenny Ryan, Homelessness Projects Manager on 02 6685 6807.