About the program

The Homes for Older Women (HOW) program helps women aged 55 and over who are doing it tough with housing to find affordable accommodation in their own community. We connect older women looking for a home with homeowners who have suitable space available, creating housing arrangements that are safe and appropriate.

This is a chance to lead the local delivery of a program that changes lives, backed by the established HOW Blue Mountains team, so you'll never be building it alone. Together, both regions share experience, resources and referrals, and grow the reach of a model that works.

About the role

As Program Coordinator, you will be the local face of HOW in the Southern Highlands and responsible for its day-to-day delivery. You will meet women at a vulnerable point in their lives, understand their housing needs and help create pathways to safer, more affordable accommodation. You will also build the local relationships that enable the program to succeed.

This is a 12-month, part-time fixed-term position working 20 hours per week, with the potential for extension subject to funding. The position is classified under the SCHADS Award as Social and Community Services Level 4, Pay Point 1, currently $46.70 per hour plus 12% superannuation. Employees also have access to salary packaging of up to $15,900 per FBT year.

The position reports to the CEO of Older Women’s Network NSW, works closely with the HOW Blue Mountains team and engages with the HOW Southern Highlands Committee, which provides local knowledge, advice and community connections.

What you'll do

• Respond to enquiries and conduct confidential intake interviews with home seekers and homeowners
• Identify and facilitate suitable housing matches, supporting people to make their own decisions
• Refer participants to housing, legal, health and community services when needed
• Build relationships with councils, housing services and local organisations, and promote the program across the region
• Support volunteers and contribute to social media, newsletters and community events
• Keep accurate, confidential records and report on enquiries, matches and outcomes
• Work closely with the HOW Blue Mountains team on shared referrals, events and learning

What you'll bring

• Experience coordinating or administering a community, housing or social-support program
• Warm, empathetic communication - especially when talking through sensitive matters
• Confidence conducting detailed, confidential interviews
• Strong organisational, administrative and record-keeping skills
• The ability to work independently while following clear procedures
• A genuine commitment to improving housing options for older women
• Solid computer skills (Microsoft Office, email, online systems)

Nice to have: experience in housing, homelessness, ageing, women's services or community development; knowledge of the Southern Highlands; grant writing; content creation; or database experience (e.g. ActiveCampaign). Relevant qualifications are an advantage, but relevant experience may be considered in their place.

Why join us

• Meaningful, visible impact — you'll see the difference your work makes in your own community
• Flexible part-time hours that fit around your life
• A supportive, collaborative team across two regions, so you're well backed
• Training provided, including in our systems

Older Women's Network NSW values diversity and warmly encourages applications from women with varied cultural, professional and lived experience. We'll be reviewing applications as they come in, so we'd encourage you to apply early. We may begin interviews before the closing date.