About us

Townsville Aboriginal and Islander Health Service (TAIHS) provides a range of medical and clinical services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in Townsville and the surrounding region. Our health services are provided by a dedicated team of Doctors, Indigenous Health Professionals, Nurses, Visiting Specialists and Allied Health Professionals.

TAIHS seeks to improve health and social outcomes for the community through strategic partnerships, advocacy for needs, promotion of awareness and education in improved health and social practices, promotion of knowledge and understanding of underlying issues and unique needs and development of the evidence base.

“TAIHS strives to provide a truly comprehensive model of care that responds to the physical, social, emotional, cultural and spiritual needs of our people”.

About the position

The Support Worker is responsible for the provision of appropriate care, client programs and activities, transport, mentoring and support, including case work and the performance of all duties required to ensure the operations of the service are in line with the programs’ duty of care, practice framework established protocols and the service agreement.  

This position is required to work across the Youth and Accommodation Services – Specialised Homelessness Service, Bail Support Service and the Lighthouse Youth Service. 

About You 

• Develop and maintain effective relationships with clients, nurturing and supporting clients while assisting in the development of their skills needed to engage in non-criminal activities
• Liaise with the Coordinator in relation to all client related matters; including client needs, engagement, issues, observations or concerns as required
• Provision of information, support and advocacy for clients accessing the service
• Provide feedback or participate in strength and needs assessments
• Ensure that dangerous objects, alcohol, illicit drugs or potential weapons are not brought into the place of safety, and that prescribed medications are stored securely
• Participate in the delivery of programs both structured and unstructured aimed at meeting the needs of the individual or group
• Work to ensure effective case liaison with other program workers and other involved providers
• Work to foster productive relationships with all TAIHS Community Services staff
• Develop productive working relationships with relevant agency staff, Queensland Police Service, Youth Justice
• Maintain necessary client and operational information, including logbooks and case notes, on a daily basis
• Ensure secure management of all program files and compliance with applicable privacy legislation and policies

To be suitable for this position, your qualifications, experience & licenses for the role will consist of:

• Qualifications in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, Behavioural Science, Social Science, Health, Mental Health Community Services or relevant field
• An extensive understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, cultures and protocols and the issues which impact upon them in contemporary society
• Hope and Healing (Residential) training or willingness to obtain
• Proven ability to work autonomously and display initiative, self-motivation, time management and solution focused skills
• Proven ability to demonstrate strong capabilities around building relationships with and motivating vulnerable people, assessing needs, and advocating for the client
• Proven ability to work with a team in ways that are respectful, transparent, and acknowledging of individual’s skills, abilities, and capacities
• Ability to comply with all legal, ethical, confidentiality and regulatory requirements
• Previous experience in a similar role (desirable)
• Have an understanding of the historical, social, cultural and economic issues effecting the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and young people today
• Demonstrated experience/positive engagement when working with persons of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander backgrounds and an understanding cultural competency
• Ability to pass a National Police Check – no Serious/Criminal/Court Record 
• Current Blue Card (working with children and young people) (or AHPRA registration if required)
• Current C Class Drivers Licence (Qld) 
• COVID-19 Vaccination: It is a condition of employment for this role to be, and remain, vaccinated against COVID-19
• Must hold Min Cert IV in Child Youth & Family Intervention/equivalent or willingness to enroll.

Application Instructions

A position description is attached.

Please click Apply Now to submit your application.

You must submit the below documentation;

• CV/Resume
• One page cover letter detailing your suitability to the position 

Proof of qualifications and current registration (as appropriate) will be required prior to commencement of employment

Please call 4431 1401 for more information.

Website: taihs.net.au.

ABORIGINAL & TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER APPLICANTS ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.