Intake and Community Development Worker

• Permanent Full Time Contract
• Location: Mparntwe (Alice Springs) NT 0870
• Salary: $90,188 + super + NFP salary packaging benefits
• Make a meaningful difference to the lives of Australians in need

Life at Mission Australia

When you join the team at Mission Australia, you become part of a community who are determined to end homelessness and ensure people in need can thrive. United by our Christian purpose and values, we advocate for a fairer Australia, to meet the growing needs of people across the country. Together we’re building hope and possibility for all.

Find out more about us and our purpose.

Your Opportunity

Stuart Lodge plays a critical role in this mission, delivering transitional accommodation for singles and families in Mparntwe (Alice Springs) who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness, alongside tailored support services that strengthen long-term housing outcomes.

Here, you will be part of a service that combines structured intake, assessment, and case coordination with meaningful community engagement. This on-site position places you at the frontline of support, working directly with people navigating crisis, complex circumstances, and multiple barriers to stable housing.

As the Intake and Community Development Worker, you will lead the intake function for a high-demand service while also contributing to community-focused initiatives that foster connection, participation, and wellbeing among residents. You will engage with individuals who may be difficult to reach, maintain motivation and boundaries in a dynamic environment, and help connect people with the right supports—balancing compassion with clear, needs-based decision-making.

Your Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the intake process, including booking, conducting, and documenting client assessments using established frameworks
• Maintain and actively manage the accommodation waitlist, including regular client engagement to confirm need and provide updates
• Undertake risk assessments and determine client suitability for the service using a needs-based approach
• Communicate effectively with internal teams and external stakeholders across homelessness and community service networks
• Provide clear information to clients on their rights, responsibilities, and program expectations, including managing difficult conversations when required
• Complete accurate data entry, reporting, referrals, advocacy, and administrative tasks using client record management systems
• Deliver community development activities, including workshops and engagement initiatives that promote connection, wellbeing, and community participation

Requirements for Success

• Demonstrated understanding of intake, assessment, and triage processes within community services or homelessness settings
• Ability to work calmly and effectively with individuals experiencing crisis, maintaining professional boundaries and a non-judgemental approach.
• Experience supporting clients with complex and multiple barriers, including housing instability, mental health, and/or AOD challenges.
• Strong administrative capability, with a proactive approach to documentation, data management, and reporting.
• Cultural capability and respect, with sound knowledge of Aboriginal cultural systems, community context, and protocols.
• Confidence using computer systems and client record databases to manage information accurately and efficiently.
• Minimum 1 years’ experience in community services (preferably within homelessness or housing), with strong local knowledge and stakeholder awareness.
• First Aid & CPR certificate.
• Full driver licence with no restrictions.

Before starting work with us, you will need to undertake a national police history check, qualifications, and referee checks, and have a clearance to work with children/vulnerable people.

Your Benefits

To ensure our employees feel valued, empowered, and celebrated, we provide a range of employee benefits including:

• Rewarding work – every day you know you’re making a real difference
• Not-for-profit salary packaging, reducing your tax (details via AccessPay)
• Free external, confidential counselling and access to chaplaincy support
• Volunteering opportunities
• Opportunity to purchase additional annual leave
• Extra leave including: Mission Australia Thank You Day & Work Anniversary Day off
• Remote location allowances
  * Additional $350 each year to assist with cost of living in a remote area
  * Access to up to 3 additional days Personal/carers leave each year (non-accruing)

Our Culture

Our innovative and inclusive culture will ensure you feel valued at Mission Australia as you help Australians in need and develop in your career.

We prioritise the safety and wellbeing of everyone, both within our team and the individuals we serve.

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive working environment. We actively support and encourage people of all backgrounds; gender, age, ethnicity, race, cultural background, disability, religion, and sexual orientation to submit an application and aim to ensure that the recruitment and employee experience is as accessible and inclusive as possible. So, whoever you are, if you’re skilled and actively support our purpose and values, you would be welcome at Mission Australia.

If you live with disability and require support to submit your application, please email [email protected] or visit our Careers page for additional contact details.

We strongly encourage applications from people who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. For culturally safe support or assistance with your application, please contact us at [email protected]

Find out more about a career with Mission Australia.

How to apply

Click ‘Apply’ and send your application today!

As a committed Circle Back Initiative employer, we will respond to your application.

Applications for this role are shortlisted as received and we are interviewing through the advertising period. Please apply as soon as possible to be considered. Thank you.