Community Development Support Worker

We are seeking a part-time, highly motivated, skilled and enthusiastic individual to join our Western Metro Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect team.

About the organisation

Jesuit Social Services is a social change organisation working to build a just society where all people can live to their full potential.

Since 1977, Jesuit Social Services has provided services to some of the most disadvantaged in our community.

We place a high priority on advocacy and are a leader in policy development and research.

About the program

Jesuit Social Services has been funded to deliver the Western Metro Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect Centre (the ‘Centre’), led by people who have lived/living experience of supporting someone with mental health challenges and/or substance use challenges. The Centre provides a warm and welcoming space available to family, carers, kin and supporters of all ages and backgrounds, with no need for a referral. They provide opportunities to connect with peers along with tailored information, resources, advocacy, support (individually and group work), and access to brokerage funds through Tandem’s Carer Support Fund. 

The Flemington Homework Club supports school students between 6 and 18 years old with a refugee/migrant background and their families living in and around the Flemington Housing Estate. Students receive tailored and culturally appropriate support to improve their ongoing educational engagement and attainment, and to reduce the risk of disengaging prematurely from school. Volunteer tutors support students in a safe, welcoming and inclusive space to overcome the common barriers they face to successful learning and educational achievement.

The Western Metro Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect and The Flemington Homework Club are collaborating to provide the families, carers and supporters of young people who attend The Flemington Homework Club with tailored and culturally safe and responsive support. The Homework Club Support Worker will build community capacity to recognise and respond to mental health and substance use challenges.

About the role

The Homework Club Support Worker will report to the Coordinator Support Work, Western Metro Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect and will:

• • Deliver high quality, strengths-based, trauma-informed, short-medium term support to families, carers and supporters who attend The Flemington Homework Club
  • Deliver individualised support to families, carers and supporters including service navigation, advocacy, information, referral and resources
  • Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders including local community members and leaders
  • Build community capability to recognise and respond to mental health and/or substance use challenges
  • Maintain a safe and welcoming learning environment for students and volunteers
  • Facilitate information sessions, workshops, holiday programs and events for families and students
  • Assist the Homework Club Coordinator in addressing operational challenges and community support requirements during program delivery, ensuring a responsive and effective service for all participants.

• • The current role (0.4 FTE) is required to work Wednesdays and Thursdays 11:00am – 7:00pm. The role is based on-site in Sunshine between 11:00am – 4:30pm, then at The Flemington Homework Club in Flemington between 4:30 – 7:00pm.
  • 12 month contract with possibility of extension

What Jesuit Social Services can offer you:

• A comprehensive Induction and Orientation program
• Ongoing role related training and development
• An organisation that is a preferred employer and lives their values, through our day to day work
• A welcoming, collaborative and supportive team environment
• Employee assistance program
• A competitive salary plus salary packaging benefits
• Generous, above industry leave

Competitive remuneration, plus salary packaging benefit, is offered together with ongoing professional and career development.

Candidate Requirements

This role will suit a candidate with the following skills and experience:

1. Relevant tertiary qualification/s and/or experience delivering high quality support services
2. Capacity to fulfil reporting and administrative requirements associated with the position
3. Experience working with a diverse range of participants, including individuals, families, children and carers in community, particularly those from a refugee background and newly arrived migrants
4. Strong relationship building skills and capacity to network across a broad range of stakeholders
5. Lived or living experience as a family member, carer or supporter of someone with mental health challenges, or substance use challenges is highly desirable

How to apply

• Upload your resume and cover letter incorporating your responses to the Key Selection Criteria from the Position Description
• For further information please contact Nick Pace, Manager, Western Metro Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect on 0437 676 685

Applicants are required to respond to each of the Key Selection Criteria, with names and contact numbers of two referees.

Please apply in confidence.

Applications close at 5.00pm on Friday August 1, 2025.

Applications may be reviewed prior to the closing date and may be subject to change without notice.

Jesuit Social Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. We celebrate and welcome all people regardless of ethnicity, cultural background, age, gender, sexuality, disability or religious affiliation.

Jesuit Social Services is a Child Safe organisation and is committed to protecting children and young people from harm. We require all applicants to undergo an extensive screening process prior to appointment