Homestay Intake Support Worker

Homestay Intake Support Worker

  • Lawnton
  • Fixed Term – Ends 30 June 2026 (with possible extension)
  • Classification Level 3 (SCHADS Award) + attractive Salary Packaging benefits
  • Flexible Work Arrangements
  • Learning & Development Opportunities

Encircle is seeking an experienced Homestay Intake Support Worker who is motivated to contribute to our community.

Encircle Community Services (Encircle) is the preferred Community Services provider in the City of Moreton Bay. We are a community-owned and operated organisation offering a range of support services and activities directly to families and individuals living in the Moreton Bay region and the greater north Brisbane area.

Since 1987, we have been committed to developing programs and services that support the wellbeing of community members, to encourage and enable community participation, and respond to identified community issues and needs.

Encircle operates across six sites including Kallangur, Lawnton, Redcliffe, Strathpine, Caboolture and Kedron. We have 80 staff and approximately 85 volunteers. Our programs and activities demonstrate a wide variety of integrated options for the people in our region.

About this role

Using a person-centred, trauma-informed, and strengths-based approach, the Homestay Intake Support Worker plays a vital role in supporting individuals and families at risk of homelessness to sustain their tenancies. As part of the Homestay Intake Team this role will take direction from the Intake and Assessment Officer and the Homestay Intake and Allocation Lead. The Intake Support Worker position provides short-term, goal-directed interim case management support, referral, and advocacy services, focusing on early intervention and tenancy preservation to clients who are awaiting a Case Manager.

The aim is to prevent housing breakdown by addressing immediate issues impacting housing stability. The role will provide early interventions to individuals and families who are at risk of homelessness. Informed by an agreed case plan, the role will engage and support clients with a range of tasks, capability building activities and meetings that support safe and sustainable housing outcomes.

To view the full position description for this role, click here.

Capabilities to be successful in this role

  • Understanding of the Residential Tenancies Act (QLD), homelessness issues, and housing systems in Queensland.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build rapport and maintain professional boundaries.
  • Ability to work autonomously and manage a caseload in a fast-paced, short-term intervention environment.
  • Knowledge of culturally safe and trauma-informed practices.
  • Experience to effectively engage and work with individuals and families presenting as ‘at risk of homelessness’, presenting with multiple needs and concerns such as mental and physical health, substance dependency, domestic and family violence and financial and relationship vulnerabilities.
  • Experience in working within a case management environment.
  • Experience in identifying and acting upon situations of risk and facilitating points of escalation.
  • Ability to liaise effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders, build positive relationships and work collaboratively.
  • Highly developed interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.
  • Experience in liaising/ networking with relevant organisations for the development of on-going relationships and referral protocols beneficial to client support.
  • Working knowledge (or ability to quickly acquire) of SHIP and QHIP platforms.
  • Intermediate level computer skills, including client database management, collection of statistical data, preparation of reports.
  • Energetic, self-motivated with lateral and forward-thinking skills.
  • Ability to work autonomously and as part of a team.

Required Qualifications and Experience 

  • Certificate III in Community Services, Social Work, or related field (or working towards) or relevant equivalent experience through previous appointments and the ability to undertake the range of activities required.
  • A minimum of 1 years’ experience in community services or similar role
  • National Criminal History Police Check
  • Working with Children Check – Blue Card
  • Current unencumbered Driver’s License
  • Must be a permanent Australian resident or hold a current, valid working visa.

Key Selection Criteria

To be successful in the role you will be able to:

  1. Demonstrated experience to engage and assess clients with complex, challenging and/or high needs, and managing conflictual situations.
  2. Demonstrated understanding of the causes of homelessness and the systems and legislation that impact housing access and stability in Queensland.
  3. Experience in delivering client centred brief intervention case management, including conducting assessments, developing action plans, and linking clients to relevant services using trauma-informed and strengths-based practices.
  4. Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment and maintain accurate, confidential records in line with compliance requirements.
  5. Demonstrated ability to build positive relationships across a diverse range of stakeholders that includes government, community, private and the general community.
  6. Commitment to social justice principles and inclusive practice with diverse communities, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, CALD communities, and LGBTIQA+ people.

Encircle is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from a CALD background and people living with a disability. We are committed to keeping children, young people and the elderly safe from harm.

Please contact us via email  or 07 3889 0063 if you have any questions in relation to this position.

To apply for this position please provide:

  • a cover letter (not more than 2 pages) responding to the ‘requirements’ and ‘key selection criteria’ sections detailed above and
  • a copy of your current resume.

If you feel you have the right qualifications, and experience and would like to work in the Community Services space, please apply by submitting your application via seek.com.au.

Please note that we will not be accepting applications via employment agencies.

Applications will be reviewed and progressed as received. Therefore, you are encouraged to apply promptly in order to be considered for this exciting position.