About us:

Baptist Care SA works collaboratively with South Australians from all walks of life. We provide Camping and Adventure Programs, Disability Services, Homelessness Services, Out of Home Care and Youth, Family and Community Programs. We are committed to finding a way forward for everyone we serve and supporting them to achieve their life goals. We find ways to make people's lives better.

About the role – Part Time

Baptist Care SA in partnership with The Exceptional Needs Unit support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through the provision of culturally appropriate support services in a residential setting. Bowden Lodge provides a supported accommodation service for men with high complex needs who are homeless or have experienced chronic homelessness.

Baptist Care support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through the provision of culturally appropriate services that include crisis intervention, behaviour management, and life skills training, whether on a one-to-one basis or in a group environment.

You will contribute in the day to day running of Bowden Lodge and corresponding community programs, ensuring the well-being of clients; whilst assisting clients in developing, building, and maintaining their physical, social, emotional, and daily life skills.

This will include actively participating in planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating recreational, social and/or educational activities for clients served by the organisation.

You will form a healthy and supportive relationship with clients whilst role-modelling skills to assist clients to achieve individual goals in accordance with their support plans and program objectives.

Key responsibilities will include, but will not be limited to:

• Actively collaborate with colleagues and external professionals to help meet the physical, emotional, educational and health needs of clients.
• Teach and promote independent living skills by way of role modelling and capacity building.
• Evidence of effectively managing and responding to difficult and/or challenging behaviours.
• Ensure client confidentiality is always maintained and that the appropriate information management processes are applied.

About you:

You take pride in your ability to create connections with those around you. You are energetic, dynamic and thrive in an autonomous environment where every day is different. You are someone who has a deep understanding of behaviours of men with high complex needs who are homeless or who have experienced chronic homelessness.

You will also have the following skills and experience:

• Certificate IV in Community Services, Mental Health, or Disability
• Minimum 3 Years relevant industry experience
• Providing services to marginalised people experiencing homelessness, addiction, or mental health issues.
• Demonstrated experience working within a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Developed resilience to provide consistent and ongoing support to clients with high complex needs.
• Understanding of Aboriginal, multicultural and social justice issues as they impact on service delivery.

Specific Requirements:

Baptist Care SA is committed to the safety and protection of all children and vulnerable people and as such applicants will be considered in accordance with our safety practices and suitability.

You will be required to have, or be willing to obtain: 

• A current and valid DHS: Child-Related Employment Screening/ WWCC
• A current and valid National Police Clearance
• Evidence of COVID-19 vaccinations including any booster requirements
• Training – Child Safe Environments
• Training – Apply First Aid (min HLTAID011)
• Ability and willingness to travel within South Australia as required.
• Ability to work outside of normal office hours will be required.
• A valid full South Australian drivers’ license (C Class)

Why work with us?

Baptist Care SA offers a flexible and supportive environment where you are encouraged to be the best version of yourself.

You’ll also receive:

• A competitive salary on the SCHADS Award
• Salary packaging in addition to increase your take home pay 
• A corporate health plan with BUPA offering discounted health insurance 
• Employee Assistance Program 
• Support for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander employees cultural and community obligations, including NAIDOC Leave and up to five days Paid Cultural Leave

We do not accept applications via email, however, for more information, please see our website, or reach out to Paul Lowery at [email protected] for a confidential discussion, using the subject line: Support Worker - Bowden Lodge enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Please note, screening and interviews may take place prior to the closing date – applications may also close before this date.