• $71k + super + salary packaging
• Full time, permanent opportunity
• Location: Cairns
• 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 stand together with anyone who needs us, for as long as they need us. Find out more about us and our purpose.

YOUR OPPORTUNITY

Douglas House is a 22-bed supported accommodation facility supporting people experiencing long-term homelessness through accommodation and intensive case management. Douglas House is a stepping-stone for people to develop the skills needed to move from chronic homelessness into sustainable independent housing, and capable of participating in economic and social aspects of community life. Support is recovery oriented, trauma informed, strengths based and culturally responsive. Staff take a holistic approach to meeting the diverse needs of residents.

This unique and rewarding position is responsible for the coordination and support for Douglas House tenants accessing program activities and the community shed. The position will organise activities for the tenants (e.g. basic woodworking and furniture making) with the aim of providing personal, social, physical, emotional and mental health support to the tenants so as to allow them to become more independent in their lives.

YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES WILL BE TO:

• Estimation of materials for jobs
• Drawing specifications for tenant’s furniture/project designs from planning, design, material selection and procurement and supporting tenants to develop new skills.
• Preparation of materials for tenants projects needs from cutting materials; wood joints, pre-assembled wood structures, Perspex, plastic and metals, preparing cutting lists.
• Managing maintenance schedules and projects for Mission Australia sites with site budget allocation. Includes: Builds and repairs, cabinet doors, frameworks, floors or other wooden fixtures, installation of fixtures and hardware, erecting structures and fitting doors and window frames. This maintenance is to be done alongside tenants so that they can increase their skills and capacity.
• Under regular supervision, contribute to the effective functioning and development of the community shed through involvement in activities, projects, training, and development.
• Provide assistance with shed and safety inductions, if required.
• Provide assistance to plan workshop activities so that they run smoothly, and volunteers are included and informed of their duties.
• Under supervision, maintain equipment/tools and check equipment before use.
• Preparation of materials for tenants projects needs from cutting materials; wood joints, pre-assembled wood.

REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS

• An appropriate certificate relevant to the field of work or alternatively previous experience in a similar position
  Experience from a trade or delivery of community programs background.
• Demonstrated experience in furniture making, cabinet making and/or woodwork would be an advantage and the ability to provide support and guidance to clients.
• Demonstrated understanding of risk management and WH&S issues.
• Experience working with clients from a variety of different backgrounds and levels of disadvantage.
• Sound listening and engagement skills including the ability to build and maintain relationships with clients and other internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated professional approach to the role including maintenance of professional boundaries.
• The ability to cope with the physical demands of the position (such as bending, squatting, lifting etc).
• Current QLD Blue Card.

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.

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 prioritize 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] using the subject line: Assistant Activities Officer and Joiner - Cairns enquiry via EthicalJobs or visit our Careers page for additional contact details.

Find out more about a career with Mission Australia. 

YOUR BENEFITS

• 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
• Extra leave available including an additional public holiday, additional annual leave day on your work anniversary and the opportunity to purchase further annual leave.

HOW TO APPLY

Click "Apply Now" and send your application today!

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

Applications are shortlisted as they are received. Please apply as soon as possible to be considered. Thank you