About Wayside Chapel

Since 1964, Wayside Chapel (Wayside) in Kings Cross has been a source of unconditional love, care, and support for those in need. Operating under the Love Over Hate banner, our programs and services aim to provide essential health, welfare, social, and recreational support to the most marginalised members of our community.

Every year, thousands of individuals seek assistance at our Kings Cross and Bondi centres to access these vital services. Our mission is to foster an inclusive community, eliminating the divide between 'us and them,' and offering a safe haven for people from all walks of life.

About this Position

Wayside Chapel’s Aboriginal Cultural Centre (ACC) is designed to support our Aboriginal visitors moving from a state of trauma to reconnecting with their cultural strengths. The Community Services Worker (CSW) is the first point of contact for visitors to the ACC and has a primary duty to maintain a safe, welcoming and inclusive space for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Once a visitor has accessed the ACC, the CSW is responsible for ascertaining and responding to their immediate needs such as practical assistance and crisis referrals.

Key Responsibilities

• Greet visitors, build rapport, conduct basic assessment of need and direct visitor flow through the service;
• Coordinate and manage the ACC visitor space to ensure a safe and welcoming environment including maintaining cleanliness, preparing kitchen for self-service meals (breakfast and lunch), and monitor food supplies;
• Assess visitors in line with Wayside criteria to ensure suitability to access services
• Provide visitors with information on Wayside services and other local culturally appropriate services;
• Manage the provision of practical assistance including allocation of showers, toiletries, emergency clothes and emergency meals;
• Provide crisis support and respond to immediate visitor issues such as lack of housing, mental health crises and other health emergencies;
• Maintain a safe environment through monitoring visitor behaviour and managing incidents as they arise, including dealing with racism, aggression, challenging behavioural issues, substance use, overdose, suicidal ideation, complex and co-occurring mental health presentations.
• Promote cultural safety and awareness in the ACC space and across programs

About you

• TAFE level qualifications in Community Services Work, Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs or other relevant area, and/or extensive experience in the areas of addressing the needs of disadvantaged populations;
• Experience working with at-risk populations and understanding of related issues, both practical and systematic (including but not limited to Juvenile Justice, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, CALD, trauma, homelessness, mental health, alcohol and other drugs);
• Knowledge of and ability to operate with regard to trauma informed principles;
• Initiative, flexibility and the ability to work in a demanding environment;
• Ability to work as part of a team with a commitment to sharing knowledge and expertise and supporting Wayside culture;
• Understanding of community-based model of care and commitment to the mission, vision and values of Wayside.

What’s in it for you?

• Comprehensive Employee Assistance Program access
• Access to external clinical supervision
• A career where you can make a genuine impact with the community

To apply, please follow the link. Include your CV and a cover letter detailing your motivations and relevant experience.

For more information, please reach out to Lyndon Yeung, Recruitment Coordinator [email protected], using the subject line: Community Services Worker - ACC enquiry via EthicalJobs.

The successful applicant will require two COVID-19 vaccinations and a booster. An offer will be subject to a police clearance and Working with Children check clearance.