Permanent Full time position

Location: Cairns QLD 4870

Salary: $94,472.36 Base Salary + Super + not-for-profit salary packaging benefits

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 advocate for a fairer Australia, to meet the growing needs of people across the country. Together we’re building hope and possibility for all. Find out more about us and our purpose.

Your opportunity

Join Douglas House, Mission Australia's 22-bed supported accommodation service in Cairns, providing safe housing and recovery-focused support for people experiencing chronic homelessness. Every day, our team works alongside residents to build stability, strengthen wellbeing and create pathways towards independent living. As a Recovery Worker, you'll play an important role in this journey. Through personalised case management, practical support and advocacy, you'll support residents achieve their goals, overcome barriers and access the services and opportunities that support long-term recovery. Working within a residential accommodation setting, you'll build meaningful relationships with residents, and support people experiencing homelessness, AOD, mental health challenges and the impacts of trauma. You'll play a key role in supporting residents achieve sustainable housing outcomes, strengthen their wellbeing and develop the skills and confidence needed to live independently. This is an excellent opportunity for someone passionate about supporting people, values genuine human connection and wants to contribute to positive change in your community.

Your key responsibilities

- Provide intensive case management and individualised support to residents.
- Develop and implement support plans that reflect client goals, strengths and needs.
- Deliver support using recovery-oriented, trauma-informed and culturally responsive practices.
- Advocate for residents and connect them with housing, health and community services.
- Support residents transitioning to independent living and sustainable housing outcomes.




- Participate in case conferences and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
- Maintain accurate case notes, client records and reports.
- Contribute to a safe, supportive and positive team environment.

Requirements for success

- Relevant Cert IV, diploma, degree or equivalent experience in Community Services, Social Work, Human Services or a related field.
- Demonstrated experience supporting people experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges or other complex needs.
- Experience providing case management, client advocacy and person-centred support.
- Knowledge of recovery-oriented, trauma-informed and strengths-based practice.
- Robust communication and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to assess and respond appropriately to risk and crisis situations.
- Strong organisational and administrative skills, including experience maintaining case notes and reports.
- Current full unrestricted Driver Licence
- Current First Aid & CPR Certificate or willingness to obtain
- 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.

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.

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 prioritise 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.

We strongly encourage applications from people who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. For culturally safe support or assistance with your application, please contact us at .

Find out more about a career with Mission Australia.

Mission Australia – our purpose

Mission Australia is a national Christian charity motivated by a shared vision of an Australia where everyone has a safe home and can thrive. Since 1859, we’ve been standing alongside people in need across Australia, offering real hope that has lasting impact. Backed by our supporters, churches, partners, and funders, we work together for the long-term wellbeing of anyone who needs us, reflecting our values of respect, compassion, integrity, perseverance and celebration. We collaborate with people experiencing homelessness or disadvantage to tackle the root causes of their challenges through providing access to safe, affordable homes and innovative, evidence-based support services. Every day we deliver homelessness crisis and prevention services, provide social and affordable housing, assist struggling families and children, address mental health issues, fight substance dependencies, support people with disability and much more. Mission Australia believes a person’s circumstances shouldn’t define their future and that given the right support, everyone can reach their full potential. That’s why we stand together with Australians in need, until they can stand for themselves. Learn more about Mission Australia and our purpose.

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