To be a key member of the Mission to Seafarers South Australia team, providing welfare services to visiting seafarers while supporting the sustainable development and operation of Mission to Seafarers centres across South Australia.
Based in Port Pirie, the Port Welfare Officers will share responsibility for providing seafarer welfare services, supporting volunteers and committees, coordinating administration, and assisting with the development of services in all South Australian ports, including Port Adelaide, Port Lincoln, Port Giles, Thevenard, Wallaroo and any future centres established within the state.
The role combines practical seafarer welfare, volunteer coordination, administration, stakeholder engagement and centre development.

Level of Responsibility
The Port Welfare Officers report directly to the Regional Director, Mission to Seafarers Australia.
They work closely with the South Australian Management Committee, local port committees, volunteers, port authorities, shipping agents, churches and other stakeholders to ensure effective delivery of welfare services throughout the state.

The role shares responsibility for:
Day-to-day operation of the Port Pirie Seafarers Centre.
Development and support of Mission to Seafarers activities throughout South Australia.
Volunteer recruitment, training and support.
Administrative and financial management of the South Australian operations.
Regular travel to South Australian ports to visit ships, support volunteers and strengthen relationships with industry partners.

Conditions
The successful applicant will be required to maintain:
Current Driver's Licence.
National Police Check.
Safe Church Communities accreditation (or equivalent).
Working With Children Check (or applicable state screening requirements).
Australian Border Force and Port Security access requirements as required.
Capacity to travel throughout South Australia, including overnight travel where necessary.

About the Role
This position would suit someone who is passionate about improving the welfare of seafarers, enjoys working with volunteers and industry, is highly organised, flexible and self-motivated, and is comfortable working across multiple locations.
The role requires initiative, robust communication skills and the ability to build relationships with maritime industry stakeholders while developing sustainable welfare services across regional ports.

Knowledge and Experience
The successful applicant will possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills together with confidence using technology.
A sound working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Xero or similar accounting software, databases, social media and web-based systems is desirable.





Essential Skills and Experience
Office administration experience.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong organisational and time management skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of a small team.
Proficient in Microsoft Office.
Experience using accounting software (preferably Xero).
Experience coordinating volunteers or community programs.
Current driver's licence and willingness to travel.

Desirable Skills and Experience
Experience preparing agendas, minutes and financial reports.
Website and social media management.
Marketing and communications experience.
Fundraising and grant administration.
Community development experience.
Understanding of the Mission to Seafarers and the maritime industry.
Experience working with committees or not-for-profit organisations.

Duties and Responsibilities
1. Seafarer Welfare
Visit ships and provide welfare support to visiting seafarers.
Coordinate transport, shopping, communications and welfare services.
Supply SIM cards, Wi-Fi access and welfare items.
Assist with emergency welfare situations when required.
Promote compliance with the Maritime Labour Convention welfare provisions.

2. Centre and Port Development
Support the ongoing development of Mission to Seafarers services throughout South Australia.
Assist with establishing and growing welfare activities in new and developing ports.
Identify opportunities to improve facilities and services.
Build relationships with port authorities, shipping agents, terminal operators and industry stakeholders.
Promote awareness of seafarer welfare across the maritime community.

3. Administration
Prepare agendas, reports and committee meeting minutes.
Complete and maintain Australian Border Force documentation.
Maintain registrations, licences and compliance records.
Monitor donations and acknowledge supporters.
Support committee office bearers with administration.
Manage SIM cards, vouchers and foreign currency.
Assist the Regional Director with reporting and projects.

4. Communications and Marketing
Monitor incoming enquiries.
Coordinate communications with volunteers, shipping agents and port stakeholders.
Maintain websites and social media platforms.
Produce promotional material highlighting Mission activities.




Represent Mission to Seafarers at community and industry events.

5. Volunteer Management
Recruit new volunteers across South Australia.
Coordinate induction, training and mentoring.
Maintain volunteer records and compliance.
Coordinate Working With Children Checks, port inductions, First Aid and other required training.
Develop volunteer rosters where applicable.

6. Financial Administration
Assist with day-to-day financial administration.
Process invoices and expenses.
Support budgeting and financial reporting.
Maintain accurate records using Xero or equivalent systems.

7. Stakeholder Engagement
Develop productive relationships with:
Flinders Ports
Shipping agents
Maritime unions
AMSA
Australian Border Force
Port Welfare Committees
Local churches
Community organisations
Government agencies
Represent Mission to Seafarers at meetings and forums as required.

8. Attendance
Attend:
South Australian committee meetings.
National Mission to Seafarers conferences.
Volunteer training events.
Industry meetings and conferences.
Ship visits across South Australian ports.
Other duties as directed by the Regional Director.

Employment Conditions
The position is offered as a job-share arrangement, with two Port Welfare Officers working collaboratively to provide consistent coverage across South Australia.

The combined role is funded at 5Days per week, with flexibility to increase hours through project funding or centre development initiatives.
Regular travel throughout South Australia is an essential component of the role, with a Mission vehicle available where appropriate.
Comprehensive on-the-job training will be provided.

The role would suit someone with several years of workplace experience who enjoys working with people, is comfortable travelling, and wants to make a meaningful contribution to the wellbeing of international seafarers visiting South Australian ports.

Applicant screening
Screening questions

- Why are you the right candidate for this role?
- This position may involve work outside of ordinary hours. This could include weekends, nights, or public holidays. Are you available to work flexible hours?
- Do you have access to or own your own vehicle?
- Do you have or are you willing to obtain a current Police Check?
- Are you willing to undergo pre-employment drug and alcohol testing?

Licences
- Motor Vehicle - Car
- Support Work - Working with Vulnerable people

Significant: to be considered, you must submit a cover letter and a completed application, and respond to the screening questions. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

📌 Port Welfare Officer (Port Pirie)
🏢 THE AUSTRALIAN COUNCIL OF THE MISSION TO SEAFARERS
📍 Port Pirie