About WCS

Women’s Community Shelters (WCS) was established in 2013 to build community capacity and response to women’s homelessness, including domestic and family violence. WCS works with communities to establish new shelters which provide short term emergency accommodation and support in a safe workplace.

Under a tripartite model, WCS brings together government, community and philanthropy to fund the establishment and ongoing operation of shelters and other innovative housing solutions.

As a Tier 3 Community Housing provider, WCS relies on traditional and innovative housing solutions to achieve positive individual outcomes for women with and without children.

Position summary The Community Development and Empowerment Officer is responsible for leading the development and delivery of a vibrant, inclusive and outcomes-focused Women's Community Hub that supports women to build confidence, strengthen social connections, increase independence, and improve housing stability.

The Women's Community Hub operates as both a prevention and early intervention service for women at risk of homelessness, social isolation, domestic and family violence, and housing insecurity, as well as a community-building resource for women residing within Women's Community Shelters accommodation programs.

The role focuses on creating opportunities for women to participate, learn, connect and thrive by delivering evidence-informed initiatives that strengthen individual and community capacity. Through meaningful partnerships, community engagement and targeted support pathways, the position contributes to positive, measurable outcomes for women while fostering a sense of belonging, empowerment and inclusion.

The Community Development and Empowerment Officer will ensure the Hub remains responsive to community need, driven by participant voice, and demonstrates impact through outcomes-focused practice and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

- Develop and implement community development strategies that strengthen community participation, inclusion and wellbeing.

- Facilitate opportunities for women to contribute to the planning, design and evaluation of Hub activities and services.

- Create welcoming and inclusive spaces that encourage engagement, connection and mutual support.

- Build community capacity by identifying individual and collective strengths, resources and leadership opportunities.





- Support women to establish positive social networks and meaningful community connections.

- Encourage peer-led activities and initiatives that promote participation, confidence and community leadership.

- Engage local residents, businesses, volunteers, community groups and service providers to strengthen community connectedness.

- Promote awareness of the Women's Community Hub across the Inner West community.

- Represent Women's Community Shelters at community forums, networks, collaborative initiatives and events.

- Develop, coordinate and facilitate evidence-informed programs that support personal development, wellbeing and independence.

- Support women to identify goals and access opportunities that enhance their wellbeing, independence and long-term stability.

- Provide information, brief support and referrals to relevant specialist services.

- Assist women to navigate service systems and connect with appropriate supports.

- Promote early intervention approaches that prevent homelessness, reduce crisis presentations and improve long-term outcomes.

- Work collaboratively with accommodation teams to support women transitioning from crisis accommodation into stable housing and community participation.

- Ensure all activities are culturally safe, trauma-informed, strengths-based and accessible.

Compliance, Safeguarding and Risk Management

- Operate in accordance with Women's Community Shelters policies, procedures, values and Code of Conduct.

- Ensure all activities align with trauma-informed, strengths-based and person-centred practice principles.

- Promote and uphold child-safe and safeguarding practices in accordance with legislative and organisational requirements.

- Maintain professional boundaries, privacy and confidentiality.

- Participate in risk management, incident reporting and workplace health and safety processes.

- Promote culturally safe, inclusive and respectful practice.

- Ensure services are delivered in a manner that supports dignity, choice and empowerment.

Essential skills, knowledge,



experience, qualifications and/or training:

- Qualification in Community Development, Community Services, Social Work, Human Services or related discipline, or equivalent demonstrated experience.

- Demonstrated experience in community development, community engagement, social inclusion or women's services.

- Strong understanding of homelessness, housing insecurity, domestic and family violence, social isolation and women's wellbeing.

- Experience designing, delivering and evaluating community-based or empowerment-focused programs.

- Demonstrated ability to build effective partnerships and collaborative networks.

- Experience supporting vulnerable or disadvantaged populations using strengths-based and trauma-informed approaches.

- Competent computer skills including Microsoft Office and client data systems.

- Current NSW Driver Licence.

- Current Working with Children Check.

- Current National Criminal History Check.

- Current First Aid Certificate or willingness to obtain.

Desirable skills, knowledge, experience, qualifications and/or training:

- Experience within homelessness, housing, domestic and family violence, community development or women's services.

- Experience in outcomes measurement, social impact evaluation or community capacity-building initiatives.

- Knowledge of the Inner West service system and community networks.

- Experience recruiting, supporting and coordinating volunteers.

- Experience contributing to grant applications, community projects or partnership development.

Why Join WCS?

- Contribute your skills to an organisation creating real, lasting change in the lives of women and children.

- Be part of a values-driven organisation making a lasting social impact.

- Access to salary packaging benefits and additional wellbeing leave

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and a cover letter addressing your interest and suitability for the role via SEEK as soon as possible as we will be reviewing applications as they are received.

If you have any questions, please send an email to @womenscommunityshelters.org.au

WCS’ services are provided only to women and their children. WCS considers being a woman is a genuine occupational qualification for this position under section 31 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW) and section 30 of the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth).

📌 Community Development Worker (Ashfield)
🏢 Women's Community Shelters
📍 Ashfield