Peer Support Worker jobs in New South Wales

WHO ARE WE?

The Rev. Bill Crews Foundation (‘BCF’) is one of Sydney’s most trusted frontline charities and has been supporting the community for nearly 40 years. Our mission is to address homelessness and hardship by providing essential services including food, social welfare, healthcare, education, and community programs.

Our Social Health and Wellbeing (‘SHW’) team is often the first point of contact for individuals facing complex and multiple challenges. The team provides a broad range of assistance, from crisis intervention and short-term case management to medical, dental and complementary healthcare support.

THE ROLE

This position is central to welcoming and supporting individuals and families who visit our services seeking help. As our Community Engagement Support Worker, you will play a key role in building trust, creating meaningful connections, and helping guests access the support they need with dignity and respect.

You will spend your time engaging with guests on the floor, offering a listening ear, identifying needs, and linking people with appropriate internal and external services. You’ll help create a calm, safe and inclusive environment while supporting guests experiencing significant vulnerability.

The role will commence on a casual basis, offering flexibility and the opportunity to work closely with the SHW team, Intake Workers, Case Managers and Health Professionals in a supportive, collaborative environment. There is potential for the position to transition into a part-time role, subject to operational needs and performance review.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

As our Community Engagement Support Worker, you will:

• Welcome and engage with guests respectfully, compassionately and without judgement.
• Build rapport to understand immediate and longer-term needs.
• Walk the floor, start conversations and provide supportive listening to individuals who may be distressed or isolated.
• Provide information, referrals and advocacy using trauma-informed and strengths-based practice.
• Assist guests with essential supports such as food parcels, toiletries and clothing.
• Help guests navigate BCF programs and connect with external services where needed.
• Maintain clear and accurate notes using organisational systems (training provided).
• Work collaboratively with the wider SHW team to ensure warm, supported pathways for guests.
• Contribute to a safe, welcoming and organised environment for guests, staff and volunteers.
• Escalate concerns regarding guests in crisis to appropriate BCF team members or external providers.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

You are a compassionate, steady and confident communicator who builds trust easily and remains calm in fast-paced community settings. You bring warmth, empathy and a solutions-focused approach to every interaction.

You’ll also bring:

• Experience in community services, welfare, social work, mental health or a related field.
• Strong interpersonal and engagement skills, especially with individuals experiencing hardship or crisis.
• A respectful, non-judgemental and trauma-informed approach.
• Confidence working on the floor, initiating conversations and supporting people with diverse needs.
• The ability to manage competing priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Intermediate computer literacy with accuracy in note-taking and information management.
• Knowledge of homelessness, mental health, AOD support and community service pathways (desirable but not essential).

OUR RECRUITMENT PROCESS

If your resume is shortlisted, the next steps may include:

• A phone screen
• An interview
• A brief trial which includes meeting the team, observing the environment and getting a feel for the work we do

This process ensures transparency, support and comfort for you as an applicant. BCF is a unique environment, the trial component allows you to understand the role, meet the team and decide whether this is the right fit for you with no pressure or judgement.

Our aim is for you to feel informed, supported and confident every step of the way.

WHY JOIN US?

At BCF, you’ll be part of a supportive, inclusive team that believes in compassion, respect and dignity for all.

We offer:

• Access to salary packaging ($15,900 Fringe Benefits Tax free)
• Wellbeing benefits including Mental Health Days
• Professional development opportunities and ongoing supervision
• A collaborative, values-driven workplace
• Close to public transport and free off-street parking
• The opportunity to be directly involved in impactful community programs and events

READY TO APPLY?

If you’re a dedicated Community Engagement Support Worker passionate about supporting vulnerable communities, we’d love to hear from you! Click “Apply Now” to submit your application. Please include a cover letter outlining your availability.

The Bill Crews Charitable Trust and the Exodus Foundation are separate but closely aligned entities. Together, they deliver services and programs under the Rev. Bill Crews Foundation brand, working in partnership to support those most in need.

All Bill Crews Foundation employees are required to have completed at least three (3) COVID-19 vaccinations, including booster doses approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Proof of vaccination will be required prior to commencing employment.

Applicants must have the right to work in Australia. The successful candidate will also be required to complete a Working With Children Check and a National Police Check as part of the employment process.

Please Note: This position is managed directly by the BCF People and Culture team. While we appreciate the interest of recruitment agencies and external providers, we are not seeking third-party assistance for this role