Support Worker jobs

• Casual Contract – 8 hour shifts for 24/7 service
• Location: Garramilla (Darwin) NT 0828
• Casual Hourly rate $46.3587 + super + penalties
• Make a meaningful difference to the lives of Australians in need

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.

Your Opportunity

The Darwin Sobering Up Shelter is a 40‑bed service providing overnight accommodation to adults affected by alcohol or other drugs who are at risk of harm. Many clients arrive via NT Police or Larrakia Night Patrol from across the Darwin and Palmerston regions, often experiencing homelessness, displacement, or significant vulnerability. Within this culturally respectful, safe, and supportive environment, the Shelter offers individuals a place to recover, stabilise, and reconnect with services that can support their long‑term wellbeing.

As a Support Worker, you will be part of a dedicated team delivering practical, person‑centred care across a rotating roster of day, evening, overnight, and weekend shifts. This is an on‑site position where you will work calmly under pressure, respond to a fast‑paced and sometimes confronting environment, and provide steady, empathetic support to individuals who may present with complex needs or challenging behaviours. You will play a vital role in maintaining a safe, dignified space for every person who enters the Shelter, supported by clear communication, strong personal boundaries, and a hands‑on approach to daily operations.

This is a 24 hour service, therefore applicants must be available to work days, evenings, overnights and weekend shifts when required.

Your Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct intake assessments, including registrations, safety observations, and assisting with settling participants into the service.
• Monitor clients throughout their stay with regular checks, escalating concerns and collaborating with police, Larrakia Night Patrol, and team members as required.
• Provide practical support including food service (tea or soup on arrival, simple breakfast), basic assistance, and participant engagement in a calm and respectful manner.
• Manage busy intake periods particularly during afternoon and evening shifts, while supporting intoxicated individuals and maintaining safety and order.
• Complete daily operational tasks such as cleaning, laundry, bed‑making, stock movement, and maintaining hygiene in kitchens, bathrooms, and common areas.
• Undertake relevant administrative duties including shift handovers, documentation of incidents or observations, and preparation for upcoming shifts.
• Support harm‑minimisation outcomes by advocating for clients, maintaining professional boundaries, and contributing to a culturally respectful and supportive environment.

Requirements for Success

• Tertiary qualification in Alcohol and Other Drugs or a relevant community services qualification, or the ability to obtain the required certificate within 12 months.
• Previous experience in a similar support, AOD, homelessness, or mental health service, ideally with exposure to fast‑paced or “chaos‑management” environments.
• Ability to perform physically demanding duties such as lifting, bending, and extended periods of cleaning.
• You must be available for 8-hour shifts covering a 7-day roster (combination of night and day shifts) covering weekends and public holidays.
• Experience working respectfully with Aboriginal communities and an understanding of cultural protocols in the NT context.
• Strong personal and professional boundaries, with the ability to manage confronting situations including exposure to bodily fluids, while maintaining a harm‑minimisation approach.
• Solid communication and basic computer skills, with the ability to work both autonomously and collaboratively while switching between tasks in a dynamic environment.
• First Aid & CPR Certification.
• Full driver licence with no restrictions.

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

To ensure our employees feel valued, empowered, and celebrated, we provide a range of employee benefits including:

• Rewarding work – every day you know you’re making a real difference
• Not-for-profit salary packaging, reducing your tax
• Free external, confidential counselling
• Volunteering opportunities
• Opportunity to purchase additional annual leave
• Extra leave including: Mission Australia Thank You Day & Work Anniversary Day off

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.

If you live with disability and require support to submit your application, please email talentattraction@missionaustralia.com.au

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 Deadlycareers@missionaustralia.com.au