Senior Pathway Worker
Job No:
SHM1190
Location:
St. Kilda
Your future workplace:
Sacred Heart Mission is a vibrant community of people committed to ending homelessness, deep disadvantage and social exclusion. Our shared purpose and values guide everything we do. We celebrate individuality and create a workplace where everyone is supported to bring their whole, authentic selves to work.
In this role, you will be based at the heart of our services, connecting with people who visit our Meals Program and Engagement Hub. Your day will involve offering assessments, providing advocacy and crisis support, making referrals, and sharing genuine, human conversations with those who walk through our door
Click here to download a copy of the Position Description
Your day‑to‑day
- Lead daily hub operations, ensuring a safe, welcoming environment and high‑quality participant support.
- Supervise and mentor Pathways Workers, contractors and students, providing guidance, incident support and weekend leadership.
- Oversee participant engagement: daily follow‑ups, accurate record‑keeping, brief case coordination, and smooth referral pathways.
- Manage key operational tasks including reporting, rostering, payroll support, and compliance with safety, privacy and data requirements.
- Participate in the on‑call roster, team meetings, service planning and continuous quality improvement activities.
- Engage in regular supervision, training and professional development while contributing to a collaborative, supportive workplace culture.
We are looking for someone
- With a minimum: diploma or degree qualifications relevant to the delivery of community services.
- With experience working in homelessness, mental health and/or community settings.
- With excellent communication skills who collaborates well as part of a team.
- Committed to working within a person-centered, Trauma informed strength’s-based care and culturally responsive practice.
- Able to demonstrate de-escalation and effective response tactics towards challenging behaviour and crisis situations.
What you will bring:
- A relevant qualification in community services (we’ll also consider Diploma‑qualified candidates with exceptional experience).
- Confident, proven leadership - you know how to guide, support and energise a team.
- A track record of delivering strong service outcomes and meeting targets.
- Solid experience in case management and service coordination, ideally across homelessness, mental health, dual diagnosis or alcohol and other drugs.
- Skill in helping participants navigate complex service systems and access the support they need.
- The ability to stay calm, think clearly and respond safely when high‑risk or crisis situations arise.
- Clear, compassionate communication — both written and verbal.
- An understanding of trauma‑informed practice and how to apply it day‑to‑day.
- A collaborative spirit, balanced with sound judgement and initiative when working independently.
- A genuine connection to the values and mission of Sacred Heart Mission.
You can look forward to
- Pay classification Social and Community Services Employee ($45.00 - $52.00 per hour, dependent on experience and qualification).
- Salary packaging expenses like your rent, holiday accommodation and dining out: up to $15,990 pre-tax.
- Generous leave entitlements such as 17.5% leave loading, Christmas/ New Years 3 days ex gratia leave, wellbeing leave, and gender affirmation leave.
- Access to in-house training and career development opportunities.
- A supportive work environment: regular line manager direct supervision, clinical group reflective practice, Psychological First Aid, EAP, Community of Practice spaces.
- Access to the Portable Long Service Benefits Scheme.
Come and work with us!
To join our team, simply scroll down to apply with attached resume which outlines your experience and interest in the role.
For further information about the role, contact Rowena Mathers @ rmathers@sacredheartmission.org or (+61) 425 817 234 during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:30am– 3.30).
Closing date for applications: 5pm Sunday, 15 February 2026*
*Shortlisting for this position will commence immediately, and the position may close earlier than stated if we have found suitable candidates.
SHM is committed to equal employment opportunities for all people regardless of age, gender, cultural background, disability, or sexual orientation. We recognise the strength and value in diversity and actively foster an inclusive workplace.
All appointments are subject to Police Checks and certain roles require additional pre-screening or evidence of COVID-19 vaccination as outlined in the position description.