Social Worker – Sustainable Tenancies

Maternity Leave Cover | Fixed‑Term Contract to 5 February 2027 Location: Penrith, Windsor, West Ryde or Chatswood (flexible base location)

Are you a passionate Social Worker who thrives in complex, client‑centred environments and wants to make a real difference in people’s lives? We’re seeking an experienced Social Worker to join our Sustainable Tenancies Team on a maternity leave cover contract through to 5 February 2027.

This is an opportunity to work in a purpose‑driven organisation supporting vulnerable tenants to achieve housing stability, wellbeing and long‑term positive outcomes.

About the role

Reporting to the Team Leader, Sustainable Tenancies, this hands‑on operational role provides specialist social work intervention to tenants experiencing complex and often crisis‑driven circumstances. You will manage a caseload of approximately 10–12 complex clients, working collaboratively with tenants, Tenancy Managers and external service providers to co‑design tailored support plans that sustain tenancies and improve quality of life.

The role can be based from Penrith, Windsor, West Ryde or Chatswood, with travel across metropolitan Sydney as required.

Key responsibilities include:

• Delivering ethical, person‑centred social work practice in line with AASW standards
• Assessing client needs, strengths, risks and support networks
• Developing, implementing and reviewing tailored case plans with SMART goals
• Coordinating responses to crisis situations and complex tenancy issues
• Referring and linking clients with appropriate community and health services
• Facilitating and leading case conferences with internal and external stakeholders
• Advocating for tenants to improve wellbeing and housing stability
• Providing mentoring, coaching and best‑practice guidance to internal teams
• Building strong relationships across the service system and attending interagency forums
• Maintaining accurate case notes, outcome measures and KPI reporting
• Contributing to continuous improvement, policy development and best practice
• Supervising Social Work student placements (where applicable)

About you

You are a skilled, compassionate and resilient practitioner who is confident working with people with complex needs and navigating diverse service systems.

You will bring:

• A tertiary qualification in Social Work (essential)
• Current membership with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) (essential)
• Experience developing and delivering case management for highly vulnerable clients
• Strong knowledge of health, human services and community support systems
• Experience working with people with disability, culturally diverse communities and Aboriginal people
• Excellent communication, engagement and advocacy skills
• A trauma‑informed, strengths‑based and culturally competent approach
• The ability to work autonomously while contributing collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team
• Strong organisation, documentation and time‑management skills

Experience in social or community housing is highly regarded.

What we offer

• Meaningful, values‑driven work that makes a tangible community impact
• Supportive team environment committed to best practice and professional growth
• Opportunity to influence service improvement and sector collaboration

Additional requirements

• Current NSW driver’s licence and access to a registered, roadworthy vehicle
• Willingness to travel between metropolitan Sydney offices
• National Police Check (as required)
• Willingness to comply with organisational vaccination requirements

If you’re motivated by social justice, tenant outcomes and sustainable change, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now via Seek and be part of a team making lasting difference in people’s housing and lives.