Policy Officer

• Fixed Term Role - 12 months 

Company Overview

Homelessness NSW is the peak agency dedicated to ending homelessness across NSW. Representing a diverse membership, including specialist homelessness services, allied organisations and individuals with lived experience, we advocate and provide leadership on homelessness issues. Our purpose is to build the capability of people and the capacity of systems to end homelessness. Guided by social justice and human rights principles, we strive for an NSW where everyone has a safe place to call home. Through collaboration with government, services, and partners, we influence policy, support effective service delivery and drive innovation.   

Position Overview

Homelessness NSW is seeking an experienced Policy Officer to coordinate and contribute to policy initiatives and sector engagement and consultation across a range of reform initiatives. The role plays an important role in supporting the development of evidence-based solutions and facilitating sector engagement and consultation across a range of reform initiatives. 

As a Policy Officer, you will support the development of evidence-based policy initiatives by coordinating and undertaking policy development, providing analysis and advice, and facilitating sector engagement and consultation. 

The role is full-time for a fixed 12-month contract. Our office is based in Woolloomooloo, Sydney and candidates based in Sydney are preferred. Homelessness NSW supports flexible working arrangements, including work from home days every week and varied start and finish times.  

The role salary is set at the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry (SCHADS) Award Level 4/5 (depending on candidate experience), offering a range of $100,000 to $113,600, with access to Not-for-Profit Salary Packaging benefits up to $15,900 tax-free. We also offer the option to work a nine-day fortnight.  

Key Duties & Responsibilities 

• Work closely with the Senior Policy Officer to support the development of evidence-based solutions and policy initiatives aligned with Homelessness NSW’s strategic goals.
• Undertake research and analysis and provide advice to contribute to the policy process and to inform decision making.
• Provide a range of project management and support services, including preparation of discussion papers, briefs and submissions.
• Communicate with key stakeholders and coordinate working groups, stakeholder engagement and consultation.
• Coordinate events including member workshops and policy/strategy forums.
• Undertake administrative efforts such as report writing, record-keeping, and scheduling.
• Undertake other tasks and projects as required by Homelessness NSW. 

Skills & Experience  

• Demonstrated experience in social policy, preferably in the areas of housing and homelessness.
• Strong analytical and research skills, including the ability to analyse and interpret information and make informed recommendations.
• Good understanding of the issues facing people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness, and laws and public policy that impact on homelessness and the risk of homelessness.
• Demonstrated skills in stakeholder consultation and coordination.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Commitment to reconciliation with Aboriginal peoples, including through addressing the systemic over-representation of Aboriginal people experiencing homelessness.  

Your Qualification and experience will consist of:  

• Minimum 2+ years of experience in social policy, community development or a related field, with a preference for experience in housing and homelessness.
• Tertiary qualifications in social or public policy, social work, community services or a related field.
• Valid Driver Licence. 

Join Homelessness NSW as the Policy Officer and contribute to impactful initiatives.  

If you have any questions about the role, please contact Vee Blackwood (Director of Policy, Advocacy & Research): vee@homelessnessnsw.org.au using the subject line: Policy Officer enquiry via EthicalJobs.