Are you passionate about creating a safe, structured, and supportive environment where children, young people, and staff feel a strong sense of security, acceptance, and belonging at all times?
At McAuley, we support women and children who have experienced family violence and homelessness to reclaim control of their lives. Through a holistic range of services - including accommodation, legal, health, recreation, and social support - we empower women to rebuild their futures with increased safety, stability, economic capability, and overall wellbeing.
We are currently seeking Residential Support Workers to join our team in McAuley house Footscray and our family violence refuges across Melbourne’s Western region.
ABOUT THE ROLE:
Reporting to the Team Leader, you will play a key role in supporting women and children experiencing family violence through compassionate, practical, and trauma-informed care.
- Individualised & Family-Focused Support – Provide tailored, trauma-informed support that builds safety, independence, and wellbeing for women and children
- Understanding of Family Violence & Homelessness – Apply client-led, gender-informed, and child-focused practice to support recovery from violence and crisis
- Residential Support – Maintain a safe, welcoming environment while supporting daily living needs and accommodation stability
- Teamwork – Collaborate effectively with colleagues and external services to deliver holistic, high-quality support
- Self-Management – Demonstrate professionalism, resilience, strong boundaries, and commitment to wellbeing and continuous learning
Please review PD for further information regarding the role.
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We are currently recruiting two opportunities: 1x Part time ongoing role - based at McAuley House Footscray, working 6 shifts per fortnight. 1x Casual role - providing coverage across the Western region, including Footscray, Melton, and Sunshine.
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KEY SELECTION CRITERIA:
To be successful in this role, you will have:
- Qualification in social work, community services, or related field
- Experience supporting women and children with complex needs (e.g. family violence, homelessness, mental health, AOD)
- Commitment to McAuley values: Community, Hospitality, Compassion, Justice
- Inclusive, flexible, and non-judgmental practice approach
- Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills
- Understanding of feminist, intersectional, and anti-oppressive practice
- Desirable: Knowledge of MARAM, Family Violence Protection Act (2008), and Child Safe Standards
Please note, we are only considering female identifying candidates for this position. McAuley Community Services for Women has an exemption to gender equality requirements.
You must have a:
- Valid and current Driver’s Licence.
- Satisfactory Criminal History Check (paid for by MacKillop);
- Valid Employee Working with Children Check.
- Valid and current NDIS Workers Screening Check (for risk assessed / client facing roles). MacKillop can assist successful candidates with their application
We value the unique knowledge, perspectives, and cultural contributions of First Nations peoples. Your experience and insights are important to us, and we strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates to apply.
For more information, please contact: Phillippa at phillippad@mcauley.org.au
Please address the full Key Selection Criteria outlined in the PD as part of your application.
WHAT WE OFFER:
- SCHADS Administration (Level 3) $38.65– $41.45 – Dependent on qualifications & experience
- More money in your pocket – up to $18,550 per year, which allows you to reduce the amount of tax you pay.
- Wellbeing that matters - Free, confidential support for mental, physical, financial and social wellbeing.
- Sanctuary Organisation - MacKillop’s work is underpinned by the Sanctuary Model, an evidence supported, whole of organisation framework that brings our values to life. The model reinforces our ability to create a safe environment that teaches people to cope effectively with stress and trauma, and to heal.
- First Nations career pathways – Warrungarli Strategy supporting recruitment, retention and professional development
- Community & connection – Opportunity to join Ngindaay Guumaldanha, our Aboriginal Staff Network
OUR COMMITMENT:
McAuley is part of MacKillop Family Services and celebrates and draws strength from diversity and respects the dignity of all people. Every person has the right to be safe and to be treated justly. We value every person’s ability, cultural or linguistic backgrounds, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, intersex status, relationship status, religious or spiritual beliefs, socio-economic status, and age.
It is our goal that we continue to evolve as a culturally safe, culturally competent, and welcoming organisation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people, families, and communities.
Shortlisting for this position may commence immediately so please submit your application as soon as possible
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- Published on 14 May 2026, 11:21 PM
