Specialist Support Worker - Social Connection
* Location: Maryborough/ Hervey Bay or Bundaberg
* SCHADS 3.1
* Enjoy work-life balance with a 22.8-hour work week - perfect for making an impact without sacrificing your lifestyle
* Salary sacrifice to maximise your take-home pay
* Awarded Best Workplace in 2025, 2023 & 2021 for our outstanding culture and employee experience
WHO WE ARE
Footprints is a leading not-for-profit organisation with a proud history of working alongside people and communities to enhance wellbeing, independence and social connection. Established in 1991, we have grown into a multi-site service provider committed to excellence and innovation in person‑led support, with a focus on older Australians and people experiencing mental health challenges. Through our wrap‑around approach and partnerships across health, housing and community sectors, we deliver integrated services that create meaningful and lasting impact. Recognised as a Best Workplace Award winner, Footprints is guided by strong leadership, strategic collaboration and a shared commitment to improving lives and strengthening communities.
POSITION DETAILS
This position is responsible for supporting older adults to engage with community‑based social events and activities, and build their informal support networks. The aim of the role is to reduce social isolation and ensure that in times of crisis or disaster, older adults have a network of supporters who can check in and assist to get their immediate needs met.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
* Under the direction of the Case Worker, guide, support and encourage clients to participate in community activities and build social networks, commensurate with their identified needs and preferences.
* Provide ongoing support and mentoring to individuals, carers and supportive others where needed, including facilitated introductions where required.
* Liaise with the Case Worker to progress activities around social connection, and also to address any barriers to progression.
* Introduce and encourage a focus on health and wellbeing concepts and strategies to enable individuals to self‑manage their social environment.
* Provide information and facilitate connection to appropriate community supports related to identified needs.
* Liaise with the Case Worker, and other Footprints staff and programs as required to facilitate the achievement of client goals.
* Attend and participate in internal and external meetings and networking opportunities where required.
* Actively participate in adopting a culture and language of hope and optimism.
* Comply with program reporting requirements by ensuring that appropriate record‑keeping is completed.
KEY SELECTION CRITERIA
* Certificate‑level qualification in ageing support, community services, or other relevant stream.
* Prior experience in a similar role, with knowledge of local social groups, networks and supports for older community‑dwelling adults.
* Ability to be respectful, calm, and encouraging towards consumers and have patience and understanding of others' wellness journey, including the ability to set boundaries and be self‑aware.
* Ability to show initiative, think critically and make judgments based on sound reason and the information/evidence presented.
* Demonstrated capacity to encourage and support individuals to engage in meaningful activities.
* Well‑developed interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, and demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team environment.
* Computer literacy and the ability to effectively manage a client database.
* Ability to work remotely from a team when required, and ability to utilise virtual meeting platforms, e.g., Microsoft Teams, Zoom.
* Current class C drivers license.
* Ability to use your own insured vehicle.
* National NDIS Worker Screening Check or current Yellow Card.
* Demonstrated knowledge of local support organisations and established networks.
* Current First Aid and CPR Certificate.
BENEFITS
* Salary sacrifice to maximise your take‑home pay.
* Opportunities for ongoing professional development and training.
* A committed and friendly teamwork environment.
* Employee Assistance Program.
* Recognised for our outstanding team culture, winning Best Workplace Awards in 2025, 2023, and 2021.
CLOSING DATE
Applications Close 12th of December 2025
Please note that only short‑listed candidates will be contacted. If you have not heard from us within two weeks of the closing date, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful. We thank you for your time and interest in working with Footprints.
To learn more about Footprints and access a copy of the position description, please visit our website:
CONTACT
For more information, please contact: Cindy Aird - Manager Aged Care Services at ******@footprintscommunity.org.au or ***
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
Footprints encourages applications from all people. We are committed to providing equal opportunities to all employees no matter their sex, race, culture, sexual orientation, disability or gender identity. Demonstrating our commitment to reconciliation and building long‑term employment opportunities for First Nations peoples, Footprints strongly encourages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants for this position. Footprints Community acknowledges the traditional owners of the land and pays respect to Elders past and present, and thank them for their wisdom and guidance.
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