Client Engagement and Programs Officer

About Us

The St Vincent de Paul Society is a leading provider of community support services, whose values  it is to shape a more just and compassionate society. We believe our employees are key to our success and offer Learning and Development programs to enhance and grow your career across a range of teams and services.  Our employees are recognised for their achievements and offered promotional opportunities on a meritocracy basis within a collegiate and values driven team environment and culture. The Society recognises the value of an inclusive work environment and believes that our diversity is a strength in the work we do with our local communities. 

Your Role

As the first point of contact at the Nagle Centre, you'll help create a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for people seeking support. You'll take the time to understand individual needs, build trusted relationships and connect people with the right services, while helping coordinate the Centre's programs and day-to-day activities. This is a varied, hands-on role combining client engagement, community support, program coordination and administration, where no two days are quite the same.

Your Responsibility

• Welcome people accessing the Nagle Centre, manage enquiries and conduct client intakes with empathy, professionalism and respect.
• Build trusting relationships with people experiencing disadvantage, understanding their individual circumstances and connecting them with appropriate internal and external support services.
• Assist with the coordination and delivery of Nagle Centre programs, activities and in-house services, including preparation, set-up and pack-down.
• Help maintain a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment, including oversight of the Centre's wet areas.
• Provide administrative support, maintain accurate client and program records, collect data and prepare reports to support service delivery and continuous improvement.
• Support volunteer onboarding and administration, including pre-engagement checks and maintaining accurate volunteer records.
• Work collaboratively with staff, members and volunteers across the Wollongong Central Council region to strengthen community connections and service outcomes.
• Promote a safe workplace and contribute to effective risk management and compliance practices.

You Will Need

• Bring relevant qualifications and/or demonstrated experience in community services or a related field.
• Have experience supporting people experiencing disadvantage, including homelessness, trauma, mental health challenges, alcohol and other drug issues or unemployment.
• Be a natural communicator who can build rapport with people from diverse backgrounds and demonstrate cultural awareness and sensitivity.
• Have strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Be confident assessing individual needs, responding to enquiries and applying appropriate de-escalation strategies in challenging situations.
• Demonstrate strong computer literacy, data entry and administrative skills.
• Be adaptable, flexible and comfortable working in a dynamic, community-focused environment.
• Share our commitment to the Society's mission, values and the dignity of every person.

• Experience applying trauma-informed practices and mental health first aid.
• A current First Aid Certificate.
• Experience within a membership-based or volunteer organisation.

Apply Now

If this sounds like you, don’t wait - apply now, we are interviewing applications as we receive them. If you require any adjustments or support, please contact us at careers.nsw@vinnies.org.au

We offer:

• Supportive Team – Join a welcoming, values-driven team with a strong sense of community.
• Boost Your Take-Home Pay – Access up to $15,900 in tax-free benefits for everyday expenses.
• Career Progression – Grow with clear pathways to leadership and internal opportunities.
• Learning & Development - On-demand training to support your professional growth. 
• Wellbeing Support –  EAP and wellness services to support your mental and physical well-being. 
• Inclusive Culture – Thrive in a diverse workplace with active RAP and DIAP programs.
• Leave Benefits – 5 days Sorry Business Leave , Mental Health/Wellbeing Day Off, 16 weeks of paid parental leave, plus access to cultural and study leave to support your personal and professional life. 

St Vincent de Paul Society (NSW) welcomes people from all backgrounds, ethnicities, cultures, and experiences. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to engaging a diverse workforce. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, people with disability, people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, people who identify as LGBTQIA+, candidates of any or no religious beliefs and applicants of all ages. If you are a candidate with disability please let us know if you require any support to participate in the application and recruitment process.

The Society is committed to being a Child Safe organisation, further information can be found in the Society’s commitment to Safeguarding Children & Young People. Prior to an offer of employment, candidates will be required to complete the pre-employment checks including a Police check & Working with Children check. A health / medical assessment may be required for some roles.