Position Title: Community Development Specialist
Classification: SCHADS Award | Crisis Level 4
Department: Homelessness Services, Still Waters (Gold Coast, QLD)
Employment Type: Full-Time, Max-Term (with hope for extension for the right candidate)
Work Hours: Monday – Friday | 9:00am – 5:00pm
Why this role matters:
The Salvation Army (Salvos) is one of the largest providers of homelessness services across the country. Our philosophy is that every person should be afforded dignity and respect and that no one should be without a safe, affordable, and secure home. We provide services and support to adults, and families with accompanying children in the form of accommodation, case management, assertive outreach, financial assistance, community connection and referral services.
About the role:
This role is responsible for designing, implementing, and evaluating impactful community development initiatives that promote social inclusion, strengthen community connections, and contribute to ending homelessness. The successful candidate will operate with a high level of independence, providing expert advice, strategic leadership, and capacity-building support to the Queensland Homelessness Leadership Team, service teams, and broader community sector.
The position also involves the development of operational frameworks and templates that influence both organisational practice and community outcomes.
How You Will Make an Impact:
In this role, you will:
• Develop and deliver training and workforce development activities for internal staff, including Community Development training and Most Significant Change methodology.
• Provide expert consultancy and strategic advice to leadership teams on embedding community inclusion strategies.
• Actively participate in sector networks, including Communities of Practice and local community group meetings.
• Lead and support working groups focused on planning and executing community initiatives.
• Analyse qualitative and quantitative data, community narratives, and group feedback to assess and enhance development efforts.
• Contribute to organisational leadership across areas such as tender submissions, staff development, and training strategies.
• Create and implement operational tools and templates that enhance community development practices.
What You Will Bring:
• Demonstrated experience in the social services sector, with a strong background in community development and group facilitation.
• A relevant tertiary qualification (bachelor’s degree, postgraduate, or associate diploma) and significant industry experience.
• In-depth understanding of key frameworks, theories, and practices within the community development discipline.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence and lead in collaborative settings.
• Proven ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and deliver outcomes in a dynamic environment.
• Current QLD Working with Children Check (as the role may involve working in residential youth/family settings).
• A current and valid Driver’s Licence.
What we offer:
The Salvos offer eligible employee’s a well-balanced package of meaningful benefits including:
• Salary packaging up to $15,900 tax free + $2,650 meal entertainment benefit.
• Generous Paid Parental leave for primary (12 weeks) & secondary carers, Purchased Leave Scheme (up to 8 weeks) and 5 days paid leave per year to experience working in other TSA programs or activities.
• Access to EAP and health & wellness initiatives incl Fitness Passport
• Ongoing training and development opportunities that enhance on the job skills and proficiency.
• Rewarding and fulfilling purpose driven careers that have positive and sustainable / social impacts.
How to apply:
Join a compassionate, mission-driven team making a real difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness.
Please submit your resume and cover letter detailing your alignment with the role’s requirements. Together, we can create lasting change and build a more inclusive and compassionate community.
Applications will close as soon as a suitable candidate is secured.
The Salvation Army is an Equal Opportunity Employer who provides an inclusive work environment and embraces the diverse talent of its people. We value people of all cultures, languages, capacities, sexual orientations, gender identities and/or expressions. We are committed to achieving a diverse workforce and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
The Salvation Army is a child safe organisation and is committed to protecting children and young people from harm. All child facing roles will require the successful completion of a Working with Children Check. Applicants for all roles require a mandatory National Police Check.
We value Integrity, Compassion, Respect, Diversity, and Collaboration.
