Team Leader - First Response Team

ABOUT US

The Salvation Army is a Christian movement and one of Australia's largest and most-loved charities. We believe in doing good that transforms lives and futures for the better. It is this belief which drives us to find new ways and places where we can make a difference. From times of personal crisis to moments of national grief, we are always here — providing support, safety, community, and opportunity.

Position: Team Leader – First Response, Homelessness
Location: Spring Hill
Status: Full‑Time | Permanent
Classification: SCHADS Crisis Level 4

Lead with purpose. Shape a team. Change lives.

Are you a values‑driven leader who thrives in fast‑paced, people‑centred environments? We’re seeking a Team Leader – Homelessness Services to guide a high‑performing team delivering life‑changing support to individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

This is your opportunity to step into a role where your leadership directly influences safer accommodation pathways, sustained tenancies, and stronger community connections.

You’ll be part of a mission‑driven organisation committed to dignity, safety, and social justice. You’ll lead a passionate team, influence service innovation, and make a tangible difference in the lives of people experiencing homelessness.

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 supports 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

As Team Leader, you will ensure service delivery is aligned with national and state homelessness strategies, the National Homelessness Stream Model of Care, and our local mission plan. You’ll lead a dedicated team of Case Managers, drive operational excellence, and champion a culture of reflective practice, resilience, and continuous improvement.

You’ll be the anchor for your team — providing guidance, structure, and specialist expertise while ensuring service targets, compliance requirements, and quality standards are consistently met.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver high‑quality service systems — Oversee intake, assessment, case planning, and outcome tracking to ensure trauma‑informed, person‑led support.
• Optimise caseloads and workflow — Allocate and monitor caseloads to maximise team capacity and client outcomes.
• Lead complex case practice — Provide expert guidance on high‑risk or multifaceted cases, supporting Case Managers through crisis responses and multi‑agency coordination.
• Drive performance and accountability — Monitor service targets, analyse trends, identify issues early, and implement corrective strategies.
• Strengthen risk and safety systems — Maintain the program’s Risk Register, respond to incidents, and uphold safety protocols for participants and staff.
• Champion reflective practice — Embed structured reflection, debriefing, and learning processes that build capability and resilience.
• Build a high‑performing team culture — Provide supervision, coaching, and development opportunities while fostering a collaborative, supportive environment.
• Lead recruitment and workforce development — Support recruitment, onboarding, and ongoing capability building.
• Champion continuous improvement — Use data, feedback, and evaluation insights to refine practice models and drive innovation.
• Ensure compliance and audit readiness — Maintain accurate service data and support internal and external audit processes.
• Strengthen community partnerships — Build relationships with local services, housing providers, and community stakeholders.
• Support residential operations — Oversee vacancy management and referral flow for residential sites.

What You Will Bring

• A degree in social work, welfare, community development, or equivalent sector experience.
• Demonstrated experience in a social services environment, including staff supervision.
• A valid Working with Children/Vulnerable People Check.
• A current QLD Driver Licence.
• Strong leadership capability, emotional intelligence, and a commitment to person‑centred practice.

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.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Access to EAP and health & wellness initiatives incl Fitness Passport
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander supports such as: Burra Burra Network (pastoral care network), Cultural Events, Sorry Business and Ceremonial Leave (up to 10 days)
• 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.

About us

The Salvation Army (Salvos) is a Christian movement and one of Australia's largest and most-loved charities. We believe in doing good that transforms lives and futures for the better. It is this belief which drives us to find new ways and places where we can make a difference. From times of personal crisis to moments of national grief, the Salvos are always there providing support, safety, community, and opportunity.

If you’re ready to lead with heart, purpose, and impact — we want to hear from you.

How to apply

Are you ready to be a part of our mission to end homelessness? Please submit your resume and a compelling cover letter explaining your passion for this work and your relevant experience. We look forward to hearing from you and discussing how you can contribute to our team.

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 and include people of all cultures, languages, abilities, sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions and intersex status. 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 Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.

We value Integrity, Compassion, Respect, Diversity, and Collaboration.