HomeNow is your first step to discovering more about what our sector has to offer.

Role Opportunity: Case Worker - Street to Home

Australian Red Cross

Full-time, contract. Townsville.

Provide mobile, outreach and centre-based case management support to people experiencing rough sleeping and in chronic homelessness in Townsville. 

Key attributes: Sound casework experience including holistic assessment of client needs and development of case plans. Experience in working respectfully with people from cultural and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Meet the sector: Zahira, Community Housing Officer

One of the best things about working in Queensland's housing and homelessness sector is the people. The nature of our work attracts people from all kinds of backgrounds and skillsets who are compassionate, driven and eager to make a difference. This edition, get to know one of the stars of our HomeNow campaign videos, Zahira, who works for a community housing provider.

What’s the best thing about your job or working in the sector?

The most rewarding experience is matching someone off the waiting list with housing that meets their needs. There's nothing better than knowing you've made a real, positive difference in someone’s life.

What’s the biggest challenge?

On a personal level, one of the toughest parts of the job is helping tenants see support services not as criticisms, but as tools to help them sustain their housing. Overcoming the stigma around support is essential and sometimes challenging.

What’s your biggest success story from the past 12 months?

One of the highlights was seeing a shift in how tenants interact with our Housing Team. They now recognise us as allies—not opponents—which has strengthened trust, communication, and outcomes across the board.

What does a healthy housing system look like to you?

A truly healthy housing system ensures that safe, stable homes are available for those who need them most. It’s about delivering timely, equitable support to individuals, especially those on the waiting list, and connecting them with the right resources to thrive.

What is something that more people should know about the housing and homelessness sector?

This work can feel thankless at times, but the gratitude we receive from tenants makes it all worthwhile. Witnessing firsthand the improved quality of life our housing services bring is incredibly fulfilling and humbling.

What advice would you give people wanting to get into your line of work or the sector?

Go for it! Don’t let stigma or misconceptions stop you. It’s an endlessly rewarding field—every day brings new challenges and opportunities. You’ll find purpose, growth, and great satisfaction in helping others.

"Witnessing first-hand the improved quality of life our housing services bring is incredibly fulfilling and humbling."

HomeNow is wrapping up: how to stay connected

After almost two years, the HomeNow campaign is coming to an end. This is the final HomeNow monthly newsletter you'll receive.

But, your journey into a new career in our sector doesn't end here!

• The HomeNow website will remain live, and you'll be able to access a range of resources including videos and links to Queensland housing and homelessness organisations looking for new people. 
• You can stay updated with what's happening in the housing and homelessness sector through HomeNow delivery partner Q Shelter. Subscribe to the Q Shelter mailing list to receive the fortnightly Home Matters and Events and Training newsletters. You'll get key sector updates, including job vacancies, training opportunities and news from organisations across Queensland working towards every Queenslander having a home.

Grow your skills with online and in-person training.

Get a head-start on your new career with sector-specific training from HomeNow delivery partner Q Shelter. As well as free online at-your-own-pace courses such as Sector Orientation: Queensland Housing and Homelessness, Understanding and Responding to Homelessness and Domestic and Family Violence and Tenancy,
Q Shelter offers a calendar of events-based training on a wide range of topics. Many of these sessions are available online at no cost or at reduced rates for students or people with lived experience. 

Gain a better understanding of the sector and enter the sector workforce armed with specific knowledge and understanding of the service delivery and policy environment.

Visit the Training and Events page of the Q Shelter website to find out more.

Role Opportunity: Recovery Practitioner

AnglicareSQ: Women's Early Intervention Service (WEIS)

Full-Time, contract. Brisbane

Key attributes: Degree in Social Work, Human Services or a related field, and/or equivalent practical experience.

Video: Culturally and Linguistically Diverse perspectives in housing and homelessness 

People from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds bring unique skills and perspectives to Queensland's housing and homelessness workforce.

In this video, real people from our workforce share their experiences working to help more Queenslanders into safe, stable, affordable homes.

Thank you for being part of the HomeNow campaign. We've enjoyed bringing you insights, career tips and news about working in housing and homelessness, and real stories from just a few of the many incredible people who make our sector amazing.
Don't forget to stay connected by subscribing to Q Shelter newsletters.

We hope you'll soon find your own career with impact, joining us in our work towards ending homelessness and unmet housing need for Queenslanders.

The HomeNow project team.