Work for the Dole

Make a real impact by helping jobseekers build practical skills for the future

We're looking for a motivated and hands-on Work for the Dole Supervisor to lead and support participants in our WFD Activity at the Smithfield Skills Workshop. This role offers a rewarding opportunity to mentor individuals as they gain valuable experience and confidence in a supportive environment.

About the Role

As a WFD Supervisor, you'll be responsible for:

• Supervising, mentoring, and training participants in practical, hands-on activities including woodwork, gardening, horticulture, and the safe use of hand tools.
• Ensuring all activities comply with Work Health and Safety (WHS) standards and WFD contractual requirements.
• Promoting a strong safety culture and maintaining a safe system of work.
• Encouraging jobseekers to engage in job search activities and develop the skills needed for future employment.
• Supporting a diverse range of participants with empathy, patience, and professionalism.

Role Details

• Location: Smithfield Skills Workshop
• Employment Type: Casual
• Hours: Flexible 2 days per week, with opportunities for extra shifts as needed

About You

We're seeking someone who is:

• Experienced in supervising or mentoring individuals in a workshop, horticulture, or community environment
• Skilled in the use of hand tools and basic maintenance or trade-related tasks
• Knowledgeable about Work Health and Safety practices
• Compassionate, supportive, and passionate about helping others succeed
• Able to communicate clearly and work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds

Why Join Us?

• Make a meaningful difference in your community
• Help participants gain confidence, skills, and work readiness
• Be part of a team that values respect, inclusion, and growth

If you have the relevant skills and experience—or transferable skills that could truly make a difference—we'd love to hear from you

What skills and experience will you need to possess to be successful in this role?

• Ensure WFD Activities are safe and be responsible for WHS on Site at all times.
• Supervise participants (customers) undertaking WFD Activities, with awareness of each customer's background and particular requirements
• Provide clear work instructions on a daily basis and ensure high quality work activities occur on site.
• Demonstrated skills and experience in a Trade, or general hands-on work, - using hand tools, woodwork, carpentry, gardening and landscaping would be highly regarded.
• Ensure appropriate inductions occur for all new participants and for those using new equipment for the first time.
• Advocate for customers to prospective employers, refer customers to available vacancies and motivate them towards achieving employment.
• Accurately record the attendance of Participants
• Effectively manage and monitor referrals to the Activity to the Customer Activation Manager/Consultant.
• Demonstrate strict compliance to the Code of Conduct in all dealings with customers, Hosts and other stakeholders.
• Ensure that all Departmental and Workskil Australia policies and procedures are adhered to.
• Report all incidents (behavioural issues, accidents or injuries) on Site immediately to the Customer Activation Manager.
• Must hold a Senior First Aid Certificate or be willing to obtain;
• Experience in training adults and supporting a diverse range of job seekers;
• Knowledge of WHS workplace requirements and managing WHS policies and procedures

The Application Process

If you progress through our screening process, there are a few other requirements which we'll need for you to obtain as follows (at Workskil Australia's cost):

• National Police Clearance
• Working Rights Check

Want to know more about Workskil Australia? Check us out at

Workskil Australia is an inclusive, equal opportunity employer and we particularly welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, applicants from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and applicants who have a disability. We deliver a range of employment and community services to children, young people and their families and are committed to creating a safe environment for children and young people in the delivery of these services.