The Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from employees across NSW Government agencies who are interested in supporting Disaster Welfare Services.
This opportunity is open to permanent and temporary employees who reside in the locations listed below and their surrounding areas. We are specifically seeking applicants from these regions to support local service delivery and strongly encourage employees from these
communities to apply:
- Southern NSW - Batemans Bay, Bega, Cooma, Queanbeyan, Yass, and Goulburn
- Northern NSW - Grafton, Ballina, Byron, Woodenbong, Urbenville, Nimbin, Bonalbo, Tabulam, Bellingen, Nambucca, Nymboida, Dorrigo, Tyalgum, and Kyogle
- Mid North Coast - Coffs Harbour, Kempsey, Port Macquarie, Taree, Gloucester, Crescent Head and South West Rocks
- Upper Hunter LGA - Dungog, Singleton, Muswellbrook, Denman, Sandy Hollow, Aberdeen, Scone, Murrurundi and Merriwa
- New England - Inverell, Armidale, and Moree
- Western NSW - Dubbo, Parkes, and Bourke
- Murrumbidgee - Deniliquin, Hay, Griffith, Lake Cargelligo, West Wyalong, Young, Tumut, and Junee
- Far West NSW - Dareton, Broken Hill, and Wentworth
- Central Tablelands - Lithgow
About us
Disaster Welfare is responsible for establishing and managing evacuation centres and coordinating the delivery of key welfare services to meet the immediate needs of people affected by disasters. Our ability to support communities impacted by floods, storms,
bushfires, and other emergency events is made possible by a dedicated network of DCJ employees and trained interagency volunteers.
When performing disaster welfare duties, you may be required to assist during and outside of your usual work hours, support and approval from your manager will be essential. You will remain on your current payroll and salary, eligibility for overtime and allowances will be paid in accordance with your Award.
Disaster Welfare roles
There are a variety of roles to suit people with different skills and backgrounds. Some roles work directly with people and communities, while others provide vital coordination and operational support behind the scenes.
These roles typically involve setting up and operating evacuation centres during emergencies across NSW. You will work in challenging environments that will lean on your strengths in administration, communication, problem-solving, cultural awareness and empathy.
Our roles include
• Welfare Support Officer – frontline role providing face-to-face support to evacuees, including emergency accommodation, food, clothing, and emotional support. You will be part of a multi-agency team delivering direct support to affected individuals.
• Welfare Support Officer (Aboriginal Identified) - frontline role supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities impacted by disasters. This role provides immediate assistance including emergency accommodation, food, clothing, emotional support and the referral of culturally appropriate support services.
• Evacuation Centre Manager - frontline role directly responsible for the overall management of evacuation centres, including coordination of personnel and agency partners, safety, and providing leadership throughout the emergency response.
• WSFA Liaison Officer - coordination role working within an emergency operations centre, supporting interagency communication, situational awareness, and communities.
• Disaster Welfare Operations Support - logistics and support role ensuring the coordination of personnel, supplies, and communications across multiple centres and locations. This role also does not involve direct community engagement.
Training
All disaster welfare roles include training to ensure you are well-prepared and confident inyour responsibilities. To be eligible to perform disaster welfare duties, you must complete a series of short introductory courses. This includes eLearning modules and online sessions
delivered through MS Teams that cover the essential knowledge and skills required for the
Welfare Support Officer role.
Additional training is available for specialised positions and roles with leadership responsibilities.
When deployed, you will receive an onsite induction, clear instructions, and on-the-job training.You will also be supported by an experienced team member throughout your deployment.
Travel
You must be prepared to travel to disaster affected areas, either within your local region or other areas across NSW. We aim to provide you with as much notice as possible, however there may be instances where short notice periods are unavoidable. Hours can vary and your assistance may be needed for 1 - 3 days depending on the event.
Want to know more!
We have created a set of frequently asked questions for you and your manager:
How to apply
Before applying, you must have your manager’s support to undertake the required training and their agreement in principle to release you for operational deployments when required.
If you are interested in joining the Disaster Welfare Pool:
1. Download the DCJ EOI Disaster Welfare Nomination Form.
2. Upload your signed form to the cover letter attachment area of your application.
Please note: Nomination forms not endorsed by a manager will not be accepted.
Employees who already support Disaster Welfare operations do not need to reapply.
For more information, you can contact Rekell Dodds, Senior Disaster Welfare Officer disasterwelfare.training@dcj.nsw.gov.au
Expressions of Interest close – 11.55pm, Wednesday, 2 September 2026
EOI - Disaster Welfare Volunteers in Gloucester employer: Department of Industry
The Bradfield Development Authority (BDA) is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead transformative planning projects that will shape the future of Bradfield City Centre in Penrith, NSW. With a strong commitment to employee growth and a collaborative work culture, BDA fosters an environment where professionals can thrive while making a meaningful impact on the community and the environment. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team that values diversity, innovation, and sustainability.
