Community Development Officer - Positive Directions

The Community Development Officer (CDO) has an important role, in ensuring the needs of the target group are central to the development of the program and, once established, that the needs of clients of the program can be addressed by the delivery of services, including social support and other practical assistance. The position requires excellent interpersonal skills to ensure that volunteers and clients are supported and valued. The CDO has three main areas of responsibility:

1 Developing the program framework and implementation plan

This is a new program which will work with stakeholders and clients to develop a service model which will maximise social and community engagement for socially isolated PLHIV. It is envisaged that this component of the role will take approximately 3 months. The CDO will  work within the principle of GIPA - the greater involvement of people living with HIV to :

a) Develop the terms of reference for the program committee

b) Recruit and support program committee members

c) Provide recommendations to the program committee on service models

d) Develop a program implementation plan

2. Implementing and evaluating the program

Services for PLHIV in South Australia are delivered by a wide range of agencies and the CDO will liaise with those agencies to ensure that the program is implemented in a way that reaches the target group, engages volunteers and enhances existing services. Key community development principles of community ownership and direction, networking, inclusion and community participation were essential in the foundation of ACSA and remain core values of ACSA today.

Duties during months 4-12 may include:

a) Developing resources to promote the program

b) Networking with allied service providers

c) Effectively recruiting, supervising and supporting volunteers, in line with ACSA policies and procedures, in the delivery of community support services to clients.

d) Liaising with program clients, including feedback and follow up

e) Evaluating the program

3. Contribute to the work of ACSA more broadly. This includes:

a) Participating in  team meetings, professional development sessions and staff events

b) Contributing to the development of organisational policy and procedures

c) Participating in discussion of current issues and the development of new resources, policies and practice

d) Assisting with and participating in organisational evaluation and planning

e) Taking responsibility for own administrative tasks, including word processing, photocopying and filing, and contributing to the smooth running of the organisation

f) Other duties as requested

Applicants should refer to information for applicants and the job description. Further information on addressing selection criteria is at www.acsa.org.au/jobs.html