• Part time .5

The Coffs Harbour Neighbourhood Centre (CHNC) is a thriving hub of activity located in a diverse community. CHNC has over 35 years’ experience developing community strength and partnerships.

The introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), one of Australia’s most significant social reforms, has resulted in major changes in the Disability sector. The scheme aims to support people with disability to live a good life, be more independent and increase their social and economic engagement in the community. This is achieved through access to information around sector and mainstream options and choices, and the provision of goal driven services and supports.

The National Multicultural Community Connector program has been established in recognition that people with disability from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities face additional barriers to accessing the NDIS. In order to achieve better NDIS planning and life outcomes, this program provides active outreach to CALD people with disabilities, and their families and carers, supporting them to better understand and connect with the NDIS.

In your role as Community Connector you will work closely with CALD communities to address the challenges they experience in understanding and accessing the NDIS. You will also provide information about the NDIS and the broader supports that are available and link potential participants with the NDIS and/or Partners in the Community (PITC), or other support services. Promoting awareness of the needs of people with disability from CALD communities is an important part of the role, as is collaborating with people and organisations involved in other NDIA community engagement programs and activities. This role also involves providing advice to the NDIA and PITC on access, planning and service delivery, with the aim of improving outcomes for CALD people with disability.

Essential Selection Criteria

You will have:

• Considerable experience working with CALD communities and people with disability, ideally in the local area/community;
• Considerable experience in community outreach and engagement programs;
• Comprehensive understanding of the Disability sector, including relevant regulatory requirements, the NDIS and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD);
• High level communication, interpersonal, influencing and negotiation skills;
• Experience developing and maintaining relationships with a range of stakeholders;
• Strong commitment to the empowerment of people who are disadvantaged and have special needs;
• Relevant tertiary qualifications and/or work experience; and
• Current driver’s licence.

Desirable Criteria

• Ideally, you will be bilingual, speaking a common language in the CALD community in the Coffs Harbour area

Contact Gai Newman for more information: 02 6648 3663, 0447 106 557 or [email protected].