• Multiple Roles
• Strong Experience in Community Engagement
• Fixed Term FT Contract - Until June 2020
• NFP Salary Packaging
• Illawarra/Shoalhaven Locations

About Mission Australia

Mission Australia is a non-denominational Christian charity that has been helping vulnerable Australians move towards independence for more than 155 years.

Every day we support people nationwide by combatting homelessness, assisting disadvantaged families and children, addressing mental health issues, fighting substance dependencies and much more.

We're generously supported by our funders, partners and tens of thousands of everyday Australians, who make the work of our tireless volunteers and staff possible.

Your Opportunity

Mission Australia is working in partnership with the NSW Department of Family and Community Services on an exciting program, supporting FACS Housing tenants and community to improve social and economic participation and deliver a pathway to independence.

We are looking for experienced Community Development Facilitators, who can really engage and build strong relationships with these communities and improve safety, tenancy trust and services.

Due to the high Indigenous population in East Nowra, we are looking for a candidate who has a strong cultural understanding and experience working with the local Aboriginal community.

The Community Development Facilitators will be responsible for the co-development and implementation of consultation activities and will ensure optimal attendance and participation in these activities by social housing tenants and the sector, from the consultation phase onwards. This will provide an opportunity to provide our NSW Department of Family and Community Services (FACS) partner with current on the ground information to assist in timely responses to decisions around improving service provision. The Community Development Facilitators will locate and realise solutions to strengthen the Illawarra/Shoalhaven Community Housing estates especially Warrawong and East Nowra.

Your Role

• Proactively identify and network with all stakeholder groups including service users, government, other community agencies, local government, advocacy groups etc.
• Promote place planning activities and engage in relevant activities across the community of location in line with the mission, values and policies of Mission Australia.
• Develop and work in positive partnerships with key external stakeholders to ensure actions and projects are effective to achieve agreed outcomes.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with internal staff and contribute to the effective functioning of the service and improved service outcomes

 Position Requirements

• Degree, Diploma or relevant experience in the Community Services sector
• Knowledge of the community services sector, including in the delivery of services where deep, concentrated and persistent disadvantage exists
• Experience in service sector engagement and networking
• Experience in engaging with, and mobilising communities including Aboriginal communities
• Excellent analytical, networking and interpersonal skills
• Experience in implementing Community Development approaches
• Data analysis and research skills
• Computer literacy-excel, word and outlook

As part of our Employment screening process you will be required to undertake a National Criminal History Check.

In addition, there is a requirement to possess a current Working with Children check or apply if you do not already hold one. It is unlawful for prohibited persons to apply for work with children, and, as such, prohibited persons cannot apply for this role.

Benefits  

• Not for Profit Salary Packaging benefits which reduces your taxable income (details via Advantage)
• Discounted health care with Medibank Private
• Purchase additional annual leave
• Discounted childcare rates of up to 15% at participating Centres (conditions apply)
• Employee discounts with hotels, travel insurance, and major retailers: Coles, Harvey Norman, Apple, Dell & many more
• Free, confidential counselling service
• Volunteering opportunities

Diversity & Inclusion

Mission Australia is an inclusive employer. We celebrate our diversity and strive to reflect contemporary Australian society and all the communities in which we work, in order to better serve our clients. We welcome and encourage applications from Women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse people, People with Disability, Sexually and Gender Diverse people, people with lived experience of adversity and from people of all ages.

 Community Development Facilitator PD Illawarra Shoalhaven Place Making level 4 CSE_PS.docx