• South East Community Links (SECL)
• ‘EVERY PERSON COUNTS EVERY SYSTEM FAIR’

For 50 years South East Community Links (SECL) has delivered life changing economic and social outcomes for people in the community with the belief ‘Every person counts, Every system fair’. With several locations across the South – East of Melbourne our services include emergency relief; case work; homelessness - housing support; youth and family services; employment support; domestic violence support; financial counselling; resettlement services for refugees and asylum seekers. 

The Community Employment Connectors program focuses on the delivery of enhanced advocacy, support and brokerage services. The CEC program aims to support CALD people facing barriers to entry and re-entry to employment pathways. The CEC will work closely with the local Jobs Victoria Advocates to provide local and place-based solutions to address complex issues to support an inclusive recovery for Victoria.

About the Opportunity

This position supports Victorians facing barriers to employment into jobs. South East Community Links Employment Support Practitioners (ESP’s) provides culturally responsive and individualised support at the grass roots level to help young people and adults from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds to navigate and connect with employment and training services.

ESP’s will proactively work within local communities and service systems to help disadvantaged jobseekers to prepare for and secure employment through the provision of information, referral and connection supports. They will ensure jobseekers know where they can go to find the information, advice and support they need to move into sustainable work. The ESP’s will also operate within a network of peers through a community of practice, to share and draw on localised knowledge, learning, resources as well as models for culturally responsive engagement. They will also work with key stakeholders to develop tailored training opportunities and contribute to a more coordinated and streamlined service experience for young people and adults from CALD backgrounds.

The successful applicant will have well-developed interpersonal and communication skills; experience managing and maintaining effective relationships; sound problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively in a team. It is critical for the applicant to have a strong understanding of community engagement and development practice. The role provides the opportunity to support disadvantaged jobseekers from CALD backgrounds to prepare for and secure work, while contributing to the social and economic recovery and inclusion of all Victorians impacted by the pandemic.

• Title: Employment Support Practitioner - 2 Positions
• 1 x Fulltime and 1 x Part Time
• Terms of Employment: Initially until 31.08.2022 with possibility of extension
• Reporting to: Marlena Kupczyk, Head of Youth, Housing and Employment
• Location: Noble Park, Springvale, Westall and City of Casey locations
• Award Classification:Employment in accordance with the SCHADS Award Level 4 (based on qualifications & experience)

Position Responsibilities and Duties – what you’ll be doing

• Utilise community networks and connections to identify CALD young people and adults who require employment-related support
• Create links and partnerships with community service providers, agencies, community groups and local leaders and co-design solutions to known barriers
• Build capacity of smaller ethno-specific organisations to improve employment pathways for community members and advocate on their behalf if required
• Engage with local jobseekers of CALD background and others in the community to understand their needs and support options
• Connect people with relevant services that can help them prepare for and secure work, including support to manage non-vocational barriers to employment
• Represent the Community Employment Connector Program to various agencies, professional networks and the local community

Employment Support Practitioner’s will also be required to:

• Attend initial and ongoing training provided by SECL and the Victorian Government
• Follow operational guidelines (including services standards and procedures for safe delivery of services)
• Participate in ongoing networking and professional development with CECs and Jobs Victoria Advocates across the State via Communities of Practice and other opportunities

Key Selection Criteria – experience you’ll have

• Sound knowledge of the employment, education and/or community services system
• Understanding of strategies to address barriers to employment related to people from CALD background
• Proven ability to build rapport and maintain effective relationships with multicultural clients, local businesses and agencies
• Knowledge of evidence-based reporting including meeting KPIs and outcome reporting
• Excellent communication and networking skills including the ability to engage and influence effectively with all stakeholders to create mutually beneficial relationships
• Ability to effectively plan and manage multiple tasks independently and as part of a team

Desired Experience/Qualifications

• Tertiary qualifications in Social Work, related fields or equivalent
• Driver’s license

Safety Screening checks required prior to commencement of employment include: 

• At least two professional references  
• Proof of your right to work in Australia 
• A satisfactory national police record check 
• A satisfactory international police record check 
• A valid employment Working With Children Check  
• A valid COVID19 vaccination certificate

How to Apply  - What you need to do to get this job!

Click Apply Now and follow the instructions.

For more information about the role, please contact Olga Chirokov at [email protected] using the subject line: Employment Support Practitioners x2 enquiry via EthicalJobs or 0411 959 851.