ABOUT OUR ORGANISATION

Yerrabi Yurwang Child & Family Aboriginal Corporation (est. 2019) and its affiliates Yerrabi Yurwang Health and Yerrabi Yurwang Housing (est. 2024) (all referred to as Yerrabi) were established due to the high unmet health and wellbeing needs of the local Aboriginal Community residing in Canberra’s northwestern Ngunnawal region. Yerrabi Yurwang means to ‘walk strong’ and was bestowed upon the organisation by our esteemed and respected Ngunnawal Elder Aunty Agnes Shea OAM, who was also a Founding Board Member of Yerrabi Yurwang and our Inaugural Patron. Yerrabi Yurwang operates in the Northwest of the Australian Capital Territory, part of the traditional lands of the Ngunnawal People. Yerrabi is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO), which means it is owned and operated by Aboriginal People, for Aboriginal People, and is committed to the principle of self-determination whereby we engage and empower Aboriginal People and their Families who utilise Yerrabi’s services and programs.

ABOUT THE ROLE

As a Community Engagement Officer, you will work to assist in community-led initiatives that best respond to their needs and aspirations for Aboriginal children and families and contribute to achieving equity in school readiness and educational outcomes between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal children. This role will also assist with Yerrabi's playgroups and other program activities.

As Community Engagement Officer you will work collaboratively with Aboriginal community members, local ACCO’s, relevant Government and Non-Government Organisations and undertake relevant duties to:

• Improve local, culturally based and community-led responses to improve outcomes 0-5 years and their families through the Connected Beginnings program.
• Enhance coordination, integration and effectiveness of service and system responses supporting the early developmental years.
• Contribute to Closing the Gap priority reforms with particular focus on Targets 2, 3 and 4.

And

• Support Aboriginal community members to access early childhood education qualifications or enhance their existing early childhood education qualifications through the Aunty Agnes Shea Scholarships.

Yerrabi is a CAPO, this role requires the successful applicant to undergo a Community Agency Employee Consent Application (CAEC) assessment for clearance by the ACT Childcare Youth & Families - Health & Community Services Directorate (CFY), as per their guidelines and requirements. The successful applicant will be required to complete a CAEC and provide the following licenses and checks:

• Driver’s License
• Current WWVP
• Current Driver’s History
• Current National Police Check

Yerrabi will reimburse expenses for above checks (i.e. WWVP, driver’s history and NPC) on evidence of a receipt of payment when the successful applicant is recruited.

All relevant employees of Yerrabi are required to complete Mandatory Training and program specific training upon commencement of employment and complete refresher training as required.

This role has a probationary period of six months.

ABOUT YOU

• Minimum 2+ years’ experience in community-led and stakeholder engagement.
• Demonstrated sound understanding of Aboriginal issues, knowledge and culture, and proven ability to apply this practice, knowledge of programs that support culturally appropriate education practices.
• Relevant experience and/or tertiary qualifications in community engagement, community development, or public relations.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organisational abilities with strong problem‑solving and critical‑thinking capability.
• Proactive, positive mindset with a commitment to ongoing learning and improvement.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and experience using digital engagement platforms or social media.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

• Salary negotiable dependent on experience and qualifications.
• Excellent salary packaging and superannuation at ATO SGP rate.
• Public Holidays, NAIDOC Day, Ex Gratia Days at Easter and Christmas.
• Be part of a hardworking, good humoured and supportive team.
• Work in an organisation that values its people and promotes a strong sense of belonging.
• Hybrid and flexible working conditions.

Head to our website for more information about Yerrabi Yurwang and our programs.

NEXT STEPS

Questions: Contact Elena McAvoy, Executive Manager, Early Childhood on 0400 123 258 or via email at [email protected] using the subject line: Community Engagement Officer (Aboriginal Identified Role) - Early Childhood Program enquiry via EthicalJobs using the subject line: Community Engagement Officer Position Enquiry.

To apply, click the "Apply Now" button.

A position description is attached.