The Australian Refugee Association Inc. (ARA) is a community-based organisation providing settlement, migration, and other forms of assistance to refugees, migrants and other people of concern.

As a member of our team, you will be supporting new arrivals in South Australia to achieve their social, economic, cultural and community participation goals. You will be making a difference in the lives of individuals and families as they re-establish themselves in a new home.

Job Description

The Australian Refugee Association is seeking a dedicated individual to join our team as Employment Services Officer, delivering pathways to employment for individuals and groups, while building the capacity of our CALD clients to participate in the social, economic, cultural and political life in Australia.

As a key member of our team, you will be responsible for capacity building employment program development and stakeholder engagement:

• Assisting in the coordination and implementation of programs and services - including ARA's BOOST, Pathways to Employment, Inclusive Employability and Social Connections Programs.
• Engage with stakeholders for the purpose of seeking new opportunities, promoting existing ARA programs, growing and expanding current programs, developing partnerships, and improving service delivery.
• Identify and develop new programs in areas of employment for people from migrant and refugee backgrounds.
• Develop formal partnerships and referral pathways with MarionLIFE, AMES and other organisations to ensure timely access to employment related support for migrants and refugees.
• Establish or facilitate working parties/consultations with partnering organisations, community leaders, community educators, and stakeholders for the purpose of developing, growing and delivering effective programs.

The Employment Services Officer will also be responsible for maintaining a part-time employment service caseload:

• Providing culturally sensitive support and guidance to clients, ensuring their employment and training needs are met effectively.
• Conducting intake assessments and developing client case management plans in collaboration and delivery with other team members.
• Developing relationships and networks with local businesses, community organisations, and not-for-profits to place clients in volunteering, work experience, or employment.
• Maintaining accurate records of client interactions, progress, and outcomes in accordance with organisational guidelines.
• Collaborating with internal teams and external partners to ensure seamless service delivery.

This is a full-time role, classified at Level 4 of the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services (SCHADS) Award. The role is initially offered for a fixed term of 12 months, with possible contract extension subject to funding.

Desired Skills and Experience

The ideal candidate for this position will possess:

• A strong understanding of the challenges faced by migrants, people with disability, and people from CALD backgrounds, in obtaining and maintaining employment.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, with employers, and with other service providers who have an interest in social, economic, cultural, and community outcomes.
• Demonstrated experience in employment case management or community capacity building program delivery, preferably within a CALD context.
• An empathetic approach coupled with the ability to maintain professionalism in challenging situations.
• A commitment to upholding ethical standards and promoting inclusivity within all aspects of service delivery.

Qualifications:

• A relevant degree qualification is desirable, or equivalent knowledge and experience gained through other qualifications and/or extensive experience within the employment and community service sectors.

ARA is committed to equal employment opportunity. Members from CALD communities are strongly encouraged to apply.

A position description is attached.