IDEAS (Information on Disability, Education & Awareness Services) supports people with disabilities Australia-wide by providing quality independent information through its websites, a telephone enquiry line, training, consulting, print publications and community events. There are more than 500,000 connections with our service each year.

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 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.

About the role

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 PWD from CALD communities, within the wider community, is an important part of the role, as is collaborating with people and organisations involved in other NDIA community engagement programs and activities. With the aim of improving outcomes for CALD people with disability, the role also involves providing advice to the NDIA and PITC on access, planning and service delivery.

About you

You will have:

• considerable experience working with CALD communities and PWD, ideally in the local area/community;
• considerable experience in community outreach and engagement programs;
• a comprehensive understanding of the Disability sector, including relevant regulatory requirements, the NDIS and the UNCRPD;
• high level communication, interpersonal, influencing and negotiation skills;
• an ability to develop and maintain relationships with a range of stakeholders;
• a strong commitment to the empowerment of people who are disadvantaged and have special needs;
• relevant tertiary qualifications; and
• a current driver’s licence.

Ideally, you will be bilingual, speaking a common language in your local area/community.

This position is based in Campbelltown. Employment will be on a full-time, fixed-term basis through to June 2021. SCHADS Award provisions apply and generous salary packaging is available. Current Police and WWC checks are required.

If you would like to discuss this role further, please contact Marlissa van Heerwaarden on 0427 011 988.

As a member-based organisation, led by people with disability, IDEAS encourages applications from people with the lived experience of disability.