ABOUT LITTLE DREAMERS

Little Dreamers is working towards an equal world for Young Carers, delivering programs aiming to improve quality of life. With an estimated 1 in 10 children in Australia giving up their childhood to provide care to a family member, Little Dreamers delivers empowering and proactive support programs to reduce the risk factors that they face and increase their life opportunities.

All Little Dreamers programs have been developed by Young Carers, for Young Carers, targeting each of the five main risk factors that these young people face - social isolation, poor mental health, unemployment, financial and educational disadvantage. Running for 12 years, Little Dreamers supports thousands of Young Carers each year through direct support programs including Dream Experiences; holiday programs; mentoring and tutoring; in-school education and training; The Dreamers Hub; in-person peer support; and the Big Dreamers Personal Development Program. Little Dreamers is a member of the Wellways Carer Gateway Consortia.

Within the wider community, we also focus on advocacy for policy change, for more support and recognition for Young Carers whilst also raising awareness of the prevalence of Young Carers and how the community, the education system, friends, and family can rally around for increased support.

THE POSITION

With rapid growth, Little Dreamers is looking to expand our Dream Team. We are now specifically looking for a Carer Gateway Community Engagement Coordinator. This role is responsible for undertaking community engagement activities that support referral pathways into Carer Gateway services delivered by Little Dreamers.

The objective of the role is to promote Carer Gateway services within an outreach framework, work with hard-to-reach or ‘hidden’ carers, and facilitate access to the Carer Gateway services by registering carers and referring them to Little Dreamers and to the Wellways Contact Centre for follow up. This role will identify and facilitate opportunities that promote the inclusion of, and build the capacity of, people and community groups to access Carer Gateway services and achieve healthy, strong, and connected communities

THE SPECIFICS

Outreach, identification, and promotion

• Create strategies to identify Young Carers and communities and support them to access the Carer Gateway services and support
• Develop a Community Engagement Plan which guides engagement efforts within Little Dreamers’ service areas
• Identify opportunities and support the delivery of events for target groups to increase the profile of the Carer Gateway
• Represent the Carer Gateway to various agencies and professional networks, the local community, and carers
• Participate in local networks (including attendance at relevant interagency meetings) to promote the Carer Gateway service and referral pathways and support strategies for building sector capacity around carers
• Represent Little Dreamers and the Carer Gateway at industry expos and other awareness events
• Work in collaboration with stakeholders, including Carer Gateway consortia partners
• Identify opportunities to enhance community engagement
• Provide internal support and training Little Dreamers’ staff members on the Carer Gateway and approaches to community engagement
• Create an evaluation framework to assess the effectiveness of strategies for community engagement

Engage with Young Carers to facilitate referrals to the Carer Gateway

• Provide Carers with information on internal and external programs/services ensuring referral pathways for Carers and their families
• Conduct registration and Early STAR services in order to commence service delivery
• Ensure referrals and service confirmation is provided to service delivery teams with accurate and complete information that allows for the timely commencement of services
• Pass all Preliminary STAR forms onto the Wellways Contact Centre referrals inbox for full STAR assessment & planning
• Support Young Carers with a high level of customer service ensuring Young Carers are listened to with patience and non-judgment
• Create an environment that Carers will find welcoming, real and inclusive

Other duties as required by the Little Dreamers’ team.

THE PERSON SUITED FOR THIS ROLE MUST HAVE:

Skills and Abilities:

• An ability to liaise, consult and negotiate effectively including an ability to encourage participation and develop effective partnerships with stakeholders. Proven ability and experience in representing organisations.
• Effective communication skills, verbal and written, including the ability to develop reports, public speaking, and conference presentations
• Ability to build relationships from the ground up and network effectively within the community
• Strong focus on excellent customer service
• Understand the importance of client confidentiality

We’ll be stoked if you also have this experience or knowledge:

• Experience building relationships within a community
• Established connections with local schools or Young Carer support networks
• Lived caring experience
• Understanding of the Carer Gateway
• Experience with data entry and record keeping
• An understanding and demonstrated commitment to social inclusion and diversity
• Skills in establishing empowering and supportive partnerships with individuals, families, young people, and children with caring roles
• A commitment to maximising the opportunities and support for people within their local communities

Personal attributes:

• Humble, hungry, and kind
• A strong commitment and enthusiasm towards the purpose and mission of Little Dreamers
• Energetic, positive, and proactive attitude
• Action-oriented and driven to achieve results
• Innovative
• Creative problem solver
• Flexible and highly responsive
• Dependable and accountable

A national police check and valid Working with Children Check are required for this position.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Please submit your application via the Apply Now button and include the following:

• CV with cover letter including your responses to the Key Selection Criteria.
• Two referees.
• A short 60 second – 2-minute video sharing with us who you are and what you would bring to this role (filmed on your phone or computer is fine).
• If you have any questions about the role, please email [email protected], using the subject line: Community Engagement Coordinator, Carer Gateway - Brisbane enquiry via EthicalJobs.
• Applications will only be considered if they include all required components.

Shortlisted applicants will then be contacted for an interview. Applicants who are not selected for an interview will be notified by email.