Who we are

The MJD Foundation supports Aboriginal families living with Machado Joseph Disease to live fulfilling and rewarding lives. We are a charity that works in partnership with Aboriginal Australians, their families and communities living with Machado-Joseph disease to provide comprehensive supports and engage in research, and provide hope for the future. We are currently recruiting for a Manager, Community Services to join our team in Darwin.

The Position

You will never be bored in your role at the MJD Foundation!

The Manager, Community Services (MCS) will work as part of a multidisciplinary team that responds to our clients and their families by delivering holistic person-centered practice, and working in partnership with families living with MJD, by valuing and respecting MJDF’s ‘our-way’ approach. The MCS will provide intensive services and support to families such as assessing client, family and carer needs; planning, information and referral; group work; liaising with and providing access and participation to community groups, welfare agencies, and government bodies.

The role is greatly varied in its day to day tasks, and provides hands on support to MJD clients and their families living in Darwin, and those visiting Darwin for medical appointments and/or respite. In addition, the role will provide support to the senior management team across all core activities of the MJD Foundation (Education, Equipment, Advocacy, Research and Community Services).

To be considered for this position you will need to have a qualification in Physiotherapy, OT, Nursing, or another Allied Health field.

Special Requirements

• Willingness to travel to remote communities (by light aircraft or 4WD)
• Ability to obtain and maintain NDIS Worker Screening clearance;
• Willingness to adhere to MJDF’s and/or Government mandated vaccination policies and provide proof of compliance;
• Ability to obtain and maintain an NT class C manual drivers’ license.

Who you are

Do you want to make a real difference to the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal families living with Machado Joseph disease? Do you enjoy working autonomously within a supportive multifaceted team environment?

It is important that you demonstrate that you are self-motivated, that you strive for excellence and will take key tasks through to completion. You will have strong interpersonal skills and work well in a team environment. You will build close relationships with inspiring clients, colleagues and stakeholders, which provides a great foundation for (professional) growth and development. You will collaborate with a highly committed team with wide-ranging experience across the sector. The expertise that you bring to the role may be varied, including skills that you have developed through education and in previous employment, or your life experience as a member of the community and a user of the service system.

Selection Criteria:

• Relevant tertiary qualifications (Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Nursing or other Allied Health Professions) with subsequent relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education and training.

• Knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their communities and cultures from an historical and contemporary perspective.
• The ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and in accordance with community protocols and customs.
• A commitment to person and family centered practice and working within the MJD Foundation ‘Our Way’ approach.

• Highly developed ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Demonstrated experience with a range of computer software and good computer skills.
• Commitment to multi-disciplinary and inter-sectoral working.

• Ability to work both independently and as part of a (cross cultural) team.

Desirable criteria

• Understanding of the mechanisms and processes of Machado Joseph Disease.
• Clinical experience in neurological and/or rehabilitation settings.
• Knowledge of the NDIS.
• Working knowledge of NT Government and/or NGO services and facilities.
• Training, education or mentoring experience.

The MJD Foundation values diversity and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds. We welcome unique contributions and perspectives of all people to ensure our workforce is representative of the communities we work with and live in. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.

Please have a look at the position description on our website www.mjd.org.au. For more information please contact Leah Clarke, Manager, Community Services Team, on [email protected], using the subject line: Manager Community Services enquiry via EthicalJobs, or 04 9933 4856.