Community Development Workers x2 - Newstead

Newstead 21 is a volunteer incorporated association based in the township of Newstead in Central Victoria. We promote the discussion and implementation of ideas and projects that benefit the Newstead community, and also provide support to a number of local groups and organisations.

Newstead 21 is looking to engage two highly skilled, community development workers on a part-time six month temporary/contract role.

We are looking for two individuals who have:

• community development experience, well developed communication skills and some local knowledge;
• flexibility to sometimes operate outside of normal working hours and be able to work independently but also within a project management framework; and
• Experience in either grant applications, volunteer recruitment or management.

What is the context?

As the result of an election promise in the last Victorian State election, Newstead 21 has been awarded a $100,000 grant. In August 2023, we submitted a project plan for the use of these funds. The key feature of the funding application is the engagement of two highly skilled, community development workers as contractors to Newstead 21.

Although there is some flexibility, we anticipate one person will work on grant applications for groups within the town and the other will work on establishing a volunteer network throughout the town. Additionally, between the two contractors, we seek to have town communication pathways mapped and a series of small grants awarded to local groups.

In early September 2023, we held a ‘Community Vision Day’ where we asked people what they wanted for the town and, of the things wanted, which were the most important. The result is a list of projects that the contractors will prioritise in their community development work.

We anticipate that by commencement, the roles will be supported by a draft project plan, a management committee and, possibly, an ad hoc reference group. Specific deliverables will be identified in the project plan.

What are the roles?

We have budgeted for two contract positions, each of three days a week for 20 weeks starting in mid-January 2024 and concluding by the end of June 2024. We will pay $33,000 for each contract which is approximately equivalent to $65/hr all inclusive. To some extent, we can be flexible for the right person or people. Each role is outlined below:

• Community Development Worker – Grants
• By working with local groups, establish what needs funding in Newstead and what resources are required, both human and financial.
• Identify any emerging trends and define local needs.
• Identify sources of funding and share this knowledge as widely as relevant.
• Write, or work with groups, to prepare and write grant applications.
• Assist groups to be ready to apply for future grant opportunities as they arise. By the end of the project, we anticipate that there will be at least $1M of grants ‘ready to go’ when the right opportunity arises.
• Collaborate with other community development worker to map Newstead’s communication pathways and allocate small grants from the available funding.
• Community Development Worker – Volunteers
• By working with local groups, establish volunteer opportunities including micro-volunteering opportunities.
• Identify any emerging trends and define local needs.
• By working with local people, identify barriers to volunteering, existing skills base, desires to development new skills and other relevant information.
• Identify accessible and appropriate ways of capturing information about volunteers and volunteering opportunities, and having done this, develop and implement it for Newstead.
• Work with groups to share information about recruiting and retaining volunteers.
• Assist groups to be ready to apply for future grant opportunities as they arise.
• Collaborate with other community development worker to map Newstead’s communication pathways and allocate small grants from the available funding.

Role Attributes

We’re looking for two special people who have some, or all of the following attributes:

• Experience in community development work or equivalent.
• Well-developed communication skills across a wide variety of people and groups.
• Existing local knowledge.
• Appropriate qualifications.
• Flexibility and the ability to sometimes operate outside of normal working hours.
• A strong history of delivering required outcomes in a timely manner.
• Experience in working independently but also with a management committee.
• A business structure suitable for receiving payments as a contractor.
• The ability to think and work within a project management framework.
• Independent office set up (space, computer, phone etc.). We can provide meeting spaces as required.
• Experience in either grant applications or volunteer recruitment and management.
• Good administrative experience suitable for the allocation and management of small grants.
• An understanding of how town communication networks might operate and how to access those networks.
• Clear, accurate written expression.

Other Attributes:

• An Australian Business Number (ABN)
• Valid National Police Check
• Professional Indemnity/Public Liability Insurance
• Current driver’s license and vehicle
• Right to live and work in Australia

Work Type:

• $65 per hour.
• Part time. Ideally 3 days per week for a 20-week period.
• Starting in mid-January 2024.

How to apply:

To be considered for these positions, please include the following documents:

• A cover letter outlining your motivation for applying for these positions; and
• Your resume detailing your career history relevant to these positions.

Please click 'Apply Now' to submit your application.

For further information

Jacqui Watt 0429 030 318.

Please note the following dates:

• Interviews conducted 6th to 8th December 2023
• Offers made week beginning 11th December 2023
• Commencement mid-January 2024