Do you want to work with a leading purpose driven, community-based organisation?

SSI’s vision is to achieve a society that values the diversity of its people and actively provides support to ensure meaningful social and economic participation and to assist individuals and families to reach their potential.

About You

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Development Officer will be instrumental in building and maintaining place-based relationships and partnerships within local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. They will also establish and maintain relationships with participants, community leaders and representatives of community groups. This position will host Community Leaders Forums and Events and promote an open dialogue between community leaders.

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Development Officer understands disability through the lens of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, including challenges and opportunities for specific communities.This position will enable SSI to deliver LAC services in alignment to the LAC approach in supporting people with disability, their family and carers to understand and access the NDIS and work with participants to implement and review their plans.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development and implementation of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community development and engagement strategies in targeted areas and communities
• Provide an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspective and advocate on behalf of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disability in the community by providing specialist advice to appropriate support services
• Support the Manager Community Access in the planning, implementation and evaluation of the Community Capacity Building and Engagement Plan with identified outcomes
• Develop and implement initiatives underpinned by the LAC approach that increase inclusion, build capacity, and increase the participant’s utilisation of NDIS services and other services and programs in the community
• Partner with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community leaders, community-controlled organisations and people with disability, their families, and carers through community consultations to build on community assets and lead to sustainable inclusion focused outcomes
• Increase awareness of the intersectionality of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander identity and disability and understand the challenges to families and their community
• Establish and maintain open dialogues and relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community leaders, community groups and/or the SSI leadership
• Monitor and guide the implementation of LAC related actions and activities within the SSI Reconciliation Action plan
• Other duties as directed from time to time within your skills range and capacity

Essential Criteria

• This is an identified position in accordance with Section 14 (d) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977. Applicants for this position must be of Aboriginal descent through parentage, identification as being Aboriginal and being accepted in the community as such. Exemption is claimed under Section 14 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977
• Must identify, be known, and accepted by the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Aboriginal Affairs that impact Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities today, and how does that knowledge shape the cultural approach for the LAC program.
• Proven interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build effective relationships and liaise across all levels both internally, externally and with people from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
• Demonstrated experience working in the human services sector e.g., disability, child services, allied health, social work, community development, education and/or relevant qualifications or training on social inclusion, community development and engagement or person-centred thinking and planning.
• Understanding and awareness of the impact of disability on individuals, families, carers, and the community.
• Demonstrated skills and experience in successful project management and event management.
• High level communication, presentation, and facilitation skills
• Understanding of a person-centred approach to service provision, social inclusion, and community development principles.
• Demonstrated ethical, inclusive, and respectful attitude towards others.
• Ability to work independently, display personal drive and integrity.
• Ability to use databases and Microsoft Excel
• Willingness to travel and work flexible hours and in a range of locations across areas and regions as required.

About Us

Settlement Services International (SSI Group) is a community-based organisation and social business that supports newcomers and Australians to achieve their full potential. Taking an integrated approach how everyone can thrive within the community in which they live and the wider Australian society, we support children, young people and families; people living with disability; and asylum seekers, refugees and migrants. Our programs include facilitating employment, multicultural foster care, creating community engagement, advocacy, and influencing government and international affairs and provide though leadership within our sector nationally and globally.

About our Benefits

• Salary packaging options to receive up to $15,900 of your salary tax-free meaning more take-home pay!
• Industry leading hybrid and flexible working arrangement supporting work from home and office, including the opportunity of a 9-day fortnight;
• Access to in-house training and learning opportunities for professional development and growth.
• Access to our inhouse wellbeing programs
• Working alongside professional and dedicated team members all wanting to make a difference in our communities.

About our Recruitment Process

At SSI we have a zero tolerance for child abuse and is committed to creating and maintaining a child safe organisation where protecting children and preventing and responding to child abuse is embedded in the everyday thinking and practice of all employees, contractors and volunteers. All employees will undergo a National Police Clearance and a Working with Children Check as a condition of employment.

Our commitment to Diversity

SSI strives to be an inclusive workplace for all people. We recognise that we operate in a diverse community and welcome and encourage applications from all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse groups, the LGBTIQ+ community, veterans, refugees and people with disability.

To Apply

If excited by the information above, we look forward to receiving your application, including your resume and cover letter expressing your interest and suitability for the role. SSI expects all applicants who can be safely vaccinated for COVID-19, to be so. This is also a pre-condition to ongoing employment.

Should you require further information about the role please contact [email protected] or [email protected].

A recruitment pool may be created for permanent and temporary opportunities of the same role or role type that may become available in the future.

SSI is a Disability Confident Recruiter, and our Talent Acquisition team can assist in; providing alternative formats to apply, making adjustments to the recruitment process and offering information about workplace adjustments and support networks. Should you require adjustments please email us at [email protected] using the subject line: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Development Officer - Ashfield enquiry via EthicalJobs.