THE ORGANISATION

Yerrabi Yurwang Child & Family Aboriginal Corporation was established in 2019, due to the high unmet health and wellbeing needs of the local Aboriginal Community residing in Canberra’s Northwestern Ngunnawal region. Yerrabi Yurwang means to ‘walk strong’ and was bestowed upon the organisation by our esteemed and respected Ngunnawal Elder Aunty Agnes Shea OAM, who was also a Founding Board Member of Yerrabi and our Inaugural Patron. Yerrabi operates in the Northwest of the Australian Capital Territory, part of the traditional lands of the Ngunnawal People. Yerrabi is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation, which means it is owned and operated by Aboriginal People, for Aboriginal People, and so, we are committed to the principle of self-determination, whereby we seek to engage and empower Aboriginal People and their Families who utilise Yerrabi’s services.

THE ROLE

The Connected Beginnings program is a Collective Impact initiative that benefits Aboriginal children in the ACT through cross sector collaboration in improving the support and service system to address their needs and the needs of their families. The program focuses on promoting the learning and developmental outcomes necessary for positive transitions to school.

As a Community Development Officer in the team, you will work with the Manager Early Childhood to develop community driven initiatives that best respond to their needs and aspirations for their children and contribute to achieving equity in school readiness and educational outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous children. This will involve working collaboratively with the Aboriginal community, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, Government and Non-Government Organisations to:

• Improve local, culturally based and community-led responses,
• Enhance coordination, integration and effectiveness of service and system responses,
• Contribute to Closing the Gap priority reforms with particular focus on target 2, 3 and 4.

Responsibilities:

• Build and maintain strong, trusted relationships in the community and with all stakeholders.
• Contribute to the design, development and running of community engagement and consultation activities.
• Facilitate interagency collaboration through networks, working groups, community events etc.
• Develop, test, trial and evaluate programs and initiatives that build connected and inclusive communities.
• Identify current and future community needs and trends to inform community development and advocacy and ensure planning and service delivery are contemporary.
• Participate in the development, implementation and review of community development strategies and action plans.
• Prepare high quality written reports, briefs and correspondence.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

• Sound understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander issues, knowledge and culture, and proven ability to apply this practice, and knowledge of services, programs and best practices that support culturally appropriate responses.
• Relevant qualification in Community Development or related fields, or relevant experience.
• A sound knowledge and understanding of the 5 elements of the Closing the Gap Child Placement Principle.
• Experience in designing and delivering community-based projects, preferably with exposure to Aboriginal populations within communities.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to multi-task with demonstrated experience in working as a valuable part of a team.
• Well-developed verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
• The ability to develop strong relationships and work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders including community, Government and Non-Government Organisations.
• Ability to create reports, project briefs, newsletters, information sheets and other documentation.
• Familiarity with the use of technology including appropriate computer software to fulfil the responsibilities of the role.
• Experience and interest in working to make sustainable system change for young children and their families.
• Working with Vulnerable Persons card, police check and C-class driver’s licence, or capacity and willingness to get them at your own expense.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

• Be part of a hard working, good humoured and supportive team.
• Work in an organisation that values its people and promotes a strong sense of belonging and community.
• Hybrid and flexible working conditions.
• Excellent salary packaging.

If you have any questions about this opportunity, please contact Caitlin Winter on 0448 123 444 or [email protected] using the subject line: Community Development Officer - Aboriginal Identified Position enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Click "Apply Now" to submit your application. 

A position description is attached.