Aboriginal Communities Liaison Officer
Job No:
VIN835
Location:
Armidale, NSW
- Part-time 15.2 hours per week
- Based at Freeman House in Armidale, NSW
- “The St Vincent de Paul Society NSW considers that being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent is a genuine occupational qualification for this position as authorised under section 14 (d) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW)."
About the Organisation
The St Vincent de Paul Society is a member and volunteer based organisation that has been assisting people experiencing disadvantage in NSW for more than 130 years. The St Vincent de Paul Society is a leading provider of community support services and has close to 100 Special Works across the State in the areas of homelessness, mental health, disability, financial counselling, supported accommodation, food provision, refugees and migrants and addiction counselling. Our work is funded by all levels of government, the generous support we receive from the community and our 250 Retail Centres across NSW.
The Society’s Mission, Vision, Aspiration, and Key Values http://www.vinnies.org.au/page/About/Mission__Vision .
Organisational Overview
SVDP NSW Support Services provides support for people experiencing need in NSW. It is a Special Work of the St Vincent de Paul Society of NSW and is comprised of more than 40 different programs across the state, including drug and alcohol, gambling, homelessness, disability, mental health, community development and refugee support.
Program Overview
Freeman House and its associated programs are committed to minimising the harm related to homelessness, drug and alcohol use, mental health, cognitive impairment, contact with the criminal justice system and other associated issues and are part of the St Vincent de Paul NSW Specialist Drug and Alcohol Network, which includes the Freeman House Centre in Armidale, the New England Drug and Alcohol Outreach Program, the Maayu Mali centre in Moree, Rosalie House in Tamworth, Rendu House Day Program in Campbelltown and Rendu House AOD Services in South West Sydney. SVDP NSW is committed to providing high quality, innovative and flexible responses to drug and alcohol, homelessness and other areas of complex need in the New England region.
About the Role
The Aboriginal Communities Liaison Officer is responsible for communication and liaison with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and individuals in Armidale and the New England Region. The role involves consulting on their service needs, barriers to accessing support, and issues negatively impacting on their access to alcohol and other drug services. The Aboriginal Communities Liaison Officer will assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals who are engaged with Freeman House and its associated programs. You can find more information about this role in the Position Description.
What you need
“The St Vincent de Paul Society NSW considers that being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent is a genuine occupational qualification for this position as authorised under section 14 (d) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW)."
- Demonstrated ability to network, liaise and/or develop collaborative partnerships with Aboriginal communities
- Minimum Certificate IV in a community services related course (e.g. Alcohol and Other Drug Work, Community Services, Aboriginal Health).
- Awareness of cultural protocols when consulting with Aboriginal people
- Ability to gather information, surveying needs and identify community concerns
- Ability to work with Aboriginal communities to deliver information in a culturally appropriate manner
- Ability to prioritise competing demands and work independently
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Skills using computers and relevant software
- Understanding and commitment to Social Justice and Access & Equity principles, Work Safety and Ethical Working Practices
What we offer
- By joining one of Australia’s largest and leading charities, you will be working in an organisation which makes a real difference to people’s lives.
- The St Vincent de Paul Society NSW is proud to offer generous salary packaging benefits to employees where a portion of take-home pay is tax-free.
- Training and development opportunities
Employment Conditions
The conditions of employment are governed by the Residential Drug and Alcohol Support Services Agreement 2009. The position is classified as Level 2C and hourly rate is $32.66.
Pre-employment Clearances
Prior to an offer of employment, preferred candidates will be required to complete the pre-employment checks that include two (2) reference checks, a Health Declaration and National Criminal History Check. You will also be required to present evidence of right to work in Australia.
The Society is committed to being a Child Safe organisation. Prior to employment, you will be required to have a Working with Children Check, further information can be found in the Society’s commitment to Safeguarding Children & Young People
As an additional requirement for this role, you will also be required to present evidence of Aboriginal / Torres Strait Islander descent through parentage, identification as being Aboriginal / Torres Strait Islander and being accepted in the community as such.
How to Apply Online:
Applications will include the following:
- Claims to the Essential Criteria in the cover letter:
The claims to the essential criteria is an important part of your application. Please explain how your skills, qualifications and experience meet the Essential Criteria. Please also provide information about why you are applying for this role. - Current curriculum vitae: This will include your qualifications & trainings; work history with a brief description of duties for each role; Referees - at least two (2) e.g. persons you report to who can comment on your work experience. Please provide name and contact details (work and mobile phone numbers; email address). Or please be prepared to provide details when requested.
Please apply online - follow the prompts below and attach your documents. (Note: We do not accept applications sent by email.)
If you have questions about this role, please email to Adrian Webber (Clinical Director - Treatment and Services) Adrian.webber@vinnies.org.au , with email subject line: Aboriginal Communities Liaison Officer (Freeman House) / VIN835.
Applications close at 11:30 pm on 11 March 2018
St Vincent de Paul Society (NSW) is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
The Society is committed to engaging a diverse workforce. The Society strongly encourages applications from people from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background, people with disability, people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds and mature aged applicants.