The Opportunity

At Neighbourhood Houses Tasmania we are passionate about our communities where keeping children and young people safe is a priority.

We have an exciting opportunity to be part of a dynamic and energetic cross sector team to lead change and reform.

In this role, you will be responsible for working with the Neighbourhood House Network to embed Child Safety while partnering with Government and communities to ensure recommendations from the Commission of Inquiry are implemented and a reform strategy is developed.

Purpose of the position

The purpose of the position is two-fold:

• Work in partnership with the Tasmanian Neighbourhood House Network, different levels of Government and community services on the reform implementation project relating to the Commission of Inquiry and other intersecting government reforms.
• Work collaboratively to embed child safety as a priority through the Neighbourhood House Network.

These two related purposes will support transformative cultural change across government and community organisations.

The Commission of Inquiry recommendations include the development and implementation of a Tasmanian Child Sexual Abuse Reform Strategy and will include:

• Fostering culture and system change across institutions, organisations, community and society.
• Enhanced engagement between government and the community sector to inform the Child Sexual Abuse Reform Strategy and response to the recommendations from the Commission of Inquiry.
• Increased opportunities for ongoing education, prevention and systems and culture change across the community sector.
• Working collaboratively with government and community to advance the rights, safety and wellbeing of Tasmanian children, young people and adults in vulnerable situations.
• Advancing community sector and government initiatives relating to Child Safety, with a focus on preventing, responding to and identifying child sexual abuse.

Neighbourhood Houses are focused on embedding child safety and wellbeing standards and quality management processes in line with recommendations from State and Commonwealth inquiries. We are committed to promoting the safety of the children and young people we care for by ensuring our systems are stronger. We are also committed to embedding a culture where child safety is everybody’s responsibility.

The role is part of a small, dynamic team at NHT, providing peak body support to a Network of 35 Neighbourhood Houses across the state. The team works collaboratively for social justice using a community development approach towards our vision for thriving Tasmanian communities.

The role will also work as part of a team of Change Champions across the broader Tasmanian Community Services, State and Local Government.

Duration and hours

Commencing as soon as possible 2024 – 30 June 2026

Contract Position - Full or Part-Time to be negotiated.

Neighbourhood Houses Tasmania

NHT is the peak body for the network of 35 Neighbourhood Houses located across the state.

We provide:

• Information sharing with sector and community
• Sector consultation and co-ordination
• Advocacy and representation to government and other decision makers
• Resource, training, development and capacity building towards good practices and functioning of organisations
• Policy development and advice to the sector and government

The position requires:

• Working in accordance with the values and purpose of NHT
• Adhering to the policies and procedures of NHT
• Contributing to team projects, processes, staff meetings and staff development opportunities as offered by NHT.

Pay and conditions

The terms and conditions are those applying under the Social, Community,Home Care and Disability Services (SCHCADS) Industry Award 2010.

The position is classified at Level 6 Pay Point 1-3 depending on experience.

Superannuation will be paid at the mandated rate to the fund of choice.

Supervision

The position will work under the general supervision of the Chief Executive Officer.

Duties

• Research, analysis, and policy development in the area of child and youth wellbeing and safety, including strengthening family and community connections and more effectively preventing, identifying and responding to child sexual abuse.
• Mapping of quality and safety needs in Neighbourhood Houses and codesign of policies and procedures, training, resources and development.
• Working collaboratively to promote and facilitate cultural change through development and implementation of contemporary resources, coaching and mentoring in the key areas of Child and Youth Safety, Aboriginal cultural safety, compliance, risk management, volunteer management.
• Plan and deliver/facilitate engagement including briefings and workshops across the Neighbourhood House Network.
• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with key stakeholders to support project development and implementation.
• Develop and manage the project plan, including development, delivery and analysis of key milestones, risks and set objectives.
• Provide reports to the funding body as per the Grant Deed.
• Convene and represent NHT at relevant meetings, forums and events as required.
• Contribute positively to the activities of NHT as a peak body for Neighbourhood Houses in Tasmania.
• Undertake other duties relevant to the position, as required.

The successful applicant will have:

• Values consistent with those of Neighbourhood Houses Tasmania
  • Collaboration - We work together for a common purpose.
  • Leadership - We step up, take risks, and learn from our experiences. We inspire.
  • Ethical - We will be fair, just, and honest.
  • Accountable - We listen, are open and responsive.
  • Respect - We treat people as equals with kindness and compassion.
• An understanding and commitment to confidentiality.
• An interest in Neighbourhood Houses, connecting local people and improving the lives of people living in Tasmania.
• A collaborative approach and the ability to be a kind and enthusiastic member of a small team.
• An ability to work autonomously, manage your workload, prioritise tasks, and ask for help when needed.
• Initiative and experience to solve problems.
• A sense of humour and ‘can-do’ attitude.
• A commitment to a safe workplace.

Working environment

• The position will be located at the NHT Office, 16b Elmsleigh Road, Derwent Park.
• Travel within Tasmania is required, with some overnight trips.

Selection criteria

Essential

• A commitment to social justice and community development principles, and an awareness of the role of Neighbourhood Houses in Tasmania.
• High level skills and experience in policy analysis.
• A knowledge of the Commission of Inquiry and safeguards for children and young people.
• Strong interpersonal and written communication skills, and the ability to apply these in a variety of formats.
• A demonstrated ability to communicate with influence and clarity during consultation and planning processes.
• Demonstrated experience in building positive working relationships, for example with communities, Neighbourhood Houses and other key stakeholders.
• Strong project management skills and the ability to apply these to tight timeframes and an often rapidly changing environment.
• The capacity to work effectively both autonomously and in a team.
• Working with Vulnerable People Card.

Desirable

• Possession of a valid, open driver’s licence.

Any queries can be sent through to: [email protected] using the subject line: Community Engagement and Change Lead enquiry via EthicalJobs attention to the CEO.