The Researcher position will contribute to the work of the Social Action and Research Centre, with a focus on conducting research and related advocacy. This role will produce evidence informed recommendations to change policy, practice and programs to improve the lives of vulnerable Tasmanians.

Primary tasks

• Undertake quality and relevant research to advance understanding of how to tackle disadvantage.
• Advocate for positive change in policy, programs, practice and community attitudes and understanding.
• Contribute to developing policy and practice recommendations as assigned.
• Evidence and evaluate the impact of your work in the spirit of continuous improvement.
• Work collaboratively with stakeholders from a variety of organisations.
• Contribute to the shared work and strategic direction of the SARC team.
• Maintain a safe working environment by adhering to WH&S policies, procedures and guidelines and by working in a responsible manner to ensure the safety of oneself, other employees, clients and visitors to Anglicare.
• Work within the Anglicare policy and procedure framework.

Competencies/Selection Criteria

The occupant will possess demonstrable competency, knowledge, understanding and/or skills in the following areas:

1. Sound knowledge of social justice principles and their application, including a strong personal commitment to these principles.
2. Demonstrated track record in delivering impactful social research.
3. Experience in evidencing the impact of social research or willingness to learn.
4. Proven communication skills, including the ability to innovatively utilise a range of mediums and target a variety of audiences including the ability to bring an expert and innovative approach to social research.
5. Excellent interpersonal skills for effective result driven networking and stakeholder management with the ability to coordinate and maintain oversight of specific SARC projects.
6. Demonstrated ability to work creatively and independently, exercising a high level of initiative and personal responsibility in contributing to quality outcomes.
7. Expert knowledge or experience of community services, public sector and social policy issues in Tasmania and nationally.
8. Proven time management and organisational skills with the ability to manage and prioritise own workload within established practices, procedures and/or guidelines.
9. Demonstrated ability to complete high quality project management documentation for internal and external use, for example documentation relating to project risk and ethical stakeholder and participant engagement.
10. Exercise initiative, discretion and judgement in performance of SARC functions.

Essential qualifications and/or experience

Post-graduate qualification in social sciences or related field, with extensive experience and a sound knowledge of social research methodologies.

• Sound knowledge and experience of working with multiple government and non-government agencies.

Special conditions

• Required to provide a satisfactory Schedule 1 (unsupervised contact with children and vulnerable people) National Police Check no older than 12 months, have a current Tasmanian Working with Vulnerable People card (Employment) and a current drivers licence.
• Provide an International Police Check if you have resided for 12 months or more outside of Australia after the age of 16.
• Required to undertake Anglicare’s Safeguarding Children Program prior to working directly or indirectly with children/young people.
• Required to undergo an employment health assessment which allows Anglicare to be aware of potential and actual health issues for employees and (if appropriate) to work with individuals to ensure we manage these appropriately (e.g. tailoring the work environment to cater for specific requirement/s.)
• Adherence with Anglicare’s conditions of employment, Code of Conduct, Confidentiality, Anti-Discrimination, Bullying and Harassment policies, Work Health and Safety policies including signing a new Personnel Declaration.
• May be required to travel intrastate.
• May be required to work outside normal office hours during promotional activities and campaigns.

A position description is attached.