SydWest Multicultural Services is the leading community organisation connecting and empowering people of all cultures. Our purpose is Connecting Cultures & Building Communities. The values underpinning our work are Accountability, Collaboration and Excellence. Through person-centred services, representation and evidence development we are empowering individuals and building the social capacity of communities. The organisation focuses on people who are vulnerable and most in need across the life course. We have offices in Blacktown, Mt Druitt and Rouse Hill.

Our Benefits

• Salary Sacrifice packaging options to receive up to $15,900 of your salary tax-free meaning more take-home pay and $2,650 for meals and entertainment.
• Fantastic Health & Wellness program with value of up to $3000 per annum. Nominated for 2021 Australian HR Awards for Best Health & Wellbeing Program.
• Flexible working arrangements to work from home and office to support work-life balance.
• Paid Study Leave to support your professional development & Additional Leave Between Christmas & New Year.
• For further information please check this link http://www.sydwestms.org.au/get-involved/employment-opportunities

Role Overview

The Community Engagement Officer is a part of the Community Engagement Division and is responsible for planning and delivering community engagement initiatives that promote participation of community in SydWest Multicultural Services work in Penrith Local Government Area. The position is also responsible for managing relationships with community partners, sector stakeholders, volunteers, community groups and leaders as part of the development and implementation of the Penrith Settlement Strategy.

This position will be a fixed term part-time, 3 days a week (21 hours) until 30 June 2023.

Key Accountabilities:

• Develop and implement community engagement strategies and plans to assist SydWest's programs as required.
• Coordinate, implement and monitor community engagement activities and tools to engage a with a range of community and internal and external stakeholders: SSI/HSP, Nepean Migrant Access, Penrith City Council, NBMLHD.
• Build and maintain good working relationships with community representatives, internal and external stakeholders to support the delivery of all community engagement activities, and identify opportunities to establish, foster and maintain relationships with community and stakeholders.
• Engage with real estate, property manager, owner to secure long-term housing/accommodation for refugee clients in Penrith LGA.
• Organising activities in wider communities to building positive impression about refugee settlement and service providers.
• Respond to emerging and urgent community engagement related matters as required by managers.
• Support ad hoc projects that emerge from dynamic ongoing community engagement work as required by the Division Manager.
• Develop and organised realistic engagement activities plan that primarily focuses on access to services, transport (learner diver mentoring), education/volunteering/employment pathway.
• Ensure confidentiality and maintenance of up-to-date client information on SydWest systems.
• Ensure reporting is accurate and submitted in a timely manner: monthly reports to Division Manager.
• Evaluation and monitoring of the effectiveness of the project.
• Participate in appropriate interagencies/networks as directed by the Settlement Services Team.
• Ensure personal safety and have a positive attitude towards a work-life balance.
• Other duties as directed from time to time within your skills range and capacity.

Essential Criteria (needs to be addressed on a separate document

• Tertiary qualified with in human services/social sciences with extensive experience community development and organisation.
• Experience working with new and emerging communities.
• Demonstrated experience in community engagement and participation.
• Demonstrated experience in project planning, management and implementation.
• Demonstrated knowledge of challenges faced by ethno-specific organisations in Australia
• Track record in seeking new funding or business opportunities.
• Excellent research and report writing skills, and are good at synthesising and presenting complex information.
• High level time-management and organisational skills, decision making and capacity to identify, initiate and successfully manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality products within agreed timeframes, with attention to detail.
• High level interpersonal, communication, facilitation and negotiation skills
• Demonstrated values of integrity, reliability, professionalism and a commitment to quality and continuous improvement.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office programs.
• Current driver's license and access to a full registered motor vehicle.
• National Police Check and Working with Children Check required.

To apply for this position visit our website www.sydwestms.org.au/get-involved/employment-opportunities and please submit the below:

• Resume & Cover letter
• A document clearly addressing how you meet each of the Essential Criteria

SydWest MS adheres to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity, workplace health and safety and is a child safe organisation