About BDAC

BDAC is an ACCO (Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation) registered as a member under the umbrella of VACCHO (Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation) and represented nationally through NACCHO (National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation).

BDAC was founded to represent and provide services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living on Djaara Country.

BDAC has a responsibility to ensure growth of services, development of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, better and improved health outcomes for our people, improved quality of life and be a lead agency in providing self-determination employment and career pathways for Aboriginal people.

What We Are Offering 

• Access to Salary Packaging
• SCHADS 5 
• Part Time, 0.8 FTE
• 11.5% Superannuation
• Supportive work environment
• Ongoing training and development opportunities

About The Position

We are seeking a self-motivated, compassionate Community Engagement Advisor for a fixed term, part time (30.4 hours per week) opportunity to work in the Dja Dja Wurrung area. You will utilise your expertise to build relationships with stakeholders, champion community, family and carer engagement and establish the new service supporting families, carers and loved ones of people experiencing mental ill health and/or substance use challenges. The role will support the development of workforce capability, identify opportunities for participation and partnership development, and enhance relationships with existing family and carer support groups, service providers and agencies.

The Adult and Older Adult Mental Health and Wellbeing services, otherwise known as “Locals”, are a key recommendation from Victoria’s Royal Commission into mental health service. Locals are therefore a key feature of the current system transformation. The Locals will act as front door to the mental health service system and will provide a continuum of care and support including clinical interventions, wellbeing support, and therapeutic support through an integrated mental health and alcohol and other drug framework approach. Mind’s Locals will be established in three locations: Dandenong, Melton and Loddon-Campaspe. These services will have a no wrong door approach. 

Key Responsibilities

• Work within the Wellbeing Team at BDAC & co-locate at Mind Local Hub.
• Work as the team leader for the BDAC Locals team including supervision, direction and support for staff.
• Work collaboratively with stakeholders, families, carers and supporters to develop, establish and implement the Centre to best suit the needs of the community.
• Ensure cohesiveness in the design, planning and delivery of services with the aim of optimising resources and delivering the project within timelines and on budget.
• Conduct regional needs assessments to understand current engagement with communities and identify opportunities for participation and partnership development.
• Support the development, implementation and evaluation of a community engagement plan, co-design activities and participation initiatives.
• Build community partnerships, lead identification of resources, incorporate community, families and carers voices in decision making and develop workforce capability.
• Behave in a way that contributes to a workplace that is free of discrimination, harassment, and bullying behaviour at all times. 
• Work to ensure the health, safety and welfare of self and others working at the Adult and Older Adult Mental Health and Wellbeing services.
• Work within a multi-disciplinary team environment by sharing information, supporting colleagues, and respecting different skills.
• Assist the Adult and Older Adult Mental Health and Wellbeing services in day to day running.

About You

• Demonstrated knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, the special requirements and LORE of Aboriginal people, with demonstrated ability to integrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural experiences, philosophy, and practice.
• Knowledge of development, implementing and evaluating projects including policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Establishing and maintaining effective high level working relationships with all key stakeholders both internal and external.
• Expertise in working with people with mental health issues, AOD issues, complex needs and interacting with families and carers.
• Previous experience in community engagement, community development and family work using asset-based development and co-design approaches.
• Capability to manage community, family, carer, and supporter engagement in the establishment of services, develop workforce capability and identify opportunities for participation and partnership development.
• Demonstrated understanding of the Community Services sector and ability to build strong relationships with partners, service providers, agencies, and key stakeholders.
• Experience managing staff.

Preferred / Desired / Mandatory Education, Training and/or Competencies

• Tertiary qualifications (minimum Certificate IV) in Mental Health, Peer Work, Social Work, Community Development, or other health related field and/or equivalent experience in a similar industry.
• Experience working within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
• Previous experience in Community Engagement and/or Development programs in the Health or Family and Community Services sector.

How to Apply

If this role sounds like the role for you then click 'Apply now' and apply by attaching your CV and a cover letter detailing how you suit the role.

Mandatory Requirements

Should an applicant be the preferred candidate, background checks (Police check, reference check and Working with Children's Check) will be completed prior to the candidate’s employment being confirmed.

For more information about this position please see the Position Description which can be accessed via our website www.bdac.com.au or contact our human resources team on (03) 5442 4947 or send an email through to [email protected] using the subject line: Community Engagement Coordinator - Bendigo enquiry via EthicalJobs.