• Based at: Caloundra Community Centre, working in communities in Caloundra and the hinterland (Glasshouse Country area)
• Salary: Social, Community, Homecare & Disability Services Award Level 4 or 5 (Salary Sacrifice available)
• Conditions & Hours: Permanent 32 hours per week (dependent on funding)

Purpose of the Position:

To respond to issues and opportunities to build community capacity utilising Community Development practice methods with individuals and groups in the hinterland communities (specifically Glasshouse Country) of Caloundra and other communities of Caloundra including Wurtulla and Caloundra West.

To provide support to the neighbourhood centres in the hinterland communities (specifically Glasshouse Country) of Caloundra to increase their capacity to respond to their local communities.

To work with the Centre Worker at Caloundra Community Centre and the Co-ordinator at Baringa Community Centre to maximise opportunities for community use and ownership of these 2 facilities.

Key Duties and Responsibilities :

• Develop resources, skills and opportunities to increase participation, utilising community development methods of practice, of people and groups in community activities and programs at the community/neighbourhood centres and in the communities across the geographical area.
• Conduct research and analyse information for the purpose of understanding the fabric of the communities we work in and in doing so any opportunities and resources that may help build community capacity to respond to a range of needs and issues.
• Plan, organise, coordinate and evaluate programs, activities and events related to the 2 funded programs responsibilities – work with the other Community Development Worker, the CCC Centre worker and Baringa Community Centre Co-ordinator to achieve this.
• Facilitate opportunities for individuals and groups to participate in planning through their involvement in community consultation processes.
• Support, supervise and develop the skills and abilities of volunteers who work with centres and groups.
• Work with your colleagues to ensure that all reporting and accountability is undertaken for the 2 funded Community Support Programs – Caloundra and Hinterland.
• In conjunction with management committees, staff and volunteers, assist to further develop the neighbourhood centres in the hinterland (specifically Glasshouse Country) as bases for community action; community development and community services.
• Assist and support the neighbourhood centres in the hinterland (specifically Glasshouse Country) to develop and implement mechanisms for policy development, strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation.
• Identify funding and other resource opportunities to assist in the development of local community initiatives and/or centre based activities and programs.
• Assist the community/neighbourhood centres (Caloundra & hinterland) with the promotion of their services and programs in their local communities to raise their profiles, encourage community participation, seek further support and build capacity.
• Represent, advocate, plan and respond at a regional and sub-regional level where the communities of Caloundra and the Hinterland are involved or impacted upon and feed relevant information back to local communities.

Knowledge and Skills Required:

• Tertiary qualification in Social Sciences, Social Work or equivalent and experience of working in the community sector.

• A demonstrated understanding and commitment to the practice and principles of community development and social justice.

• Demonstrated experience of community development work at the local community level.
• Ability to articulate your framework of practice which draws from specific values, principles and social theories.
• Ability to work autonomously as well as actively participate as a team member.
• Excellent written and report writing skills.
• Good interpersonal and oral communication skills.
• Skilled group facilitation and ability to host sized community meetings and networks.
• Understanding of the operations of community-based organisations such as Neighbourhood Centre and community groups.
• Current Drivers Licence.

• Demonstrated knowledge of and ability to use computer software packages, internet, email, social and other media and networked systems.

Key Selection Criteria

• Tertiary qualification in Social Sciences, Social Work or equivalent and experience of working in the community sector.
• A demonstrated understanding based on experience and commitment to the practice and principles of community development.
• Excellent written, interpersonal and oral communication skills, including technology skills and experience in group facilitation.
• Ability to be part of a multi activity community organisation that connects with people and stakeholders in a wide variety of ways.

next steps

To submit your application, click Apply Now. 

A position description is attached.

Contact Mark Wischnat on 0414 519 047 with questions and enquiries.