POSITION PURPOSE

We’re looking for an experienced and passionate part-time Community Development Officer to undertake a project for our TAC L2P Program. We have some funding to complete this project which must be delivered by 30 June 2022.

The TAC L2P Program is a statewide program that helps learner drivers between 16 and 21 who do not have access to a supervising driver or vehicle gain the driving experience needed to apply for a probationary licence. The purpose of the program is to enable the learner driver to meet the Graduated Licensing System (GLS) mandated 120 hours of driving practice prior to gaining their probationary licence. The learners are matched with fully licensed volunteer mentors and have access to program vehicles which they can use to get supervised driving experience.

The TAC L2P Program is funded by the Transport Accident Commission (TAC), managed by the Department of Transport and delivered in the Darebin local government area by DIVRS. The program plays an important role in helping young people achieve independence and to participate in employment, education and community life.

This role will examine barriers to participation in the TAC L2P Program for diverse communities, either as learner participants or volunteer mentors. You will be working with the TAC L2P Coordinator to review current engagement in the program compared to Darebin demographics and our local knowledge and experience and identify where the program should focus its community development efforts. Using a strengths-based approach, you will then engage with organisations, peak bodies, community leaders and young people to investigate how to best engage with and promote the program to these communities and how to better facilitate participation by volunteers and young people. You will then implement these initiatives and report on project outcomes and recommendations for the future.

key responsibilities

• Review current participation by volunteers and young people and use demographic data and other insights to identify where the TAC L2P program should focus its community development efforts and set project targets.
• Complete service mapping for the identified communities.
• Using a strengths-based approach, develop and implement an engagement plan for the identified communities, establishing effective relationships with organisations, community leaders and young people.
• Report on engagement outcomes and develop a plan that translates participant input into actionable delivery, including measurable outcomes.
• Implement identified activities within project timeframe.
• Effectively promote program to identified communities.
• Maintain effective communication among key program stakeholders, including participating in relevant external meetings and forums.
• Deliver a final report to DIVRS and Department of Transport on project outcomes and recommendations for the future.

key selection criteria

• Sound knowledge of community development with substantial experience working with young people and/or people from diverse backgrounds.
• Excellent ability to work flexibly and respectfully with people and strong relationship management, verbal communication and engagement skills.
• Experience in developing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating projects.
• Good written communication skills with report writing experience.
• Ability to take initiative and work collaboratively with others.
• Effective prioritisation, organisational and problem-solving skills, with sound judgement.
• Resonate with our values and bring kindness, a willingness to listen and positivity to how you work.
• Current driver’s licence and access to a vehicle.
• Desirable: Understanding of the role of volunteers and how to empower them.
• Desirable: Tertiary qualifications in community development, community services, youth work or a related field.

about divrs

DIVRS is a not-for-profit, volunteer driven organisation that delivers free services and programs to vulnerable populations in the City of Darebin. Our programs reduce financial stress, social isolation and barriers to accessing community information; promote health and well-being and sustainability; and provide opportunities for community participation. DIVRS offers a service that is free, confidential and impartial and recognises peoples’ right to make their own decisions.

To submit your application, click Apply Now.

Please call Julie-Anne O'Brien, TAC L2P Coordinator on 9480 8206 if you’d like to discuss this opportunity.

We will be reviewing applications as they come in so we suggest you apply as soon as you can.

A position description is attached.