• Part time 30 hours/week

Who we are

The MJD Foundation partners with and supports Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander families living with Machado Joseph Disease (MJD) and Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 7 (SCA7) to live fulfilling and rewarding lives. The MJDF is an Aboriginal organisation and we take our core values from combining best practice western and traditional cultural knowledge in the ‘Our-way’ approach. By providing flexible and culturally responsive care based on a strong foundation of enduring relationships, we aim to provide families living with MJD specialist care and support, working together to stay stronger for longer. We are recruiting for a part time (30 hours/week) Community Services Specialist to join our Community Services team in Cairns.

The Position

The Community Services Specialist (CSS) will work as part of a multidisciplinary team that responds to the health and disability needs of our clients and their families by delivering holistic person-centred care in partnership with families living with MJD. A central part of the vision of the program is working in partnership with MJDF clients and Aboriginal Community Worker staff to explore opportunities to learn from each other, integrating biomedical knowledge of rehabilitation with traditional therapies, knowledge and values to work towards clients’ goals.

The CSS will coordinate, provide, and facilitate access to health and disability care services and support to families including assessing client, family and carer needs; planning and prioritising interventions, providing information and referral; group work; liaising with and providing access and engagement with community groups, welfare agencies, and government bodies.

The role is greatly varied in its day to day tasks and provides hands on support to MJD clients and their families. (Complex) Case management and assistance navigating the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a large part of the role.

In addition, the role will provide support to the senior management team across all core activities of the MJD Foundation (Clinical Services, Education, Advocacy, Research and Community Services).

Special Requirements

• Willingness to travel to remote communities (by light aircraft or 4WD).
• Ability to obtain and maintain NDIS Worker Screening clearance.
• Willingness to adhere to MJDF’s and/or Government vaccination policies and provide proof of compliance.
• Ability to obtain and maintain an NT class C manual drivers’ license.

Selection Criteria

• Relevant tertiary qualifications with a clinical background (nursing / allied health) with subsequent relevant experience in community/disability services, or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education and training;
• Knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their communities and cultures from an historical and contemporary perspective;
• The ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and in accordance with community protocols and customs;
• Knowledge and experience working with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS);
• Experience in Complex Case Management;
• A commitment to person and family centred practice and working within the MJD Foundation ‘Our Way’ approach;
• Highly developed ability to communicate effectively with a range of stakeholders and develop strong and collaborative relationships;
• Demonstrated experience with a range of computer software and good computer skills;
• A self-starter, with proven ability to manage relationships and initiate change;
• Commitment to multi-disciplinary and inter-sectoral working;

Desirable criteria

• Understanding of the mechanisms and processes of Machado Joseph Disease.
• Clinical experience in a neurological and/or rehabilitation settings.
• Working knowledge of NT Government and/or NGO services and facilities.
• Training, education and/or mentoring experience.

What we offer

• A supportive and inclusive work environment with opportunity to learn;
• Above award level pay rate for the right person;
• Tax free fringe benefit up to $15,900 p.a., plus meal entertainment benefit up to $2,650 p.a.;
• 6 weeks annual leave;
• One day paid wellbeing day and gift;
• A holistic workplace that offers flexibility (hours/where you work).
• relocation package for the right candidate

For more information please contact Kylie Jackson, Manager Community Services Team, at [email protected] using the subject line: Community Services Specialist - Cairns enquiry via EthicalJobs or 0499 330 207.

Please have a look at the Position Description on our website. If you have the knowledge and experience we are looking for and are excited by the idea of joining our team, please click "Apply Now" and submit your CV (max 3 pages) and a statement (max 1 page) addressing the selection criteria. We will start interviewing as candidates apply for the role.

The MJD Foundation values diversity and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds. We welcome unique contributions and perspectives of all people to ensure our workforce is representative of the communities we work with and live in. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.

A position description is attached.