Who we are

The MJD Foundation (MJDF) 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 currently recruiting for a Community Services Specialist (CSS) to join our Team in Darwin.

The Position

In this role you will work as part of a multidisciplinary and cross-cultural team that responds to the needs of Aboriginal people impacted by Machado-Joseph Disease (MJD) living in Darwin, and their families. The role emphasises the delivery of holistic, person-centred care through the MJDF’s culturally safe "Our Way" approach. Key to the “Our Way” approach is building strong relationships with our clients and their families and empowering them to guide us around how they want to be supported. The ‘Our Way’ approach values and respects a ‘two-way’ model, delivering evidence-based supports that are flexible and responsive to the diverse needs of our Aboriginal clients and their families.

The Community Services Specialist (CSS) will provide culturally appropriate Case Management support to allocated clients and their family members to access a range of services such as Centrelink, Housing, disability (including NDIS) and government health services and respite. This will be achieved through the ongoing assessment of client, family and carer needs; planning and prioritising interventions, the provision of information, education and referral; group work; liaising with and providing access and engagement with community groups, welfare agencies, and government bodies.

A key aspect of the role is navigating and maximising support under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), including support coordination, case management, and advocacy. The CSS ensures culturally safe practices while supporting clients and families to access appropriate services and achieve their goals.

Who you are

Do you want to make a real difference to the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal families living with MJD and SCA7? Do you enjoy working autonomously within a supportive multifaceted team environment?

It is important that you demonstrate that you are self-motivated, that you strive for excellence and will take key tasks through to completion. You will have strong interpersonal skills and work well in a cross-cultural team environment. You will build close relationships with inspiring clients, colleagues and stakeholders, which provides a great foundation for (professional) growth and development. You will collaborate with a highly committed team with wide-ranging experience across the sector. The expertise that you bring to the role may be varied, including skills that you have developed through education and in previous employment, or your life experience as a member of the community and a user of the service system.

We strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply!

Selection Criteria

1. Relevant tertiary qualifications in nursing, allied health, or a related field, with subsequent relevant experience in community/disability services.
2. Strong understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, including historical and contemporary perspectives.
3. Proven ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, adhering to community protocols.
4. Extensive knowledge and experience working with the NDIS, including plan management, compliance, and support coordination.
5. Experience in Complex Case Management, with a focus on person-centred care.
6. A commitment to working within the MJD Foundation ‘Our Way’ approach to deliver culturally safe and holistic support.
7. Highly developed ability to communicate effectively with a range of stakeholders and develop strong and collaborative relationships.
8. Strong organisational skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities in a remote and challenging environment.
9. Familiarity with NT Government and NGO services and facilities and the ability to navigate the system.
10. Proficiency in using a range of computer software to support documentation and communication.
11. A self-starter, with proven ability to manage relationships and initiate change.
12. Commitment to multi-disciplinary and inter-sectoral working.

Desirable criteria

1. Understanding of the mechanisms and processes of Machado Joseph Disease.
2. Experience in a neurological and/or rehabilitation settings.
3. Experience providing education, mentoring or training to others.

What we offer

• A supportive and inclusive work environment;
• 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);
• Professional development;
• Access to free confidential supports via our Employee Assistance Program (EAP);
• Free on-site car parking;
• relocation package for the right candidate.

For more information you can contact Kylie Jackson, Manager Community Services Team, [email protected] using the subject line: Community Services Specialist - Support Coordination with a difference enquiry via EthicalJobs or 0499 330 207.

If you have the knowledge and experience we are looking for and are excited to join our team, please submit your resume and a statement addressing the selection criteria.. Applications that don’t address the selection criteria will not be considered. We will consider and review candidates as they apply.

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.

A position description is attached.