Job description

Opportunity to join our brilliant team and drive real change.

The Northern Territory Council of Social Service Inc. (NTCOSS) is a peak body for the Northern Territory Social and Community Service Sector and an advocate for those who are most disadvantaged.

The Senior Policy Officer – DFSV is responsible for DFSV sector policy development, through established mechanisms for identifying policy issues of concern to the social and community sector, and leading the facilitation of sector input into the development of social policy and advocacy positions.

This position reports to the NTCOSS Policy Manager and may be based in Darwin or Alice Springs.

Background to the position

NTCOSS works in policy areas which impact on those in the Northern Territory (NT) who experience disadvantage and marginalisation. The Senior Policy Officer will provide high level, strategic information and advice to facilitate appropriate policy response from NTCOSS by working with appropriate stakeholders and as directed by the Policy Manager, guiding NTCOSS policy staff.

Purpose of the position

The purpose of the NT DFSV Policy Officer Project is to:

• Facilitate consultation with the DFSV sector, and participation by the DFSV sector, in relation to NT DFSV policy development and implementation.
• Research and prepare briefing papers, policy advice and submissions for related consultations and inquiries.
• Provide an advocacy and central coordination role to represent the interests of the sector.
• Promote best practice DFSV resources, knowledge and responses.
• With the NT Government, coordinate the development of strategic responses to address systemic issues relating to DFSV in the NT.
• Promote interagency and inter-sector collaboration across the DFSV specialist and universal service sectors.
• Promote and assist in improving workforce capability and capacity within the DFSV sector.
• Identify gaps in service delivery and current research.
• Provide a central point of contact for government to consult with the DFSV sector.
• Provide opportunities for NT DFSV service providers to share trends, practices and critical issues with each other, with the NT Government, and with the national sector.
• Support the development and delivery of key initiatives under the Framework including those arising from Action Plans 1 and 2, the Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Framework and the NT DFSV Workforce and Sector Development Plan.

statement of duties

• Utilise the mechanisms for identifying policy issues of concern to the social and community sector in the NT.
• Facilitate input by the Social and Community sector, including Aboriginal Controlled Organisations into Government social policy planning, Government Reviews and community consultation processes and the development of NTCOSS submissions and social policy documents.
• Facilitate development of partnership opportunities between Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet and relevant NTG agencies such as Territory Families, Housing and Communities, and the Department of Health, and the NGO sector.
• Represent NTCOSS’s views and policies to Government, the non-government sector and the media.
• Contribute to relevant National Policy discussion.
• Provide input to the development of NTCOSS policy platform, business and strategic planning and reporting, and contributions to NTCOSS publications as required.
• Manage a limited number of DFSV projects, including contract management and staff supervision, as required.
• Provide leadership and guidance to NTCOSS Policy and Project Officers as appropriate.
• Assist Management Team in relation to policy issues as required.
• Other related duties as required by the Policy Manager or Chief Executive Officer.

Position Attributes

• Knowledge and demonstrated understanding of the policies and issues impacting on the social and community sector in the NT including knowledge of the diversity of Aboriginal people in Australia and the issues affecting the wellbeing of Aboriginal people.
• An understanding of current legislation, programmes and policies, and issues impacting Territorians who are on low incomes and those experiencing disadvantage.
• Experience leading and managing people, projects and organisations.
• Experience working within the community sector in the NT, including working with Aboriginal Controlled Organisations.
• Tertiary qualifications in a relevant field, such as social work, social science or similar, in addition to several years’ experience in the human services sector.
• Excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills and the ability to prepare reports, submissions and discussion papers in a timely manner.
• Experience in facilitating and leading strategic consultations, in addition to liaising and networking across a range of stakeholder groups.
• Demonstrated organisational and administrative skills, including excellent time management, planning and problem solving skills, in addition to conflict resolution skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team and collaborate effectively in partnerships with key stakeholders including Government, Social and Community Sector organisations, and Aboriginal Controlled organisations.
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice principles.
• A preparedness to undertake with some interstate and regional travel within the NT.
• A current NT Working with Children Card, current NT driver licence and proof of COVID-19 vaccination status.
• It would also be desirable for the Senior Policy Officer to have post graduate qualifications in a relevant field and experience in leadership and management.

employment information

• Position Reports to: NTCOSS Policy Manager
• Position Location: Darwin or Alice Springs
• Industrial Instrument: The Fair Work Act 2009, Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services industry (SCHCADS) Award 2010 and the Northern Territory Council of Social Service Incorporated Enterprise Agreement 2017.
• Terms of Employment: Full Time (37.5 hours per week).
• Award Classification: Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry (SCHCADS) Award 2010 Social and Community Services Employees Level 6.3
• Salary: Above Award at $117,233 per annum
• Other Basic Entitlements: 11.5% Superannuation paid to a fund of employee choice. 6 weeks annual leave at normal pay plus 17.5% leave loading. Grace leave for the working days occurring between Christmas and New Year public holidays, at normal pay.

Contact [email protected] using the subject line: Senior Policy Officer - Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence - Darwin / Alice Springs enquiry via EthicalJobs or see below for a position description (PDF attached) and application information.

NTCOSS is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from people with diverse backgrounds and life experiences.

Applications will be considered as they are received, and recruitment may be finalised before closing date.

A position description is attached.