SECL imagines a world where everyone is valued and systems operates fairly. We are on a mission to challenge the status quo and create a society where everyone’s contributions are not only recognised but celebrated. We are tearing down those systemic barriers that stand in the way of equal opportunities, especially for migrants, refugees, women and young people.

We are taking action to deliver better social and economic outcomes for the people in our diverse communities. We are all about co-creating opportunities where individuals, regardless of their gender, race, sexual orientation, class and ability can unleash their full potential. Diversity is a strength and by embracing it, we can create a vibrant and inclusive community for everyone.

The Community Connector Program is an innovative, first of its kind community outreach initiative delivered in partnership with Metro Trains and Frankston City Council . The goal of the Community Connector program is to strengthen stations and key public spaces to ensure it is inclusive, safe, and contributes to a vibrant local community.

Due to the success of the program at Dandenong station, we are now expanding to Frankston station precinct with Frankston City Council also partnering with us.

We are seeking dedicated and compassionate Community Connectors to join our team. In this role you will be responsible for providing on-the-ground crisis intervention, assessment, and support to vulnerable individuals and improving access to critical support at Frankston station precinct. You will be integral in building a deeper understanding of the issues people experience and develop a coordinated response with our key stakeholders.

Your Day-to-Day responsibilities:

• Engage in outreach, crisis intervention and case coordination with community members experiencing crisis within the Frankston station precinct
• Conduct thorough assessments to determine the level of risk and appropriate interventions.
• Maintain a positive ongoing stakeholder relationship with local services. Metro, VicPol, transit police, PSO’s and AO’s
• Support frontline Metro staff to utilise a person-centred approach when responding to people who require additional support
• Flexi case management referring community members to local services
• Support Metro staff to build capability to effectively work with community members who present at the station
• Maintain professional boundaries with Metro staff, uphold SECL values and promote SECL as a partner of choice
• Complete Community Connector reporting requirements including but not limited to daily reports and incident reporting
• Assist with the development of case studies as requested by Management
• Apply a disciplined approach to data entry in line with SECL guidelines and ensure privacy and confidentiality compliance
• Facilitate a culturally safe and innovative work environment that values diversity and inclusion
• Engage in formal supervision and professional development

Key skills required to undertake the role:

• Proven experience and broad cross-sector knowledge with min. 3 years’ experience and tertiary qualifications in mental health, AOD, Youth Work or Social Work
• Frontline outreach crisis-intervention experience
• Strong stakeholder management experience
• Excellent rapport building skills, with experience in developing impactful relationships across a range of sectors and with people from diverse backgrounds
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in high pressure environments
• Ability to collaborate with a wide range of professionals and community partners
• Broad contemporary knowledge of relevant services and systems, practice frameworks and a strong commitment to working in an integrated way with diverse communities
• Strong understanding of contemporary AOD, youth and mental health practice

What is in it for you?

• Work Monday to Friday (no weekend or shift work)
• Join a leading community organisation, trusted, respected, and valued by the community and our stakeholders
• Join a first of its kind innovative community outreach program providing impact
• Contribute to a team that strongly believes in advocacy and social change
• Paid parental leave
• Additional leave during Christmas and Easter
• Salary packaging and leave loading
• Have fun with a passionate workforce that is diverse and inclusive

The successful candidate will be required to undertake Safety Screening checks prior to commencement of employment including a national police record check and valid Working with Children Check.

SECL embraces diversity and equal opportunity. We know that getting this right underpins our organisation’s values of inclusion, equality, compassion, dignity and choice. Our team represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills which reflect the multicultural communities where we work. We strive to be a place-based service where people of all ethnicities feel welcomed to work, volunteer or seek help.