About the role

This is a permanent, full-time position working 35 hours per week (Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm) and will be based at the Nowra Administration Building.

The position works effectively and with sensitivity in matters and issues relating to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and communities. Work with internal and external stakeholders to improve and promote identity, belonging, active participation and social connect to support and enhance the wellbeing of the residents in the Shoalhaven Local Government Area.

This is a designated Aboriginal position as authorised by Shoalhaven City Council’s EEO Management Plan and Aboriginal Employment Strategy in accordance with Part 9A of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW).

The advertised salary is based on the grade of the position, comprising of 4 steps within each grade shown. The grade on commencement will be contingent on the successful applicant’s qualifications and experience as outlined in the job description. The starting salary is at Step 1 within the commencing grade. Progression through the salary steps is based on the achievement of performance objectives relating to the position.

Duties

Reporting directly to the Lead – Community Capacity Building, the focus of this position is:

• Cultural advocacy – provide guidance on community cultural protocols and practices, and guidance supporting council teams in gaining cultural advice from trusted community sources.
• Community connections – support the building and strengthening of relationships between Aboriginal community members and council’s Community Connections team to ensure respectful engagement, collaboration, and representation.
• Policy Development – provide advice to council teams, as part of the review and development of policies, to support good practice in cultural inclusion.
• Cultural events and recognition – support the planning and delivery of culturally significant events, such as NAIDOC Week, and ensure appropriate recognition of Aboriginal culture and heritage in council’s community activities.
• Elders and community leadership engagement – facilitate ongoing dialogue with Aboriginal Elders and community leaders to ensure initiatives and partnerships are informed by community, their priorities, and cultural protocols and practices.

*Please refer to the attached job description for a full list of specific duties and responsibilities performed in this role*

Skills & Experience

In order to be successful in the position, you will possess:

• Qualification in one of the following disciplines: Community Development, Social Science, Social Work, Social Planning, Aboriginal Affairs or other related fields, or equivalent combined with relevant extensive work experience in these fields. Equivalent cultural knowledge, experience and expertise will be considered in place of formal qualifications.
• Experience in designing, delivering, and evaluating a range of Community Capacity Building programs or initiatives that meet identified community social outcomes.
• Experience working collaboratively with a range of stakeholder groups including all levels of government, community service providers and community groups to produce initiatives that benefit the community.
• Demonstrated success in establishing and maintaining productive working relationships with all internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated understanding of local Aboriginal culture, community protocols, and historical and contemporary issues affecting local Aboriginal communities.
• Experience working with local Aboriginal communities, Elders and stakeholder to support meaningful engagement, self-determination, and culturally safe practices.

This is a grade range position, therefore in accordance with qualifications, accreditation, experience and demonstrated skills, the prospective employee will be assessed as either Grade 9 or 10.

• Grade 9 - $80,125 - $93,275
• Grade 10 - $88,494 - $101,649

Grade 9

• Diploma in one of the following disciplines: Community Development, Social Science, Social Work, Social Planning, Aboriginal Affairs or other related fields, and/or demonstrated work and study experience meeting equivalent performance indicators of this Grade. Equivalent cultural knowledge, experience and expertise will be considered in place of formal qualifications.
• Demonstrated experience working collaboratively with a range of stakeholder groups including Local Government, State and Federal Government Agencies, community service providers and community groups to produce initiatives that benefit community.

Grade 10

• Tertiary qualification in one of the following disciplines: Community Development, Social Science, Social Work, Social Planning, Aboriginal Affairs or other related fields, or equivalent combined with relevant extensive work experience in these fields. Equivalent cultural knowledge, experience and expertise will be considered in place of formal qualifications.
• Extensive experience working collaboratively with a range of stakeholder groups including all levels of government, community service providers and community groups to produce initiatives that benefit the community.
• Demonstrated experience and adept in often complex, group facilitation and conflict management processes to achieve desired outcomes.

This position requires a Current Class C Driver’s Licence.

This position requires a current NSW Working with Children Check. Applicants are required to apply and pay for this check if not already obtained.

*Please refer to the attached job description for a full list of essential skills & experiences required to successfully perform this role*

About Shoalhaven City Council

Shoalhaven City Council is a dynamic organisation serving a large and diverse community; limitless opportunity exists for an exciting and rewarding career. The Shoalhaven is located just 2 hours from Sydney and 2.5 hours from Canberra. The Shoalhaven is home to 104,000 people and comprises of 49 unique towns and villages. It is a place of great natural beauty and offers an enviable lifestyle and positive work-life balance.

Benefits

We are committed to creating a positive culture and strong team environment, and offer a range of benefits:

• Generous Leave Entitlements
• Long Service Leave After 5 Years
• 9 Day Fortnight for Outdoor Staff
• Flexitime for Indoor Staff
• Remote Working Arrangements
• Fitness Passport
• Novated Lease Arrangements
• Discounted Private Health Insurance
• Training and Development Programs

How to Apply

You will be required to submit an online application by attaching your resume (please ensure you submit in Word or PDF format) and respond to questions regarding general information about you.

In addition, you will be required to demonstrate how you satisfy the requirements of the position by answering the below questions relevant to the essential criteria as outlined in the job advertisement.

For more information on the application process, please visit how to apply on Councils website.

1. At Shoalhaven City Council our corporate core values are: Collaboration, Adaptability, Integrity and Respect. Please choose one value and advise how you have enacted this value in a professional setting.
2. Do you identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander?
3. Briefly describe your experience in community development projects?
4. Please describe your experience working collaboratively with a range of different stakeholders on a project.
5. This position requires an NSW Working With Children Check, please provide your Working With Children Check number.

Contact: Carly McWalters – Lead – Community Capacity Building (02) 4429 3418.

Shoalhaven City Council is an equal opportunity employer committed to embracing diversity and inclusion, and encourages applications from people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.

Shoalhaven City Council is a Child Safe Organisation that recognises and advocates for the rights of children and young people and are committed to providing a safe workplace.

When your application has been submitted completely, you will receive a confirmation email.