Description

Community Engagement Officer, Connected Beginnings (Identified)

1 FT Permanent – Based in Cairns

Salary: Wuchopperen Health Service Limited Enterprise Agreement (2023)

Social and Community Services Grade 5 Salary $96,675.80 – $101,056.39 per annum

Wuchopperen Health Service

‘Keeping Our Generations Growing Strong’

Wuchopperen is a Community Controlled Aboriginal Health Organisation providing holistic health care services to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of Cairns.

Benefits of working with Wuchopperen:

We provide a positive work culture and a diverse and inclusive environment. Our people matter to us, and we are committed to supporting them:
Competitive Salary + 12% Super + Salary Sacrifice (up to $15,899 for tax free benefits and $2,650 p/a for-entertainment benefits).
5 weeks annual leave and 15 days personal leave pro rata.
Commitment to professional development.
EAP for employees and family members.

About the role:

The objective of the Connected Beginnings program is to support the integration of early childhood, maternal and child health, and family support services with schools in a number of disadvantaged Indigenous communities so that children are well prepared for school. Over time, this will contribute to reducing the disparity in school readiness and educational outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous children.

The Community Engagement Officer is supervised by the Coordinator, Connected Beginnings, and the position has no supervisory responsibilities.

This position works closely with other members of the Children and Family Services and maintains regular contact with other program staff to ensure effective outcomes for clients.

Key responsibilities:

Work with Coordinator and Administration Project officer to undertake service mapping exercise during the implementation phase of the Connected Beginnings Program.
From the service mapping exercise in the implementation phase, promotion and marketing of maternal and early childhood health, education and care services with a specific focus on best cultural fit and safety for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and their families.
Information Packs for local families to be distributed at community events, community playgroups and BBQs, drop in mornings and afterschool at Wuchopperen, local parks and other identified locations, kindergartens and schools and to targeted client group including pregnant mums in health clinics.
Facilitate Community events / gatherings across Cairns Region to strengthen community and stakeholder engagement.
Attendance at local community events as per Wuchopperen and Cairns community calendar of events, such as NAIDOC, Aboriginal and Islander Children’s Day and Under 8’s week.
Promote Connected Beginnings Program by attending relevant group activities (Men’s and Women’s groups), Early Years Collective groups and forums, and Local Level Alliance Networks.
Referral pathways to programs and services and offer alternatives to support families and children whilst on the waitlist. Support internal and external referrals to maternal and child health and wellbeing, allied health, early childhood education and care, family and parenting support.
Participate in organisational and community activities to advance the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Work within Wuchopperen’s Policies and Procedures including the Staff Code of Conduct and the Work Health and Safety requirements and contribute to continuous improvement processes to ensure compliance with relevant standards and safe, effective service delivery.
Other duties as required, within your skills, experience and capacity.

Core Capabilities:

For applicants to be successful in this role, they should demonstrate:

1. Demonstrated experience in program planning, development, evaluation and implementation preferably in an education or primary health care environment with the ability to maintain positive stakeholder and community relationships.

2. Knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander societies and cultures from an historical and contemporary perspective, including the ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

3. Knowledge of programs that support culturally appropriate practice in the delivery of an integrated service system across health, education and family services Extensively developed interpersonal and communication skills including the ability to liaise with a range of stakeholders as well as effectively advocate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

4. Extensively developed interpersonal and communication skills including the ability to liaise with a range of stakeholders as well as effectively advocate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

5. Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a multi-disciplinary team environment, prioritise and meet deadlines, deal with matters of a sensitive and confidential nature.

6. Demonstrated ability to meet and work within the core values and behaviours of Wuchopperen.

Qualifications and experience:

Tertiary qualifications or 5 years’ experience in Education, Community Engagement, and community-controlled health sectors, or related area.
Proof of qualifications is required to be provided prior to the commencement of duty.

Requirements:

It is a condition of employment in this role for the employee to be, and remain, vaccinated against measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chicken pox), pertussis (whooping cough) and hepatitis B
It is recommended for employees to be vaccinated against COVID 19.
The Community Engagement Officer is an Identified position. It is a genuine occupational requirement that an Identified position be filled by an Aboriginal person or Torres Strait Islander person, as permitted by and arguable under section 25, 104 and 105 of the Queensland Anti-Discrimination Act (1991).
Possession of a current CPR certificate or commitment to obtain within the first six weeks of employment is essential.
Possession of a current Queensland “CA” class driver’s licence is essential.
Commitment to work within the principles of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community control including a willingness to develop the leadership of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff.
Ability to use Microsoft products and the ability to use or willingness to gain proficiency in the client information management systems.
Hold a current Blue Card (for suitability to work with children and young people).

Applicants who do not address these requirements, will not be considered for shortlisting.

Note: Revised legislation requires applicants to hold a blue card prior to commencement. Refer to Qld Government’s Blue Card Services website for more information.

How to apply:

To be eligible for interview, applicants must submit a cover letter (no more than two pages), addressing the Core Capabilities and an up-to-date Resume including two referees and complete the screening questions provided from Employment Hero.

For more information contact Kerry Archer, Acting Children and Family Services on 07 4255 6406

The above is an Identified position. It is a genuine occupational requirement that an Identified position be filled by an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person, as permitted by and arguable under section 25, 104 and 105 of the Queensland Anti-Discrimination Act (1991).

Wuchopperen is a Child Safe Organisation, and the safety and wellbeing of children is of utmost importance.

Closing date for applications: 5pm on Monday 14 April 2025

Role Type

On-site • Permanent • Full-time • Other

Pay Rate

96675.8 AUD – 101056.39 AUD (Annum)

Company Overview

Keeping our generations growing strong

Wuchopperen Health Service Limited

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Community Engagement Officer - Connected Beginnings (Identified)