Community Development Advisor – Part Time

The Surf Coast Shire is located in south-western Victoria, 1.5 hours from Melbourne and 20 minutes south of Geelong, and is the official start of the iconic Great Ocean Road. Our region spans the traditional lands of the Wadawurrung People, and the Gulidjan and Gadubanud Peoples of the Eastern Maar. 

At Surf Coast Shire Council, we care about our people and our community, we exist to support both to thrive. The Surf Coast is a region full of spectacular coastline, scenic rainforests, rural hinterland and magnificent beaches, not to mention the Great Ocean Road. It is one of the tourists draw cards of Australia and among the fastest growing regional municipalities in Victoria.

Our employees enjoy a supportive and connected culture, flexible work-life balance offering hybrid flexible working options, free staff onsite parking and much more.

The Community Health and Development Team are key drivers in Council’s core purpose to help our community and environment to thrive. We are a high functioning, fast paced team focussed on achieving great outcomes in partnership with our community. We do ‘with,’ not ‘for’.

This role is integral in supporting our step change priority of enabling the community. The role drives key, cornerstone Community Development initiatives such as community planning, support for community houses, support for place based networks and delivering the Community Development policy and action plan. 

This role requires relationship building with community groups and as such may be subject to some out of hours work.

Mandatory Qualifications and Experience

• Tertiary qualification and/or at least three years’ experience in Community Development or a related field.
• Experience in the design, monitoring and evaluation of Community Development policies and programs.
• Experience providing advice, training and support to stakeholders in Community Development.
• Experience developing strong relationships with a wide range of stakeholders to achieve shared Community Development goals.
• Ability to effectively plan, manage and prioritise own work with minimum supervision.
• A current driver’s license.
• A current WWCC.
• Police Check results that are suitable for this position (will be arranged by Surf Coast Shire Council). A complete international criminal history check is required if the person has worked or lived overseas for any period of time OR a complete national criminal history check is required if the person has only ever worked in Australia.

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

• Experience in Local Government.

Our employees play a vital role in creating an innovative, safe, respectful and supportive workplace, living our values and delivering exceptional services to our thriving community. Our Council is committed to providing a workplace culture of equity, inclusion and diversity that eliminates all forms of discrimination, harassment and bullying. We value the uniqueness of individuals and provide an environment in which all employees are able to contribute to our success. 

• Flexible working arrangements including working from home and flexi time options

• Career development & learning opportunities, we help our people grow
• Free onsite parking
• Leave loading
• Purchase of additional annual leave
• Employee Assistance Program and award-winning staff wellbeing program.

More information on the role accountabilities, and the key selection criteria can be found in the Position Description above.

How to apply

If you believe you have the knowledge, skills and experience to fulfil this role and would like further information, please contact Breanna Dixon on 0430 295 ***.

Applications should include a:

• cover letter
• statement addressing the selection criteria
• copy of your resume.

Please note that only applications with a statement addressing the selection criteria will be considered for this position.

To apply for this position, you must have the permanent right to live and work in Australia.

Simply complete the application process by clicking the "Apply Now" button and we'll be in touch with you shortly regarding your application.

Applications close at 11.59pm Sunday 17 March 2024

Council embraces diversity and social inclusion and encourages applications from skilled people from all walks of life.

We acknowledge them as the Traditional Owners of the land and we are committed to walking with them, and all First Nations people in our community, towards Reconciliation.

Surf Coast Shire Council is an equal opportunity and child safe employer and completes police checks for all employees.