Community Development Officer

About us

We are a leading Not for Profit organisation with a service delivery area spanning from Wollongong to Eden, across to the Snowy Mountains.

Comprising 8 offices and approximately 80 employees, we own and manager over $1.2 billion worth of assets comprising over 2,300 dwellings.

The opportunity

Reporting to the Communities Assist Manager, the Community Development Officer will be based in Batemans Bay and cover the areas of Batemans Bay, Bega and Cooma.

The position works with tenants and key stakeholders to increase SCH capacity to deliver outcomes that improve the health and wellbeing of tenants across the areas mentioned above.

The successful applicant will be required to travel between the area of Merimbula, Bega, Cooma and Batemans Bay (pool car available for work travel).

Key responsibilities of the role include:

• Provision of advice, support and recommendations to the Communities Assist Manager, and other staff on a range of Community Development matters in accordance with established SCH, policies, procedures and professional standards.
• Liaison and consultation with internal and external parties and translation of this information into actions that result in improved service provision and outcomes for SCH tenants and people that are experiencing homelessness. 
• Participation in data collection and analysis to inform SCH strategic planning.
• Contributing to the effective planning, delivery and evaluation of SCH activities as identified in the annual Communities Assist Operational Plan in consultation with other key SCH Strategic planning documents.
• Using an evidence-based Community Development approach, working effectively with all SCH tenants to encourage community and economic participation.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Experience working with vulnerable people including those with complex needs.
• Strong engagement skills and ability to interact sensitively and effectively with vulnerable groups of people from diverse backgrounds.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain effective relationships in a non-judgmental and positive framework.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Highly developed organisational skills with a strong attention to detail.
• Demonstrated experience working strategically in Community Development or similar context.
• Demonstrated understanding of the practice and principals of Community Development.
• Ability to prepare reports and submissions, including grant applications and disbursement.
• An ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with vulnerable groups of people.
• Willingness to undertake travel to support regional offices and/or undertake professional development activities.

About the Role & Perks of the Job:

• A permanent (28 hrs p.w.) role located in our Batemans Bay office.
• Working for a registered charity (and PBI) you will have access to salary sacrifice (up to the ATO threshold) which can increase your ‘take home’ pay by thousands of dollars.
• Paid study leave program – supporting you to progress at SCH and expand your knowledge. 
• Recognition & Rewards program – rewarding our high achievers! 
• Journey Insurance – covering you as you travel to & from work.
• Annual retreats – to forge positive working relationships with your peers and give everyone an opportunity to contribute to our organisation’s future strategies.
• Employee Assistance Program, offering free and confidential counselling and support to you and your immediate family, for anything you need – including personal (non-work related) struggles.

Essential Qualifications and Licensing:

• Unrestricted Driver’s license.
• Current Working with Children Check.
• Criminal record check providing suitable clearance to work with vulnerable members of the community.

How to Apply:

• Submit your application via Seek.
• 2 Documents required in PDF format: Resume + cover letter (Attn: Hollie Dykes) addressing selection criteria.

 A full copy of the Position Description is available by emailing *******@scch.org.au.

Applications close 5pm Wednesday 15th of March 2024.

Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. If we identify suitable applicants prior to the posted closing date for this role we reserve the right to close this position sooner without notice. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply for this job.

SCH is committed to ensuring that our workplace is safe and free from known risks to the health and safety of our clients and employees. Please note all appointments are subject to a safety screening process, including a Working with Children Check, Police Records Check and COVID vaccination certificate.