Community Development Officer

About Us

SSI is a national not-for-profit organization providing dedicated human and social services to a diverse Australia. With community at the heart of everything we do, our purpose is to create a world in which everyone has access to equal opportunities.

SSI supports individuals, children, families and communities via a range of vital human services from settlement support of newcomers and refugees through to programs in employment and education and health wellbeing and social supports for all Australians, new and old.

About the Role

The Community Development Officer (CDO) reports to the Manager of Community Access in the delivery of the Community Capacity Building and Engagement plan (CCBE).

As a CDO, you will be responsible for working with specific vulnerable and/or hard to reach communities to build capacity and enhance access to local services and supports. The CDO will have a project and event management focus to support the SSI Local Area Coordination Program, closely involved in planning, implementing, and reporting on community engagements and Community Development projects particularly relating to social and economic inclusion of people with disability.

This is a contract position until end June 2025, with a view to potentially extend after this date. 

Key responsibilities:

• Develop and implement community engagement strategies and Community Development projects in targeted areas and communities aimed at achieving sustainable, inclusion focused outcomes for people with disability.
• Introducing initiatives underpinned by the LAC approach that increase inclusion, build capacity and increase the participant’s utilisation of NDIS services.
• Support the Manager CCBD on delivering and reporting on activities and projects in alignment to the CCBE.
• Facilitate and promote culturally responsive capacity building workshops, for NDIS Participants and the community.
• Partner with community leaders and people with disability, their families and carers through community consultations to build on community assets and lead to sustainable inclusion focused outcomes.
• Maintain strong stakeholder relationships and provide people with relevant information and connection to mainstream and community services including opportunities for economic participation.

About You

We’re looking for an experienced community networker with strong project management skills, who can build key relationships to support our Local Area Coordination program in being recognised and valued as an effective partner in the community across its districts.

Essential criteria:

• Tertiary qualifications in Human Services, Community Development, disability, allied health, social work, or community services.
• Experience in the social and community services sector or related field.
• Understanding of the NDIS.
• Demonstrated success in community networking and building stakeholder relationships.
• Understanding of a person-centred approach to service provision, social inclusion, and Community Development principles.
• Lived experience or awareness of the impact of disability upon individuals, families, carers, and the community.
• Demonstrated skills and experience in successful project management and event management.

About our Benefits

• Salary packaging options to receive up to $15,900 of your salary tax-free meaning more take-home pay!
• Industry leading hybrid and flexible working arrangement supporting work from home and office, including the opportunity of a 9-day fortnight.
• Access to in-house training and learning opportunities for professional development and growth.
• Access to our inhouse wellbeing programs
• Working alongside professional and dedicated team members all wanting to make a difference in our communities.

About our Recruitment Process

At SSI we have a zero tolerance for child abuse and is committed to creating and maintaining a child safe organisation where protecting children and preventing and responding to child abuse is embedded in the everyday thinking and practice of all employees, contractors and volunteers. All employees will undergo a National Police Clearance and a Working with Children Check as a condition of employment.

Our commitment to Diversity: 

SSI strives to be an inclusive workplace for all people. We recognise that we operate in a diverse community and welcome and encourage applications from all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse groups, the LGBTIQ+ community, veterans, refugees and people with disability.

To Apply:

If excited by the information above, we look forward to receiving your application, including your resume and cover letter expressing your interest and suitability for the role. Should you require further information about the role please contact ******@ssi.org.au

SSI is a Disability Confident Recruiter, and our Talent Acquisition team can assist in; providing alternative formats to apply, making adjustments to the recruitment process and offering information about workplace adjustments and support networks. Should you require adjustments please email us at ******@ssi.org.au