Community Education Officer

Role: Community Education Officer 

Term: Contract to June 30, 2025

Award: Social, Community, Home Care, and Disability Services Industry Award (SCHADS)

Level: Level 4 - 5 dependent on experience 

Employment Status: 0.4FTE 

Location: PCT is headquartered in Hobart, however, all Tasmanian locations will be considered for the right candidate,

Reports to: Grief and Loss Program(s) Manager 

About Palliative Care Tasmania

Palliative Care Tasmania (PCT) is the peak body committed to achieving quality palliative care and end of life care for all Tasmanians. We work collaboratively with our members to ensure all Tasmanians have equitable access to timely care and support based on their individual needs and wishes.

Our Purpose: To support & represent Tasmanians with a life limiting illness, together with their communities, to live, die and grieve well.
Our Vision: For all Tasmanians to experience quality palliative care in a compassionate community.
Our Values: Community, Connection, Compassion, Innovation & Action.

What we do:

• We aim to empower the community through awareness, information, and engagement.
• We strive to support and develop the workforce with ongoing and responsive education and training.
• We are the leading voice for our sector and for all Tasmanians affected by a life-limiting illness.
• We advocate for service provision and its future development.

PCT is one of eight member organisations of Palliative Care Australia. 

About the Learning Through Loss Program: 

Most young people experience grief and loss for the first time before turning 18. Learning Through Loss is a free, state-wide training program aimed at professionals and volunteers who work with young people, providing them with the tools to support youth in navigating these challenging experiences safely. Originally launched as a pilot in July 2022, Learning Through Loss has garnered substantial engagement from schools and organisations in Tasmania. In May 2024, the program received expanded funding, enabling the introduction of a Community Education & Engagement Officer role.
For more information about Learning Through Loss, visit www.learningthroughloss.org.au.

Position Overview: 

We are looking for a passionate and experienced educator to join our team. As the Community Education Officer, you will play a crucial role in delivering grief literacy education and engaging communities to foster connectedness and resilience. In your role, you will also assist the Grief and Loss Program(s) Manager with administration, stakeholder management, and the development of resources and content. This role is ideal for someone with a deep understanding of the needs of children and young people, who is confident in delivering education and facilitating discussion, and who is passionate about talking about difficult topics such as death, grief, and loss. 

Key Responsibilities 

1. Facilitate Learning Through Loss Training Sessions: Lead engaging and impactful Learning Through Loss training sessions for school staff, volunteers, and professionals within education, health, and community sectors.
2. Provide Administrative Support and Stakeholder Management: Assist the Grief and Loss Program(s) Manager by providing administrative support and efficiently managing stakeholder interactions to ensure seamless program delivery.
3. Nurture Partnerships and Stakeholder Relationships: Cultivate strong and enduring relationships with schools, community organisations, and network groups to foster collaboration and support for the Learning Through Loss program.
4. Conduct Statewide Travel and Overnight Stays: Travel across the state to conduct training sessions, demonstrating adaptability and willingness to stay overnight when required to ensure broad program accessibility.
5. Contribute to Resource Development and Content Creation: Collaborate with the Learning Through Loss Manager to develop compelling written resources and content that enhance the effectiveness of training sessions and support program objectives.

General team requirements: 

• Work collaboratively with PCT staff by contributing to the ongoing development and improvement of PCT brand positioning, sector development and education strategies.
• Build and sustain positive working relationships with a range of key internal and external stakeholders, including liaising with external agencies to support the achievement of PCT priorities and project activities.
• Maintain accurate records and report on PCT project activities, including monitoring effectiveness, as required. 
• Be an active PCT team member and contribute to organisational planning, participate in professional development activities, and support team members where appropriate.
• Represent PCT on relevant working groups and committees.
• Other duties as required to support PCT’s strategic objectives.

Key Selection Criteria 

• Experience in Facilitation and Training Delivery: Proven ability to deliver engaging and interactive training sessions tailored to diverse audiences, including children, adolescents, parents, and professionals. This includes the capacity to create safe and supportive learning environments conducive to discussing sensitive topics.
• History of Working with Young People to Support Their Wellbeing: Demonstrated experience in working with children and/or young people to support their emotional and psychological wellbeing. This could include providing direct support, guidance, and counselling to children and adolescents facing various challenges, including but not limited to grief and loss. Experience may include roles in schools, youth organisations, community centres, or similar settings, where the candidate has actively engaged with young people to promote their overall wellbeing and resilience.
• Comprehensive understanding of the needs of children and young people: The candidate should hold a comprehensive understanding of the developmental stages, attachment theory, and the nervous system. They should feel confident in applying this understanding in a teaching context where trainees are sharing case studies and in some situations their lived experience. 
• Independent and self-motivated: Ability to work autonomously and effectively manage responsibilities. This includes the capacity to plan and organise travel logistics, prioritise tasks, and meet deadlines without direct supervision. The candidate should be self-motivated, proactive, and able to maintain productivity while working remotely or in diverse environments. They should also possess strong problem-solving skills and the resilience to navigate challenges that may arise during travel or while working independently.
• Administrative Proficiency: Strong organisational and administrative skills to efficiently manage tasks such as scheduling, record-keeping, and resource management. Experience with relevant software applications, such as CRM systems and Microsoft Office Suite, is highly desirable.
• Resource Development and Writing Skills: Strong writing and editing skills to create high-quality educational resources, including training materials, handouts, and informational guides. Experience in developing curriculum content or educational materials is advantageous.
• Understanding of Ethical Guidelines and Child Safety: Sound knowledge of ethical guidelines, Child Safety approaches, and best practices in providing support to children and adolescents, particularly concerning confidentiality, consent, and duty of care.
• Passion for Child and Adolescent Wellbeing: Genuine passion for supporting the emotional and psychological well-being of children and adolescents experiencing grief and loss, coupled with a commitment to building the capacity of others in this field.
• Flexibility, and Willingness to Travel: Must be open to regular travel, including traveling statewide, and a flexible attitude towards work arrangements, which may include nights away from home as necessary. The candidate should possess a current driver's license (a car is provided for travel and all expenses are covered).   
• Commitment to Collaboration, Community Engagement, and Connection Building: Must hold an authentic enthusiasm for working collaboratively with diverse communities, fostering meaningful connections, and actively participating in community engagement initiatives. The candidate should exhibit a genuine willingness to immerse themselves in various communities, building trust, and nurturing relationships to support the wellbeing of children, adolescents, and families. This includes a proactive approach to engaging with stakeholders, attending community events, and actively contributing to network meetings to strengthen partnerships and enhance service delivery. 

Desirable: 

• Lived Experience: Desirable for the candidate to feel comfortable and confident sharing their personal experience of grief and loss during training sessions, particularly if they experienced bereavement during childhood or adolescence. We have found that using real-life examples strengthens the impact of education. 
• Professional Registration: Desirable for the candidate to be registered with a relevant professional body such as the Australian Counselling Association (ACA), Australian Psychological Society (APS) or the AASW (Australian Association of Social Workers). 

Qualifications:  
• Minimum bachelor's degree in counselling, social work, or psychology. 
• Minimum 4 years of experience working with children and/or young people.

Why Join Us:

• Join a team that believes in the power of collaboration, where your ideas and contributions are truly valued.
• Be a part of a team that values creativity and encourages innovative thinking.
• We're committed to the professional development of our team members, providing opportunities to learn, grow, and advance within the organisation.
• We offer a competitive salary package and comprehensive benefits to recognise and reward your hard work.

Ready to embark on an exciting journey with us?  

If you have any questions about the role please contact Grief & Loss Program(s) Manager Jess Sanders by emailing ************@pct.org.au or calling 6231 2799.

Apply for this role by responding to the key selection criteria in the attached position description via a cover letter and email both your cover letter and CV to ************@pct.org.au 

Applications close July 1st, however, applications will be assessed as they are received and the position may be filled by the closing date.

Our workplace reflects the diverse community we serve. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, experiences, and abilities.

Please do not apply via Seek.