Community Engagement Officer

Hymba Yumba Independent School (HYIS) provides a unique opportunity to be part of a new approach to education and community development of First Nations young people and their families in Springfield and the wider community. 

HYIS is deeply committed to ‘ First Nations Education for First Nations people’s’. Underpinning this commitment is the positive traditions of the Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples with our fourCore Principles of Respect – Myself, My Family, My Community and My Country at the heart of the role.

It is expected that the ‘Community Engagement Officer’ as part of a team contributes to the positive, effective and efficient development of Hymba Yumba as a vibrant and engaged educational community embedded in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF POSITION

The Community Engagement Officer is responsible for delivering most aspects of HYIS’s Community Engagement strategy particularly via a liaison function. This involves assisting with special events, including presentations to School staff, students and their parents. The Community Engagement Officer also assists with the organisation of HYIS’s presence at community events, local networks or Interagency’s and with the development and implementation of promotional activities that support HYIS’s Community Engagement strategy.

SKILLS, ABILITIES AND APTITUDE

□ Experience in First Nations community development frameworks and working with First Nations people 

□ Extensive experience or connection to the local First Nations community in Springfield and its surrounding suburbs 

□ Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal 

□ High level organisational skills and attention to detail 

□ Demonstrated capacity to work effectively in a team as well as autonomously 

□ Capacity to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion 

□ A proactive approach demonstrating personal initiative, adaptability and time management skills. 

□ Dedication to the provision of high quality customer service and support to key stakeholders, including staff, students and their families, internal and external customers/suppliers 

□ Communicates professionally and engages with respect with colleagues, management and stakeholders

□ Experience in working collaboratively with people from diverse cultural backgrounds. 

□ Possession of at least a ‘C’ Class driver’s license 

□ Must have “Blue Card – Working with Children” card and/or be prepared to apply for “Blue Card

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Community Engagement Officer is responsible for the following: 

• Supporting the Chief Executive Officer and members of the Executive Team in the delivery of HYIS’s school liaison function and HYIS’s Community Engagement strategy. 

• Strengthening support between the School Administration and School Community by delivering responsive and integrated services to meet the School community’s needs through the building of partnerships with local services. 

• Contribute to the development of appropriate presentations and training material about the role and operation of HYIS for use in schools and at other events. 

• Give presentations on HYIS’s behalf to careers advisors, students, and parents as required. 

• Assist HYIS in the delivery of other events such as community NAIDOC celebrations that link HYIS with community stakeholders and build HYIS’s profile in the higher education sector. 

• Represent HYIS in local networks and interagency meetings and support School campaigns like enrolment and attendance.

Administrative Responsibilities 

• Maintain appropriate records and prepare reports as required. 

• Participate in HYIS cross-agency meetings as required. 

• Ensure that adequate supplies of appropriate print material and other resources necessary for distribution at schools and other events, are available at all times.

To be considered for this opportunity you must have: 

• Extensive experience or connection to the local First Nation community in Springfield and its surrounding suburbs 

• Experience in First Nation community development frameworks and working with First Nations people 

• A valid full driver’s license (C Class) 

• Must have “Blue Card – Working with Children” card 

• Ability to work outside of normal office hours as and when required 

• Ability to work on a weekend as and when required

This position has been identified as a position to be filled by an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person as the role requires the person to liaise with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and communities and provide advice to management and staff on specific cultural and management issues pertaining to Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It is an occupational requirement that this position be filled by an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person as permitted and arguable under Sections 25, 104, and 105 of the Queensland Anti-Discrimination Act 1991.