Community Leader

L’ARCHE BENDIGO

POSITION DESCRIPTION 

Position title:                L’Arche Bendigo Community Leader 

Responsible to:            L’Arche Victoria Board 

Status:                            Full-Time

The Community Leader is responsible, under the direction of the Board, and with the support and supervision from the National Leader and Board Chairperson, for: 

• Leading the Community of L’Arche Bendigo as a faith based community in fulfilling the L’Arche Identity & Mission while adhering to its governance principles (Appendix 1); 
• Living the role of Community Leader in the L’Arche Community and facilitating community events and;
• Serving the Community to ensure that it is an efficient and viable organization that operates in legal and statutory parameters.

Key responsibilities and duties 

• Acknowledging the Community as one of faith, welcoming people with and without disability from all faith traditions. 
• Provide leadership to fellow community members and people in paid roles, in fulfilling the L’Arche Identity & Mission while adhering to its Charter and values. 
• Develop and implement innovative programs to enhance Community life.
• In conjunction with the NDIS Coordinator oversee the delivery of high-quality disability support services to members living with the experience of a disability and their families in line with the requirements of the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
• Coordinate and facilitate community gatherings and attract people to join the Community.
• Structure workload responsibilities and duties to incorporate a rhythm of life that builds your community member relationships through an active presence in households.
• One day a week, provide direct support to members living with the experience of a disability.
• To participate in Supervision from the Board chair and National Leader on a regular basis.
• Under the broad direction of the Board, ensure the efficiency and viability of the organisation, and in particular:
• Support the Community in developing and implementing the mandate and strategic plan, 
• Develop, implement and report on the strategic plan and budget approved by the Board, 
• Lead and support employees in delivering programs and activities, and in participating in the life of the community.
• Work with the National Leader, Community Council and members of other L’Arche communities to support the growth of community and spiritual life in L’Arche more broadly.
• Ensure that all Community activities comply with L’Arche rules, policies and procedures and with the law.
• Undertake other activities to advance the L’Arche Identity and Mission, at the request of the Board.

Selection criteria

• An understanding of, and commitment to the L’Arche Identity and Mission or a willingness to develop an understanding.
• A demonstrated commitment to the L’Arche model of community life, or a willingness to make that commitment to living the role of Community Leader.
• An understanding of, and ability to promote, the valued place in society of people with intellectual disabilities.
• Demonstrated leadership, management skills and experience in leading a community organisation in the area of disability and in particular, demonstrated:

• Integrate with the existing team during the time of change and the ability to lead the change.
• Ability to delegate authority, exercise accountability and work collaboratively within a community   organisation and with its stakeholders. 
• Ability to show respect, trust, openness, inclusion and unity. 
• Ability to manage significant administrative and financial responsibilities
• Ability to navigate the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) landscape. 
• Understanding the NDIS Audit Process. 

• Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to build productive internal and external working relationships.
• Ability to confidently promote L’Arche publically to the wider community.

Qualifications 

• Relevant tertiary qualifications are desirable.
• At least five years’ experience in roles with significant responsibilities in organisational leadership, management and accountability in the area of disability
• Current Australian Driver’s license.
• First Aid Certificate and NDIS Workers Screening

Remuneration

SCHADS Award Level 4, Pay Point 4, or by negotiation based on experience and qualifications (plus Super 11% and 4 weeks leave loading)

Personal attributes.  The Community Leader will:

Possess high ethical standards, is trustworthy and maintains confidentiality.

Have a commitment to building connections with people with and without an intellectual disability.

Demonstrate diligence and self-motivation.

Work flexible hours.

Application process: Please provide a:

• CV (must include full employment history, education, qualifications and name and contact details of 2 referees),
• Covering letter addressing the Key Responsibilities and duties and the selection criteria.

Closing date: 5pm AEST, Friday 12th July, 2024.

For additional information and requests for an application package please email Jim Rolfe, L’Arche Victoria Vice Chairperson - *********@gmail.com

Email applications to Jim Rolfe, L’Arche Victoria Vice Chairperson, at: *********@gmail.com

The L’Arche Bendigo Discernment team will consider all nominations and applications and shortlisted applications will be interviewed with final approval by the L’Arche Victoria Board of Directors.

APPENDIX 1 

Our Identity 

We are people, with and without intellectual disabilities, sharing life in communities belonging to an International Federation. Mutual relationships and trust in God are at the heart of our journey together. We celebrate the unique value of every person and recognize our need for one another. 

Our Mission 

In our local communities, in our countries and at the Federation level, we work together to: 

• Make known the gifts of people with intellectual disabilities revealed through mutually transforming relationships.

• Foster an environment in community that responds to the changing needs of our members, while being faithful to the core values of our founding story. 

• Engage in our diverse cultures, working together towards a more human society. 

Our Governance 

The principles of governance in L’Arche, based on 50 years of experience and re-affirmed through the international Constitution, guide our practices. 

• Servant leadership: Roles and structures of the Federation are at the service of the mission. People are called to leadership for limited terms after discernment processes. Those in authority gain wisdom through listening and taking counsel. 

• Partnership: Trust and collaboration operate freely within L’Arche. The structures are to foster that dynamic and embrace the partnerships among the spiritual, legal, financial, and communal elements. 

• Subsidiarity: Matters affecting L’Arche are dealt with at the most appropriate level closest to the people affected, and only when they cannot be solved in that context are they referred to another level. 

• Accountability: Those who hold specific responsibility and authority in L’Arche must be accountable to report back to the individual(s) or body through whom authority was given. Accountability is about being responsible and being linked to the wider body. It is also about taking responsibility for the consequences of one’s actions. 

• Participation: Effective communication is essential in L’Arche. Processes are defined, published, and open. They include people with and without intellectual disabilities. 

• Inculturation: L’Arche communities live in various cultures. L’Arche embraces this diversity while engaging in an on-going process of reciprocal and critical interaction, adaptation and challenge. 

• Solidarity: All in L’Arche share a common humanity and a fundamental equality. We have a shared responsibility for each other and are committed to the common good.