Community Liaison Officer

Community Liaison Officer (Identified Role), Gandangara Alcohol and other Drug Hub – Expression of Interest 

Gandangara Local Aboriginal Land Council (GLALC)’s main objective, for each of our Members, is to improve, foster and protect the best interests of all Aboriginal persons. We provide a range of health & wellbeing services, hold public meetings, promote Aboriginal culture and heritage and provide a culturally safe place for our Members to come together to yarn, connect and feel they belong. 

About Gandangara Health Service (GHS) 

Gandangara Health Services Ltd (GHS) is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service Organisation (ACCHO) serving the South-Western Sydney community. GHS provides a variety of cultural, clinical, and allied primary health services that are grounded in cultural protocols and co-created with the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people we serve.  

Through our culturally safe and culturally capable model of care, we deliver services in a way that promotes holistic health and wellbeing outcomes, self-determination, and control. Grounded in trauma-informed principles, our service provision provides connection in a psychologically safe and non-judgemental space. GHS' services honour Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people's multi-dimensional concept of social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB), emphasising the importance of connection to land, culture, spirituality, ancestry, family, and community. 

The Opportunity 

The Community Liaison Officer plays a pivotal role in facilitating culturally sensitive, holistic, and trauma-informed support to First Peoples with health-related substance issues in South West Sydney (SWS). Through collaborative engagement with individuals with lived experience, community members, and stakeholders, this role aims to empower participants on their unique recovery journeys while contributing to community awareness and evidence-based research.  

By drawing upon participants' strengths, lived experience, cultural heritage, and connections to family, culture, and country, the role will improve participants’ overall quality of life and well-being. Importantly, service design and delivery will be shaped by and with individuals with lived experience of Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) issues, ensuring relevance and effectiveness. 

About You  

We are seeking a compassionate individual to facilitate culturally sensitive, trauma-informed support programs for First Peoples grappling with substance misuse issues in South West Sydney. Collaborating closely with individuals, community members, and stakeholders, you will guide participants on their recovery journeys while integrating theoretical knowledge in community engagement and development principles into program design. Your role will encompass various Community Liaison activities, such as building relationships, understanding community needs, and executing initiatives to boost local participation and access to services. 

Utilising your expertise in lived experience and person-centered approaches, you will seamlessly incorporate best practice frameworks into program delivery, crafting tailored support plans, monitoring progress, and assessing effectiveness. Emphasising empowerment and self-determination, you will actively assist individuals, families, and carers in achieving their goals. Each person's recovery journey will be uniquely supported, drawing upon their strengths, cultural connections, and family/community ties, while collaborating with local service providers and health supports to enhance their overall well-being and quality of life. Additionally, you will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to facilitate community meetings, peer support, and workshops, fostering collaboration and meaningful outcomes.

Essential Criteria 

1. This is an identified Aboriginal Position. The person performing the role must be of Aboriginal descent and will need to demonstrate Aboriginality. The exception in section 14(d) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW) applies as the role involves providing Aboriginal people with services for the purpose of promoting their welfare and such services can most effectively be provided by a person who is also Aboriginal.   
2. Tertiary qualifications in Community Development, AOD, Social Work, or related area:  A Bachelor degree or associate diploma with relevant and equivalent level of expertise and experience. 
3. Demonstrated experience working in the AOD sector or similar.  
4. Lived experience is additionally acknowledged as an OPTIONAL but highly valued criterion, offering insight and understanding that can greatly enhance the effectiveness and empathy of support provided to individuals on their AOD recovery journey. 
5. Demonstrated Community Liaison skills, with a strong theoretical foundation in community engagement and development principles. Exhibits a proven track record in undertaking diverse Community Liaison activities to facilitate positive outcomes for individuals and communities, highlighting the ability to effectively engage and collaborate with various stakeholders. 
6. Demonstrated experience in undertaking a range of Community Liaison activities to assist individuals and communities to reach a desired outcome. 
7. Possesses superior knowledge (and application) of best practice frameworks related to lived experience framework, recovery model, and person-centered approach, showcasing a deep understanding of the importance of centering individuals' experiences and needs in program design and delivery. 
8. Demonstrated exceptional interpersonal and oral communication skills, along with superior problem-solving ability, negotiation skills, ethical conduct, and the capacity to build rapport and relate effectively with diverse individuals and groups. 
9. Showcases strong group facilitation skills, enabling the effective coordination of workshops, focus groups, and community meetings to foster collaboration and drive meaningful outcomes. 
10. Demonstrated expertise in developing support plans, tracking progress, monitoring outcomes, and evaluating effectiveness to ensure tailored and impactful interventions. 
11. Ability to work independently and within a multidisciplinary team. 
12. Empowerment and Goal Achievement. Demonstrated ability to support individuals, families, and carers in building skills, confidence, and achieving their person-centered goals, emphasising empowerment and self-determination. 
13. Possess proficient IT skills, including the ability to utilise a range of devices and software applications effectively to support program administration and communication needs. 
14. Exhibit demonstrated competency in entering information into databases accurately and efficiently, as well as in generating timely and comprehensive reports to inform decision-making and program evaluation. 
15. Displays excellent time management and organisational abilities, ensuring efficient and effective delivery of program activities and commitments. 
16. Full NSW Drivers Licence and the ability to travel to local communities and events if required. 
17. Willingness to obtain a National Police Check. 
18. Current NSW employee Working with Children Check clearance in accordance with the Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012 (NSW). 

Attributes Required 
Passion for AOD Recovery Support: Genuine dedication and passion for supporting individuals with alcohol and/or other drug misuse issues on their recovery journey, demonstrating empathy, understanding, and a commitment to fostering positive change. 

AOD-Informed Cultural Sensitivity: Ability to respect and understand diverse cultural backgrounds, particularly of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and apply culturally appropriate approaches in supporting individuals on their AOD recovery journey. 

Recovery-Focused Community Engagement: Proven experience in engaging with individuals, families, and communities affected by AOD issues to understand their needs and facilitate positive outcomes through collaboration and support. 

Exceptional interpersonal and oral communication skills to build rapport, negotiate effectively, and provide empathetic support to individuals navigating their AOD recovery journey. 

Solution-Oriented Problem-Solving to address complex issues related to AOD use, finding practical solutions, and promoting sustainable recovery outcomes for individuals and communities. 

Collaborative Team Engagement: Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team focused on AOD recovery and engage stakeholders to coordinate efforts and achieve common goals in supporting recovery. 

Excellent time management and organisational skills to ensure efficient program delivery, including tracking progress, monitoring outcomes, and adapting strategies as needed to support individuals in their AOD recovery journey. 

Lived experience is additionally acknowledged as an OPTIONAL but highly valued criterion, offering insight and understanding that can greatly enhance the effectiveness and empathy of support provided to individuals on their AOD recovery journey.  

Benefits 

• Commitment to Life. Work. Harmony 
• Non for Profit and Charity Tax Exemption equivalent to a Tax FREE threshold of $18,549 - Salary packaging options with EZIWAY 
• Opportunities to develop and progress your career 
• Employee Assistance Program 
• Continued Professional Development internal & external training 
• Supportive & friendly working culture 

How to Apply 

If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of First Peoples and possess the skills and experience required for this role, we invite you to submit your expression of interest. Please include a cover letter addressing the selection criteria and a detailed resume outlining your qualifications and achievements. 

If you have any questions about this role, please contact Angela Spithill on Ph: (02) 9601 0***.  

Note: GLALC is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from First Peoples candidates. Applicants must have the right to work in Australia.