Community Services Specialist

Who we are
The MJD Foundation partners with and supports Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander families living with Machado Joseph Disease (MJD) and Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 7 (SCA7) to live fulfilling and rewarding lives. We provide specialist supports, engage in research and provide hope for the future. We are recruiting for a fulltime Community Services Specialist to join our Community Services team in Darwin. 

The Position
The Community Services Specialist (CSS) will work as part of a multidisciplinary team that responds to our clients and their families by delivering holistic person-centered practice, and works in partnership with families living with MJD, by valuing and respecting MJDF’s ‘Our-way’ approach.  By providing flexible and culturally responsive care based on a strong foundation of enduring relationships, we aim to provide families living with MJD specialist care and support, working together to stay stronger for longer. 

A central part of our culture is working in partnership with MJDF clients and Aboriginal Community Worker staff to explore opportunities to learn from each other, integrating our knowledge and values to work towards clients’ goals. 

The CSS will provide intensive services and support to families such as assessing client, family and carer needs; planning, information and referral; group work; liaising with and providing access and participation to community groups, welfare agencies, and government bodies. Complex case management is a large part of your role.

The role is greatly varied in its day to day tasks and provides hands on support to MJD clients and their families. 

In addition, the role will provide support to the management team across all core activities of the MJD Foundation (Education, Equipment, Advocacy, Research and Community Services). 

Special Requirements

• Willingness to travel to remote communities (by light aircraft or 4WD- regular travel is not a requirement of the role).
• Ability to obtain and maintain NDIS Worker Screening clearance.
• Willingness to adhere to MJDF’s and/or Government vaccination policies and provide proof of compliance.
• Ability to obtain and maintain an NT class C manual drivers’ license.

Selection Criteria:

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in allied health/disability/Community Services with subsequent relevant experience in community/disability services, or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education and training.
• Knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their communities and cultures from an historical and contemporary perspective.
• The ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and in accordance with community protocols and customs.
• A commitment to person and family centred practice and working within the MJD Foundation ‘Our Way’ approach.
• Highly developed ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Demonstrated experience with a range of computer software and good computer skills.
• A self-starter, with proven ability to manage relationships and initiate change.
• Commitment to multi-disciplinary and inter-sectoral working. 
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a (cross cultural) team. 

 Desirable criteria:

• Understanding of the mechanisms and processes of Machado Joseph Disease or other spinocerebellar ataxias.
• Clinical experience in neurological and/or rehabilitation setting
• Knowledge of and/or experience working with the NDIS.
• Training, education and/or mentoring experience.

What we offer:

• A supportive and inclusive work environment with opportunity to learn;
• Above award level pay rate for the right person;
• Tax free fringe benefit up to $15,900 p.a, plus meal entertainment benefit up to $2,650 per annum;
• 6 weeks annual leave;
• One day paid wellbeing day and gift;
• A holistic workplace that offers flexibility (hours/where you work).
• relocation package for the right candidate

For more information please contact Kylie Jackson, Manager Community Services Team, at *************@mjd.org.au or 0499 330 ***.

Please have a look at the Position Description on our website. If you have the knowledge and experience we are looking for and are excited to join our team, please submit your CV (max 3 pages) and a statement (max 1 page) addressing the selection criteria by Sunday 25 February 2024. We will start interviewing as candidates apply for the role.

The MJD Foundation values diversity and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds. We welcome unique contributions and perspectives of all people to ensure our workforce is representative of the communities we work with and live in. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.