Ref: 2024-133 | Canberra, ACT | Full-time | Fixed-term
This is an Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander identified position which is a genuine occupational qualification and is authorised under section 14(d) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977.
Make a difference in Aboriginal communities by supporting victims and survivors of domestic and family violence. Build meaningful relationships with diverse stakeholders across the ACT.
Primary Purpose of the Role
The purpose of this role is to engage with local communities and organisations to support the work of the Family Violence Prevention Unit (FVPU) program in the ACT. The program provides legal and wraparound support services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experiencing and/or at risk of experiencing domestic and family violence.
Why Join the ALS Team?
At the Aboriginal Legal Service (ALS) you can make an impact. You will join a strong movement fighting for social justice and equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, families and communities.
Our focus is our people: the people we support and the people we employ. We offer a career you can be proud of and a place where you feel safe to be yourself. We invest in our people and appreciate the rich diversity of lived experiences, languages, and culture.
Born out of a protest movement over 50 years ago, the ALS is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation delivering high-quality, culturally safe legal and support services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in NSW and the ACT. It’s an exciting time to be joining us. We recently received additional funding to deliver a range of new programs aimed at addressing systemic issues and driving structural reforms. This is creating significant opportunities for the ALS, our staff and communities.
As well as the satisfaction of working in a job that really matters, we offer our staff benefits including:
- Not-for-profit salary packaging to reduce your tax liability and maximise take-home pay
- Annual leave loading of 17.5%
- Career and professional development opportunities
- Access to personal counselling for you and your family
- Additional paid leave of up to 6 days per year, paid parental and study leave
- Flexible work options – talk to us about how we can make this role work for you
About the Role
The Community Engagement Officer will be responsible for the below but are not limited to:
- Build trusted relationships and partnerships with local Aboriginal communities and stakeholders.
- Raise awareness of the FVPU program and facilitate access to services.
- Represent ALS at community meetings, outreaches, and events.
- Delivering professional and culturally appropriate support, referral services and legal information to communities and clients.
- Understanding and seeking to meet the demands and expectations of clients, their families, and the broader Aboriginal community in which they work.
- Providing appropriate casework support, advocacy and identifying and arranging appropriate follow-up through the ALS or other agencies.
- Proactively engaging with communities to provide them with information and Community Legal Education using a variety of engagement techniques including using technology to assist in effectively delivering services.
- Communicating with and effectively supporting Aboriginal clients who may present themselves as distressed, when the legal concepts involved are complex and difficult for the client to understand.
- Supporting clients to ensure appointments are attended as required, ensuring that clients receive relevant information.
- Travel to outreach locations as required.
About You
We’re looking for someone who brings:
- Identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
- Demonstrate understanding of cultural needs and issues affecting Aboriginal communities.
- Experience working with vulnerable people.
- Ability to produce high-quality, accurate and relevant reports regarding client engagement, and outcomes of client support and referrals.
- Exhibit strong interpersonal, relationship-building, and administrative skills.
- Hold a current NSW driver's license and ability to travel intrastate.
Pre-Employment Requirements
ALS is committed to implementing safe recruitment practices. Your application may be subject to pre-employment checks such as reference checks, Working with Children (NSW) or Working with Vulnerable People (ACT) check, right to work in Australia, COVID-19 vaccinations and National Police History check.
How to Apply
- View the full position description.
- Please send an up-to-date CV and cover letter outlining your suitability for the role to [email protected] and please ensure you include (Subject Title: Ref 2024-133 Community Engagement Officer) in subject title
- If you have any enquiries or would like to discuss the role, please contact [email protected]
