Community Engagement Worker

Job Posting Organization:
54 Reasons is Australia’s leading child rights organisation, dedicated to advocating for the rights of children and young people. It is a proud part of the Save the Children Australia Group and operates with a mission to ensure that children and young people have their rights met and can thrive in all their diversity. The organization has a strong local presence, particularly in the Doomadgee community, and is committed to providing quality services to children and their caregivers across various regions, including remote areas and capital cities. With a workforce of approximately 600 employees, 54 Reasons emphasizes diversity and inclusion, reflecting the communities they serve and fostering a supportive environment for all employees.

Job Overview:
The Community Engagement Worker position is a part-time role (0.8 FTE) based in Doomadgee, Queensland, and is designed to contribute to the Education, Engagement, and Attainment Initiatives team. The role is focused on creating lasting change for children and families by building rapport with community members and empowering them to have a voice. The worker will coordinate activities that enhance the educational environment for families, communicate emerging issues that may impact community safety and participation, and maintain accurate records of available supports. This position requires a strong connection to the local community and culture, as well as excellent communication skills to effectively engage with families and stakeholders. The role is expected to operate from Monday to Thursday, from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, totaling 7.6 hours daily, and is a maximum term position until December 31st, 2027.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Community Engagement Worker will be responsible for several key duties, including:

• Building rapport with community members to foster trust and collaboration.
• Empowering families to express their needs and concerns, ensuring their voices are heard in community discussions.
• Coordinating educational activities that bring families together and enhance their children's learning environments.
• Communicating any emerging issues within the community that may affect safety, wellbeing, and participation in programs.
• Maintaining accurate and up-to-date records on available supports and services for families.
• Working effectively as part of a team and participating in training sessions to develop skills and improve service delivery.
• Engaging with families from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, as well as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, to ensure inclusive practices.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Community Engagement Worker position should possess the following qualifications:

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, to effectively engage with families and community members.
• A strong understanding of local culture and community dynamics, particularly in relation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• Experience working with families from CALD backgrounds and an understanding of the challenges they may face.
• Knowledge of local community services and resources available to support families and children.
• An understanding of or experience working with young people and families facing disadvantage, ensuring that their needs are prioritized in service delivery.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate for the Community Engagement Worker position should have a relevant educational background, which may include qualifications in social work, community development, education, or a related field. A strong understanding of child rights and community engagement principles is essential, along with any certifications or training that enhance the candidate's ability to work effectively in this role.

Experience:
Candidates should have a demonstrated level of experience in community engagement, particularly in working with families and children. Experience in educational settings or social services is highly desirable, as is familiarity with the challenges faced by disadvantaged communities. Previous roles that involved collaboration with local stakeholders and service providers will be beneficial in this position.

Languages:
While English is the mandatory language for this position, knowledge of additional languages, particularly those spoken within the local community, is considered an asset. This can enhance communication and engagement with families from diverse backgrounds, making it easier to build rapport and trust.

Additional Notes:
This position is part-time (0.8 FTE) and operates on a maximum term contract until December 31st, 202

• The role is based in Doomadgee, Queensland, and offers a salary at the award rate (currently Level 2.1 - $34.58 per hour) along with full salary packaging benefits. Employees are entitled to a generous annual remote location allowance, five weeks of annual leave, and additional leave options to support work-life balance. The organization also contributes towards one return economy domestic flight for the employee per 12 months of continuous service. 54 Reasons is committed to workplace wellness and provides access to a confidential Employee Wellbeing Program. The organization encourages diversity and inclusion, welcoming applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates and ensuring a supportive environment for all employees.