Programs Officer

Permanent, full time
- Preston location
- Salary circa $76k

**About City of Darebin**
Darebin is situated on the Traditional Owner lands of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people. It is home to many Aboriginal community-controlled organisations, and a large number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people work, live and play within the municipality. Our Vision is for a community that works together to advance community life. Council responds to the many needs of the Darebin community, notably First Nations residents and organisations.

**About the Role**
The Programs Officer works with Darebin City Council's Community Hubs team to develop collaborative projects, ensuring strong community connection and engagement. The role is also responsible for developing programs and strategies that address disadvantage within communities and neighbourhoods in Darebin and coordinating effective venue management processes.

The role works alongside Council operated services, externally provided kindergarten and other licensees to ensure a one-stop-shop for families and communities.
- Develop programs and strategies that directly engage and build local communities
- Manage community facilities to build vibrancy and space activation
- Provide onsite community and tenant support at Keon Park Children’s Hub and other Hubs
- Manage financial systems and prepare evaluations and reports to ensure transparency

**Skills & Experience**
- Tertiary qualification in Community Development or similar or equivalent experience in community services
- Experience in creating and delivering programs and events to support the development of children and their families
- Sound knowledge of early years services, policies and regulatory frameworks affecting children and an awareness of referral pathways available to support children and their families
- Ability to engage and establish trust to develop relationships with key stakeholders to encourage development of the facility, through community development approaches
- Analytical and conceptual skills to identify improvements to procedures and continuous improvement initiatives

**Benefits**
We offer a range of benefits to our employees including opportunities for personal and professional development, flexible working arrangements, Employee Assistance Program, recognition and reward program - Appreciate Great and a variety of generous paid and unpaid leave options.
- Connect with a strong Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and organisations
- Practise, participate in and celebrate culture, knowing Council respects Aboriginal cultural rights
- Learn and gain knowledge on the job, as part of endorsed work practices for First Nations staff

**Organisational Culture**
Council recognises, pays respect to and celebrates the long-standing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and heritage within the Darebin community. Through its 2019 Statement of commitment to Traditional Owners and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, Council has re-committed to building strong partnerships with the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, recognising their values, living culture and practices, continuing spiritual connection to the land and waters and their right to self-determination.

As a progressive leader in Local Government, Darebin City Council is passionate about social inclusion, sustainability, engagement and service excellence. We are proud of the diversity of our workforce and recognise the strength this provides in meeting the needs of the community we serve. We are committed to upholding a positive and supportive work environment that values the contribution of all employees and treats all employees with dignity and respect.

**How to Apply**
Please prepare your resume, ensuring it shows how you would be a great fit for the role.

**Applications close Sunday 18 December 11:30pm**
- The Darebin City Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices. Darebin is committed to providing a safe working environment that embraces and values child safety, and thorough ‘Safety Screening’ processes apply. _
- To work at Darebin City Council, you will be required to supply proof of work rights, a Victorian Employee Working with Children Check and comply with Child Safety standards. All employees are required to undertake an Australian Criminal History Check and may be required to complete a Functional Health Assessment._