Community Development Officer

Located 20km west of Sydney on Dharug country, with a population of 240,000 residents, Cumberland City Council is the fourth most populous Local Government Area in Greater Sydney. Cumberland boasts one of the most diverse communities in Australia, with people from many different backgrounds and cultures living alongside one another.

Our people are focused on driving community outcomes, programs and services to innovate, inspire and deliver change for the community we represent and has worked hard to fulfil its community’s vision for Cumberland as a place where anyone can feel welcome, belong and succeed.

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

The Community Development team is responsible for the delivery of community services across the LGA and focuses on capacity building, domestic and family violence, homelessness, Aboriginal engagement, community safety and crime prevention, targeted early intervention and grants and funding support.  

The team were recipients of the NSW Local Government Award for Emergency Hampers and Emergency Relief Support in 2022 for their work during COVID lockdowns, and the National Award for Local Government for the Cumberland Domestic and Family Violence Action Plan.  

The Community Development Officer will develop community engagement initiatives and implement projects in partnership with stakeholders and improve service delivery in the Cumberland community sector. This role will utilise high level community engagement skills to work with community organisations, local residents, stakeholders and Council staff to implement capacity building programs and projects. 

The successful applicant will require:

• Tertiary qualifications in Social Sciences/Services or equivalent
• Demonstrated experience in the community services sector and understanding of community development and community engagement.
• Demonstrated experience in applying social research to policy and program development, implementation and evaluation
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in working with new and emerging communities including capacity building initiatives that achieve tangible outcomes at a local level
• Financial management experience including ability to maintain accurate financial records and monitor expenditure
• Demonstrated project management skills, including sound knowledge and experience in planning, implementation and evaluation of community programs
• Highly developed organisational skills, including excellent time management, attention to detail and ability to multitask and manage competing priorities under pressure
• Demonstrated experience working with a diverse range of groups including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and culturally and linguistically diverse communities
• Demonstrated ability to build partnerships with the community, local businesses, local organisations, institutions and government bodies to achieve tangible improvements for an area
• Demonstrated ability to facilitate meetings, conduct effective consultations with individuals, community groups and organisations, government agencies, service providers and the Council
• Demonstrated highly developed written and oral communication skills, including developing Council reports, funding applications, formal correspondence, policies and guidelines, strategic plans, promotional material and presentations
• Innovative and analytical thinking to solve complex issues and to recommend long term strategic directions
• Demonstrated commitment to the delivery of high-quality customer service and conflict resolution
• High level administrative skills, including attention to detail, ability to maintain accurate records and advanced skills in Microsoft Office
• Current Working with Children Check Clearance
• Current Class C Driver’s licence.

Download the position description here for more information. 

About this role: 

• Permanent full-time position
• Working 70 hour fortnight
• Access to Council's 9 day fortnight Accrued Day Off (ADO) arrangement
• Located at Council's Merryland's Admin Building however, may be required to work across any of Council’s work locations

Salary information: The salary and conditions of employment are in accordance with the NSW Local Government (State) Award.

• Grade 10 of the Cumberland Salary Structure with a salary range of $1,583.78 to $1,821.35 per week, plus 11.5% superannuation
• The commencing salary will be negotiated, taking into consideration the successful applicant's qualifications, skills and experience related to the role
• Mobile Phone.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER

• We promote work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements including working from home opportunities or an additional three (3) days' leave for front-facing roles that are unable to access working from home arrangements
• Training and professional development opportunities available to develop skills and grow your career
• Leave entitlements including annual leave,15 days personal leave per year, parental leave and access to Long Service Leave after five (5) years (where applicable)
• Three (3) additional grant days of paid leave over Christmas (where applicable)
• Corporate Health Insurance discounts
• Health and Wellbeing Programs to support our staff by providing access to online professional learning, paid leave to undertake annual skin checks, COVID-19 vaccinations and to donate blood
• Subsidies to assist with the cost of wellness and fitness activities
• Free access to Council owned and managed Aquatic Centres
• Access to Council's Fitness Passport Program and Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

ABOUT US

Council adheres to the principles of a child safe organisation and is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people, and fully supports the aims and objectives of NSW Child Protection Legislation, and associated provisions. Council will implement all necessary measures to ensure a safe and supportive environment, which endeavours to promote child protection practices. It is essential for applicants to submit their WWCC number with their application, if required, and it is an offence under NSW legislation for barred workers to apply for or otherwise attempt to obtain, undertake or remain in child-related employment.

Cumberland City Council is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, reflective of the community it represents. Council welcomes and encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, and is committed to providing an accessible and safe workplace for our staff through making reasonable adjustments. If you have any accessibility or support requirements throughout the recruitment process, please contact the hiring manager during the application process. 

What you'll need to have for this role:

• The right to live and work in Australia
• Be able to provide information for pre-employment checks required for the position
• Participate in health monitoring as outlined in the risk assessment for this position and Council’s Health Monitoring Procedure, as required
• Provide evidence of your vaccination status as part of the employment screening process, in accordance with Council’s COVID-19 Vaccination Procedure.

Enquiries: Contact Name, Christina Halligan, Manager Community Development on 8757 9540 or christina.halligan@cumberland.nsw.gov.au for further information. 

Closing date: 11:59pm, Friday 22 November  2024

  HOW TO APPLY

To submit your application for this position, please complete the questionnaire.  You'll be asked to attach your resume and any relevant qualifications (if required) to complete your application. Make sure you have these attachments ready before you apply as your application cannot be submitted until completed.

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