Refugee Welcome Centre Coordinator

• 24 month contract position
• Part-time, 10 hours per week
• This is a partnership between SSI, the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney and Inner West Council

About the Role
The Refugee Welcome Centre Coordinator will be responsible for all aspects of coordination of the Refugee Welcome Centre and delivery of programs and activities. The Refugee Welcome Centre Coordinator will support day activities in a supportive and accessible environment, including psycho-social support groups, mental health support, and orientation to Australia sessions, provided by SSI, as per the regular program currently operating.

This position will work closely with the two key partners, Inner West Council and the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney.

We currently have a vacancy at the Wharf Road Community and Welcome Refugee Centre, Lilyfield and SSI’s Parramatta Office. This is a part time (10 hours per week) contract position for 2 years.

Duties & Responsibilities
• Work collaboratively with Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney and with Inner West Council Officers and relevant community stakeholders to ensure that objectives, outcomes and programs/actions of the Refugee Welcome Centre are implemented, reviewed and evaluated
• Identify and utilise opportunities that optimise the use of the Refugee Welcome Centre by the refugee community and coordinate access to and use of, the centre
• Supervise and oversee volunteers and contractors, and work with the team when required to meet service requirements including developing, implementing and evaluating community programs and services, and undertaking associated manual handling tasks at the Centre
• Act as frontline contact for The Refugee Welcome Centre and assist with marketing and promotion as needed with SSI’s Corporate Communications team
• Establish strong connections with local groups, networks and community members
• Maintain filing systems and records
• Ensure timely reporting on activities and programs
• Report on a regular basis to the tri-partite MOU based partnership group for support and direction
• Report any OH&S, centre procedures and facility management issues to The Inner West Council and Settlement Services International as/when required
• Ensure the users of the centre assist in maintaining good practices and coordinating and follow up where required

Skills & Experience
Essential
• Demonstrated experience in the successful application of community building strategies and programs
• Demonstrated understanding of and sensitivity to multi-cultural needs; especially for refugees and asylum seekers
• Demonstrated experience in managing programs and events within a community centre and supervising staff and volunteers
• Demonstrated ability undertaking effective community engagement through consulting, informing and involving identified stakeholders
• Demonstrated ability to manage daily operations in a community facility including:
– Risk management
– OH&S
– Repairs and maintenance
– Ordering and receipting goods and services
• A current unrestricted Driver’s Licence and access to a vehicle
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office Software
Desirable
• Knowledge of the role and function of community development and work with Not for Profit Organizations.
• Experience working with migrants and refugees