Central Coast Community Development Worker

Position type: Part time (up to 30 hours per week) fixed term contract until 30 June 2018.

Pay: As per Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010: $35.14 – $39.86.

Position Aim: To coordinate the Central Coast Peer2Peer Project, including building peer support opportunities and giving people with disability a stronger voice on the Central Coast, community development, documenting processes and outcomes and reporting.

Reports to: CDAH Executive Officer

Key Relationships: People with disability, their families and allies and any other key stakeholders

Position location: Gosford

About the Central Coast Peer2Peer Project

This project aims to develop the skills, knowledge and leadership of people with disability and their families on the Central Coast through a peer learning and mentoring approach.

The project will:

• Promote and grow a peer support culture on the Central Coast
• Coordinate and facilitate regular peer support forums for people with disability and their families on the Central Coast
• Recruit and train 3 peer workers
• Support peer workers to conduct mentoring sessions or facilitate groups within their communities
• Set up peer support networks in those communities
• Set up a support network of peer workers

The project will build on the leadership and influence of people with disability across the Central Coast and enable them to become more connected and actively involved in their community through peer driven networks and initiatives.

Overall the project promotes and supports peer based learning opportunities and skills for people with disability (families and networks) to get the support they need, to live the life they choose. It is expected that this will also lead to improved self-esteem, greater confidence, improved social networks and increased engagement with local communities. The project will also offer resources and training for communities to establish and sustain peer based learning for people with disability.

Key Responsibilities

To coordinate the Central Coast Peer2Peer Project, with specific responsibilities for project promotion, event organising, community development, facilitation of peer networks, and general project coordination and support.  The individual will undertake the following: develop relationships with key stakeholders; ensure project deliverables are being monitored and met; ensure project expenditure is within budget; as well as implement principles of inclusion and citizenship in all community engagement activities.

Specifically duties include:

• Undertake community engagement and outreach activities to promote peer support (including establishment of Project Working Group)
• Coordinate and support Peer Workers to reach and work with people with disability and families
• Support the recruitment and training of Peer Workers
• Facilitate and support the establishment of peer mentoring networks, including capacity building and leadership skill development of network members.
• Undertake logistics in relation to Project activities including organising participation supports and making payments.
• Write and implement project relevant guidelines and develop resources for peer support networks as required.
• Undertake accurate and timely record management and project documentation including monitoring and reporting.
• Ensure the project deliverables are being monitored and met
• Ensure project expenditure is within budget
• Develop relationships with community groups, local councils, state government, and key stakeholders to ensure successful project delivery.
• Look for and respond to opportunities in regards to future project work.
• Participate in relevant professional development opportunities and quality improvement processes.

Other Duties

• Any other duties in line with the philosophy and objectives of CDAH

Selection Criteria – Skills & Experience

To be successful in this role, the ideal candidate will have the following skills and attributes:

Essential

• Commitment to the human rights of people with disability and the principles of participation, inclusion and citizenhood
• Highly developed interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills
• Demonstrated experience in project delivery/coordination, including the ability to work within a project budget
• Demonstrated abilities to collaborate and work with others to achieve shared goals
• Demonstrated experience in creating cultural change
• Proven ability to manage a broad range of activities and respond to specific issues within a short period of time
• Computer literacy including internet, email and Microsoft office suite

Desirable

• Experience working in the community sector, preferably with people with disability or diverse communities

Conditions of Employment

Working days will generally be Monday to Friday worked between the hours of 8.30am and 6.00pm as required. Occasional out of hours weekend work may be required and time off in lieu of pay is provided.

Employer superannuation contribution is 9.5%.

Appointment is contingent on a satisfactory Police Record Check.

Three months probationary period applies.

This role is funded through a partnership with Ability Links NSW Hunter/Central Coast.