Aboriginal Local Area Coordinator – Taree

Are you interested in being part of the team that supports one of the largest social reforms in Australia empowering individuals and building inclusive communities?

• Full time (38 hrs per week) role until June 30, 2020
• $69k – $74k pa (Level 4 – SCHCADS Award) plus access to generous salary packaging up to $18,000pa
• Base location: Taree

About the Service

The Society delivers essential Local Area Coordination (LAC) services as part of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) rollout in NSW. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) represents a significant change in Australia’s ways of providi ng disability support with a focus on individual goals, choice, social inclusion and building capacity. NDIS takes a lifetime approach, investing in people with disability early to improve their outcomes later in life.

The Role

Aboriginal Local Area Coordinators (ALACs) work directly with NDIS Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal participants, their families, carers and communities to support their access to and continue engagement with the NDIS. The focus of various LAC activities may change over time based on the participant load and which stage participants are at in the NDIA pathway. A key focus of the ALAC role is to assist Aboriginal and Non- Aboriginal participants in building their capacity to self-direct and achieve their goals. ALACs provide a locally based first point of contact designed to improve access to and engagement in, aboriginal and non aboriginal local community and mainstream services.

Please click here for a copy of the Position description.

To be successful in this role, you will need

• This is an identified position in accordance with Section 14 (d) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977. Applicants for this position must be of Aboriginal descent through parentage, identification as being Aboriginal and being accepted in the community as such. Exemption is claimed under Section 14 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977
• Demonstrated experience working in the human services sector e.g. disability, child services, allied health, social work, community development, education and/or relevant qualifications or training on social inclusion, community development and engagement or person centered thinking and planning.
• Demonstrated person centered approaches and other contemporary disability and community
• services practices.
• Demonstrated ethical, inclusive and non-judgmental attitude towards others.
• Proven ability to be adaptable in changing environments and ability to prioritize competing demands
• and achieve agreed targets.
• Highly developed verbal and written communication skills (including documentation and report
• writing), interpersonal, negotiation, problem solving and influencing skills.
• Ability to connect and develop networks and linkage with local community and mainstream services.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills to engage with external stakeholders to establish valuable
• connections with local communities.
• Demonstrated computer skills including Excel and ability to work with client information systems.
• Proven ability to work autonomously while also collaborating positively within a team environment.
• Willingness to adhere to the mission and ethos of the St Vincent de Paul Society and Code of
• Conduct.

The following will also highly regarded:

• Certificate IV in Disability or Community Services (or working towards).
• Understanding of the key principals, philosophy and opportunities of the NDIS for
  Participants.
• Lived experience of disability and/or Aboriginal/CALD communities will be highly regarded.
• A valid driver license and ability to undertake regular travel.
• Flexibility to attend meetings or travel outside of usual office hours as needed from time to
  time to support participant or program needs.

Come and join our team!

Valuing Diversity and Inclusion

St Vincent de Paul Society NSW (the Society) is committed to engaging a diverse workforce.
The Society recognises the value of an inclusive work environment and believes that our diversity is a strength in the work we do with our local communities. We take pride in the diversity of our people and encourage applications from people from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background, people with disability, people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, people who identify as LGBTQIA, candidates of any or no religious beliefs and applicants of all ages.

We believe our employees are key to our success and in return we offer:

• Job satisfaction working as part of a team making a difference to people’s lives in an organisation that cares about people.
• Generous salary packaging benefits to employees where a portion of take-home pay is tax-free.
• In addition to excellent learning and development programs, as a large purpose driven organisation we provide opportunities to grow your career across a range of teams and services.
• Supportive, friendly and values driven team environment and culture.

Prior to an offer of employment, preferred candidates will be required to complete the pre-employment checks including a Police check, Working with Children check, Health Declaration and/or a medical check, right to work in Australia check. The Society is committed to being a Child Safe organisation, further information can be found in the Society’s commitment to Safeguarding Children & Young People.

Want to know more about the role? Please contact LAC District manager HNE – Janelle Martin on janelle.martin@vinnies.org.au or by phone 0431509957.