Community Services Officer

Reference Number: 12950
Salary Range: $71,757.43 - $81,529.17 per annum
Location: 119 - 145 Spence Street, Cairns
Close Date:  Friday, 20 September 2019

Make a difference, enrich lives and strengthen connections across the community to build a better future for Cairns. Cairns Regional Council is an innovative employer that listens, respects and values your contribution.  We are proud of our community and the key role you can play in making the Cairns region a great place to live, work and learn.  Our commitment to high quality services means that we need talented, committed people – we need you!

We are now seeking a dedicated, committed and suitably qualified and/or experienced Community Services Officer to join our team now.

About the role:

This position is responsible for the planning, development and facilitation of a range of community initiatives across the Cairns Regional Council area that contribute to meeting community needs and aspirations.  In line with the Corporate Plan, the position works closely with internal and external stakeholders to:

• Establish processes to enhance participation, connections and engagement between Council and the community.
• Provide information and opportunities to raise awareness of community needs and advocate for and broker appropriate outcomes.
• Facilitate community initiatives, projects and events to strengthen communities and enhance social capital.
• Provide evidence-based advice to support and inform strategies and policy on issues affecting the community, regional agencies and the community services sector. 

To be eligible for this position you must have the following:-  

• Tertiary qualifications in community development, social sciences or a related field or extensive experience in a similar role.
• Current Drivers Licence.
• Possession of / or an ability to obtain a “Working with Children Check” Blue Card.
• Community development experience and the ability to work within strategic community development frameworks.
• Demonstrated understanding of the role of Local Government.
• Demonstrated understanding of current trends and needs of the regional community.
• Demonstrated planning, policy and project management skills and experience.
• High level research and report writing skills.
• Demonstrated ability to identify and develop partnerships and strategies and to broker outcomes for community.
• Proven time management skills including prioritisation, workload management and personal organisation.
• Demonstrated ability to work strategically and collaboratively with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, people with disabilities, and Australia’s First Peoples, to develop effective partnerships.
• High level communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate effectively to broker outcomes, resolve conflict and conduct best-practice engagement. 

In return we offer the following benefits: 

• 19 day month
• Up to 5 weeks annual leave
• 12% contribution to superannuation
• Annual leave loading
• Subsidised uniform allowance
• Subsidised health and well-being membership (gym / swimming pool)
• On-going opportunities for learning and professional development 

For a full listing of the Key Duties & Responsibilities and full Selection Criteria you must go to our website: https://cairnsqld.mercury.com.au

How to Apply:

Your application must be submitted online and must consist of the following:

• Cover Letter addressing the three main elements as detailed in the full selection criteria.
• Copy of your Resume.

Applications not addressing the full selection criteria will not be accepted.

Pre-Employment Assessment: 

As part of the selection process applicants may be required to undertake some or all of the following pre‑employment assessments / checks:-  

• Pre‑employment medical, which will include a functional capacity assessment and drug and alcohol test.
• National police / criminal history check.
• Practical Assessment
• Numeracy and Literacy Assessment
• Computer Skills Assessment
• Qualification / Licence Verification
• Working with Children & Young People (Blue Card) Verification
• Right to Work in Australia Check
• Directorship Check

Employment Eligibility:

To be eligible to apply for a position at Cairns Regional Council, you must fulfil one of the following criteria:-

• Permanent resident of Australia
• Australian Citizen
• New Zealand Citizen
• Entitlement to work visa