Summary:
We are seeking a passionate and dedicated Engagement Officer to join our team. The successful candidate will be responsible for providing support to disengaged Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island families in Townsville. The Engagement Officer will provide support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents and their children between the ages of 0-4 by delivering family carer and parenting support.
Responsibilities:
* Identify and build families understanding of strategies to support child well-being development & educational outcomes
* Provide activities & brief interventions
* Support referrals to culturally appropriate services to support the family’s role in promoting early learning & development
* Collate feedback from programs and families
* Work as part of an integrated team to provide information that supports and encourages parental participation in the role as first teachers, support awareness and extension of early learning and development
* Participate and contribute to joint community events
* Actively participate in scheduled Family Wellbeing community-based activities to provide brief interventions for information, advice and referral and promote and support family’s participation in evidence-based community programs
* Coordinate delivery of community promotions and education programs as required
* Develop and document good working relationships and/or collaborative partnerships with relevant early years services
* Maintain current professional knowledge and understanding of:
- The Child Protection Act 1999
- Child Safety & Wellbeing
- All other related legislative and regulatory requirements for the provision of services to
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children
- Related legislative and regulatory requirements specific to Early Childhood Education
- Available support for the provision of services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
children
Qualifications:
* Certificate IV/Diploma in Community Services or equivalent.
* Previous experience in a similar role in a related industry
* Sound knowledge of child development and parenting skills, models and theory, Attachment theory and Strengths based service delivery
* Ability to operate within a case management model with strong capabilities around building relationships with and motivating vulnerable people, assessing needs, and advocating for the client
* Possess an understanding of the historical, social, cultural, and economic issues effecting the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
* Ability to perform work in accordance with organisational policies & procedures
* Ability to provide management with all relevant data and information regarding various service delivery as required and / or directed
* Demonstrated experience/positive engagement when working with persons of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander backgrounds and an understanding cultural competence
* Demonstrated written communication skills and competence in the use of business technology and desktop applications, internet, word, spreadsheet, and database packages
* Knowledge of or the ability to acquire knowledge of the relevant government statutes governing statutory child protection work (i.e. Child Protection Act 1999) and Domestic and Family Violence work (i.e. Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012) and the ability to keep current of the legislative, practice and procedural changes within the system
Required Licenses and Checks:
* Ability to pass a National Police Check – no Serious/Criminal/Court Records
* Current Paid Blue Card (Queensland's Working with Children Check)
* Current C Class Drivers Licence (Qld)
* Proof of qualifications and current registration (as appropriate) are to be provided prior to commencement of employment
* Ability to perform the physical requirements of the role in a safe manner
Required Attributes:
* Ability to work autonomously and display initiative, self-motivation, time management and solution focused skills
* Ability to work with a team in ways that are respectful, transparent and acknowledging of individual’s skills, abilities and capacities
* Ability to display initiative, self-motivation, time management and solution focused skills
* High level communication skills; written, verbal and interpersonal when liaising with clients and Departmental representatives
Practical Requirements
* Work outside of normal hours of duty may be required
* Travel across the region may be required
Please view the full position description for this role before applying. available on the TAIHS career page- https://taihs.net.au/careers