Social Wellbeing Planner – Lake Macquarie City Council
Location: Speers Point, New South Wales. Permanent, Full-time. 3 roles available.
Driving integrated social planning for a more inclusive Lake Macquarie. Following a recent restructure, this role will lead social planning, policy development and community-focused strategies to improve wellbeing, safety and resilience across a growing and diverse city.
Key Focus Areas
* Lead research and social analysis to identify trends, risks and opportunities
* Translate legislation, policy and data into practical Council strategies and actions
* Develop and deliver strategic plans focused on priority populations
* Drive inclusive community engagement and collaboration across sectors
* Provide social impact advice into planning, infrastructure and service delivery
* Build strong partnerships across Council, government and the community sector
* Supervise and support a Community Development Officer
About You
You are a thoughtful and adaptable planner comfortable working across a broad range of social issues and can "bend and flex" as priorities evolve. You thrive in changing environments and enjoy helping shape new systems, processes and ways of working.
You bring strong capability in research, analysis, and policy development, with the ability to translate legislation and complex information into practical Council processes and operational outcomes. You are a strategic thinker who can see the broader system, connect priorities and contribute to long-term planning for community wellbeing.
You are a collaborative and inclusive communicator with experience engaging diverse stakeholders and community groups. You understand the importance of meaningful engagement and are confident working across multicultural communities, disability, youth, and child safety contexts.
You are comfortable building and improving organisational processes and frameworks, ensuring consistency and clarity in how Council delivers social planning outcomes. You combine strong written and verbal communication skills with a practical, solutions-focused approach.
Qualifications
* Tertiary qualifications (bachelor's degree) and relevant experience (3-5+ years) in social work, social sciences, community development, education (early childhood), public health or related discipline.
* Demonstrated experience and skills in research, analysis, social planning, advocacy and program delivery within a political environment.
* High-level written and verbal communication skills with diverse audiences, including experience in development, implementation and review of policies, programs and reports within a political or complex organisational environment.
* Proven ability to engage with diverse stakeholders, using trauma-informed communication and facilitation skills.
* Travel between external work sites will be required.
* Current Working with Children Check (or willing to obtain).
Benefits
* Competitive salary from $101,090 – $117,483 plus 12% superannuation.
* 35-hour work week.
* Weekly pay.
* Hybrid working arrangements and flexible hours.
* Broad portfolio covering social planning, policy development, research, community engagement, and cross-sector collaboration.
* Corporate fitness program and discounted gym memberships.
* Wellbeing initiatives, flu vaccinations, and Employee Assistance Program.
* Active social club and team events.
* Work in one of the most picturesque regions of NSW, with the natural beauty of Lake Macquarie right on your doorstep.
Equal Opportunity
We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, the LGBTIQ+ community, refugees, and people with disability. Veterans' skills and attributes are valued.
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