Community Programs Project Officer (3 years funding expected)

Transcription

1 POSITION DESCRIPTION: Community Programs Project Officer (3 years funding expected) EMPLOYER: RESPONSIBLE TO: REPORT TO: LOCATION: North Melbourne Language & Learning Inc. (NMLL) Program Reference Groups Community Development Coordinator NMLL with outreach to Flemington and Carlton CLASSIFICATION: SCHADS Modern Award CD Worker Class II(b) Level 6.1 CONDITIONS: Fixed Term Contact - 0.7EFT, an annual Salary up to $62,244 pro rata with annual CPI increases EXTERNAL LIAISON: Project Partners including Carlton Neighbourhood and Learning Centre, Brotherhood of St Laurence, Flemington Community Centre, City of Melbourne, North Melbourne Community Centre and Community Learning Champions Position Overview The Community Programs Project Officer is a newly created position at NMLL after securing 3 years funding from Helen Macpherson Smith Trust and RE Ross Trust to deliver two separate but interconnected community programs Community Learning Champions (CLC) and Connecting Cultures (CC). Although these Programs each have clear expected program outcomes, report to separate funding bodies and have separate annual project plans to be delivered - each program s activities will inform the other. The CLC Program has greater focus on community engagement and the CC Program has greater focus on delivering a program of events and activities resulting from the information gathered through the local Learning Champions. Community Learning Champions (CLC) Program Overview During 2014 NMLL implemented a pilot of the Community Learning Champions (CLC) Program. A final evaluation report of the pilot program phase is available at As a result, NMLL has successfully gained 3-year program funding through the Helen Macpherson Smith Trust to run the CLC program across North Melbourne, Flemington and Carlton. Our main program partners are: Carlton Neighbourhood Learning Centre, Flemington Community Centre, The Brotherhood of St Laurence, City of Melbourne and current Learning Champions. The CLC Program seeks to significantly increase opportunities for the culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) community in North Melbourne, Flemington and Carlton to inform and participate in Page 1 of 5

2 local learning and community activities, as well as to facilitate employment pathways into meaningful work. Current Learning Champions along with new local community members will be recruited trained and engaged as Learning Champions and will to inform the work of NMLL and partner activities, as well as inspire and support people across their communities to engage in local learning and community engagement activities. Project outcomes include: recruitment, training and support of local Learning Champions from North Melbourne, Flemington and Carlton CALD communities, facilitation of ongoing engagement and consultation with the CALD community through the Learning Champions, development of new tailored and targeted pre-accredited and accredited courses and / or community events and activities; facilitate pathways to employment with program partners resulting in improved job prospects and learning outcomes for community members. Connecting Cultures (CC) Program Overview Feedback from the community and the CLC Program lead to the development of the Connecting Cultures (CC) Program. The Connecting Cultures Program aims to develop intercultural exchange and understanding between the local CALD communities and members of the wider community within the inner north of Melbourne. Community members will participate in workshops, excursions and celebrations which will share craft, art, cooking, stories and precious things of cultural significance. The project will empower CALD community members to share their customs and traditions whilst providing the wider community with the opportunity to impart knowledge and understanding of local Melbourne and Australian life and culture. Expected program outcomes include: formation of a project reference group to guide program activities, plan, deliver and evaluate at least 2 community celebrations per year and 4 intercultural workshops per year, approximately 90 community members will have taken part in at least one intercultural workshop, excursion or cultural event associated with the project each year. Key Responsibilities & Duties General Co-ordinate and Manage all aspects of the Community Learning Champions (CLC) and Connecting Cultures (CC) Programs within agreed timelines and budget; Establish Program Reference Groups for the Community Learning and Connecting Cultures Programs involving representation from key partner agencies, service and employer stakeholders to guide the Program activities; Gain the engagement and participation of current Learning Champions, additional local CALD (culturally and linguistically diverse) community members, major community groups, key stakeholders and local employers in delivering Program outcomes; Plan, design and undertake evaluation of key aspects of the two Programs, especially to gain evidence of key community outcomes and benefits relating to the Community Learning Champions and Connecting Cultures Programs; Lead and/or assist in the planning and delivery of initiatives as a result of community feedback; Page 2 of 5

3 Co-ordinate the implementation of the Annual Community Learning Champions and Connecting Cultures Program Project Plans; Develop and trial a range of strategies to recruit new participants into the new courses and/or activities developed through these Programs; Ensure ongoing community feedback and engagement on NMLL community development directions and activities including liaison and collaboration with key program stakeholders and partners; Provide progress reports as required by the funding body, partners, Program Reference Group and NMLL; Identify and negotiate support from Victoria University of Technology (VUT) Research Office or other institution to develop and support a framework for monitoring and measuring the Program Outcomes and Impacts; and Other duties as required. Community Learning Champions Program Continue to adapt and deliver the Community Learning Champion model for North Melbourne, Flemington and Carlton based on the model successfully implemented in the UK since 2009 (see including toolkits and training materials and utilise the tools, learnings and materials developed during the NMLL pilot; Maintain the engagement and support of the existing Learning Champions and utilise their experience and skills to support the expansion of the Program; Recruit Community Learning Champions (CLCs) from major community groups and key stakeholders, especially those CALD groups that have been hard to engage and reach in the pilot phase of the project; Plan and deliver a series of workshops that will inform course development with relevant content for North Melbourne, Flemington and Carlton CALD communities with the active involvement of: CLCs, partner agencies, key community groups and members, Learn Locals, Community Development Workers, and employer and business representatives, to determine course content; Expand and maintain a database of key community contacts, CLCs and key industry and employer contacts; Maintain and expand on the Community Engagement and Consultation Model developed during the NMLL CLC pilot; and Work with key employment agencies or employers to identify labour shortages or employment opportunities and create linkages between the Flemington, North Melbourne and Carlton CALD communities and potential employers. Connecting Cultures Program Plan and deliver at least 2 community celebrations/events and 4 workshops a year to provide increased opportunity for cultural exchange and intercultural connection between local CALD communities living on the housing estate and the wider community through participation in workshops, excursions or other project activities. Page 3 of 5

4 Implement the program using an assets and strengths based model. The Connecting Cultures Program is designed to build upon the strengths and assets already found in the community. Key Selection Criteria Essential Skills and Knowledge 1. Proven ability to manage complex community projects that achieve results within the prescribed timelines and budget; 2. Demonstrated ability to be self-directed as well as work as part of a Project Team; 3. Significant cross cultural awareness and experience in community engagement and networking in a multicultural environment with individuals and with groups. Especially with those communities experiencing disadvantage relating to language difficulties, economic or educational disadvantage; 4. Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills including a high standard of spoken and written English, a demonstrated ability to produce high quality materials and information for a range of audiences such as reports, flyers, s and other communications; 5. Demonstrated ability to engage and liaise effectively with a range of key stakeholders including CALD groups and individuals, community services and industry/business groups and individuals; 6. Advanced computer skills in Outlook Express, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Publisher, PowerPoint and Internet Explorer; 7. The ability to lead or assist with the delivery of community events and activities as identified through community feedback and engagement; 8. A Diploma or Degree in Community Development, Social Work or other relevant tertiary qualification. NMLL will also consider other suitable qualifications with significant relevant work experience; and 9. Commitment to social justice principles and community action. Desirable Skills and Knowledge 1. Experience or knowledge of successful marketing strategies to CALD communities. 2. Experience in understanding and use of social media to promote the activities of NMLL to a range of audiences. 3. Fluent in a language other than English. 4. Experience in or understanding of the employment training sector, especially as applied to socially and economically vulnerable communities. The successful applicant should have: A current Victorian driver s licence and access to a car for occasional use at work. Page 4 of 5

5 Wages and conditions This is a fixed term contract at 0.7EFT position and is classified under the SCHADS Modern Award CD Worker Class II b Level 6.1. Ongoing funding for years 2 and 3 is dependent on satisfactory completion of the Programs key milestones as outlined in the yearly project plans. Staff members are bound by the policies and procedures of the organisation as amended from time to time. Referees Two professional referees names, addresses and phone numbers are to be included in all applications for this position. Please Note: KSC - when applying for this position you will need to address the key selection criteria (KSC) individually. Applications which do not address KSC will not be considered. All short-listed candidates will need to meet or exceed these key selection criteria. CV and Referees - in addition to addressing each KSC please supply recent curriculum vitae with two referees. All applications to: Loretta Asquini Community Development Coordinator Ground Floor, 33 Alfred Street North Melbourne 3051 Or enquiries@nmll.org.au Ph: Applications close 5pm, Friday 30 January, PRIVACY NOTICE In accordance with privacy legislation, North Melbourne Language & Learning inc. will use the personal information provided by applicants solely for the purpose of making appointments to positions within the organisation. North Melbourne Language & Learning inc will take all reasonable steps to protect the personal information it collects and uses. It will not disclose such information to any outside organisation. North Melbourne Language & Learning inc will destroy the personal information provided when it is no longer needed for selection purposes, except where the applicant accepts a position within North Melbourne Language & Learning inc. By submitting personal information to North Melbourne Language & Learning inc applicants are deemed to have given their consent to the collection, use and storage of their personal information for the purpose stated above. Page 5 of 5