Position Description

About 54 reasons

54 reasons is Australia’s leading child rights organisation, proudly part of the Save the Children Australia Group and global movement. We’re here to make sure that everyone understands their rights. So that children and young people have their rights met and thrive, in all their diversity.

We champion the children, young people and families we work with. We are inspired by the curiosity and creativity of children, and motivated by the love of those who care for them. With the child’s voice at the centre, we provide quality services to children and their caregivers, advocating with them so that children develop, learn, and are connected, safe and confident.

Our people are proudly local, and as diverse as the communities we serve – in every state and territory, and across regions, remote areas and capital cities. With operations in every state and the NT, our services span the early years and school engagement, youth justice, domestic and family violence and family support, and our practice is grounded in child rights and participation.

Role Purpose

The key focus areas for the Community Engagement Worker are:

• In consultation and with respect to the community, empowering community members to have a voice
• Supporting 54 reasons employees to build strong connections within the community
• Building trusting relationships with families to break down the barriers that prevent them from accessing support
• Engaging children, families, communities and groups to improve knowledge of and accessibility to health services, early childhood education services and family support services

Key Areas of Accountability

Role requirements

• Build rapport with community members who may be reluctant or hesitant to access support
• Empower community members to have a voice and act as a conduit between community members and staff
• Coordinate activities to bring together families and communities together in positive activities that provide opportunity to connect with services, resources and information designed to meet their needs in culturally appropriate ways
• Communicate about emerging issues in community, and identify family needs for safety, wellbeing, recreation, creativity, cultural involvement and community participation
• Provide opportunities for 54 reasons employees to engage with children and families in non-clinical ‘soft entry’ settings
• Maintain accurate up-to-date records on the support services available in the community
• Work effectively in a team and support programs when required
• Participate in training to build skills and competence in the role

Health, safety, security and risk management

• Be a role model for safety and security and comply with all workplace safety policy, procedure, work instructions and training
• Act safely at all times
• Report all incidents, injuries and potential hazards in a timely manner
• Participate in, and contribute to, health and safety awareness and improvements
• Be aware of, document and manage the risks associated with your team’s programs and workplaces and ensure appropriate elimination or mitigation measures are applied

Child protection and safeguarding requirements

• Maintain a child safe environment at the workplace and safeguard children’s rights, acting in the best interests of children at all times
• Comply with the Child Safeguarding Code of Conduct and child safeguarding and protection policies and standards (click here to view further details)
• Demonstrate the highest standards of behaviour towards children in both your private and professional life
• Never abuse the position of trust that comes with being a part of the Save the Children family
• Maintain a safe and positive relationship at all times when working with children and young people
• Respond to any concerns for the safety or wellbeing of a child in a program in accordance with internal reporting processes

Person Specification

Essential knowledge or experience

• Excellent communication skills
• Understanding of culturally accepted practices, in CALD and/or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and communities
• Experience working with families from CALD and/or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds
• Ability to maintain and build sound relationships with young people, families, community groups and other service providers
• Understanding of complex family and cultural practices specific to the local community
• Understanding of and/or experience working with young people and/or families facing disadvantage
• Knowledge of local community services/resources

Required qualifications and/or accreditations

Certificate 3 in Community Services, Childhood Development or a related area, is desired but not essential

Additional Information

• Any offer of employment at 54 reasons will be subject to a satisfactory National Police Record Check and, where required, a Working with Children Check
• Employees must sign on to Save the Children Australia’s Child Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct
• Ongoing performance and employment will be measured against KPIs, values and demonstrated behaviours outlined above
• 54 reasons is an Equal Opportunity Employer