Community Engagement and Support Officer (Disaster Rights)

Hames Sharley; Preston; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - GBP 52,000; Full time

Job summary

A community-focused organization is seeking a Community Engagement & Support Officer to assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities affected by disasters. The role involves raising awareness of legal rights, connecting communities with legal services, and delivering education programs. Essential skills include strong communication and interpersonal abilities, alongside a commitment to trauma-informed practices. The organization offers a supportive hybrid work environment, along with attractive benefits including additional leave and salary packaging options.

Benefits

Leave Loading

Additional annual leave days

Access to company vehicles

Generous salary packaging

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Lived experience in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities.
• Ability to engage with disaster-affected people in culturally safe ways.
• Willingness to travel across Victoria for work.

Responsibilities

• Raise awareness about legal rights in disaster contexts.
• Connect people with free, culturally safe legal services.
• Deliver community education and outreach activities.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Independent work

Teamwork

Education

Qualifications in disaster management, social work, health, community development, law

Job description

Overview

Location: Preston, VIC (applications from Bendigo, Shepparton and Morwell will also be considered)
Salary: $89,305 + super + salary packaging
Employment Type: Full Time, Fixed Term to 30 June 2028 (open to part time 0.8 FTE)
Working Arrangement: Hybrid

Make a Difference for First Nations Communities
Victoria Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) is seeking a passionate Community Engagement & Support Officer to join our Civil Law and Human Rights Practice and play a vital role in our new Disaster Rights Practice.

This is an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander designated position, classified under Section 12 Special Measures of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010.

About VALS

VALS is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation providing culturally safe legal and support services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across Victoria. Since 1973, we\'ve been committed to justice, equity, and empowerment through legal advice, representation, and community education.

About the Role

Disasters like bushfires and floods disproportionately impact Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, often creating new legal challenges. In this role, you\'ll work closely with communities to:

• Raise awareness about legal rights in disaster contexts
• Connect people with free, culturally safe legal services
• Build strong partnerships with Aboriginal organisations and community groups
• Deliver engaging community education and outreach activities

You'll be a key link between VALS and the community, ensuring our services are responsive, accessible, and trauma-informed.

What We're Looking For

Essential

• Lived experience in, or engaging with, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities.
• Ability to engage with disaster-affected people in culturally safe, trauma-informed ways.
• Commitment to learning about legal issues faced by Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people in Victoria, especially in the context of disasters.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills including the ability to build effective relationships with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and communities and collaborate with other organisations.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative to build relationships with staff from other organisations and complete projects.
• Strong teamwork skills and the ability to work well with lawyers and other VALS staff.
• Willingness and ability to travel across Victoria for work purposes and possession of a current driver’s licence.

Desirable

• Qualifications in disaster management, social work, health, community development, law or related fields.
• Lived experience of disasters and/or working with disaster-affected people.
• Experience working at an Aboriginal community-controlled organisation.
• Understanding of disaster-related legal issues or experience working in a legal service.
• Good written communication skills.
• Experience delivering presentations and facilitating group activities.
• Project and time management skills, with ability to prioritise and meet deadlines.
• Experience in policy/law reform and commitment to systemic change.

We encourage you to apply even if you do not meet all the key selection criteria

Why Join Us?

• We offer a supportive, flexible, and culturally safe working environment with a range of attractive benefits, including:
• 17.5% Leave Loading
• 5 additional days of annual leave on top of the standard 20 days
• Time in Lieu (TOIL) system for any hours worked beyond your contracted 35 hours per week
• Access to company vehicles for work-related travel
• Generous salary packaging up to $15,900 via Maxxia
• Opportunity to work alongside a passionate team committed to delivering culturally appropriate legal and support services for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities
• Ongoing professional development and training opportunities

Mandatory Requirements

• Working with Children Check
• National Police Check
• Victorian Driver\'s License
• Proof of work rights in Australia

Ready to Apply?

If you\'re passionate about community engagement and supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, we\'d love to hear from you.

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Your application will include the following questions:

• Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in Australia?
• What\'s your expected annual base salary?
• Do you have a current Australian driver\'s licence?
• Do you own or have regular access to a car?
• How much notice are you required to give your current employer?
• This is an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander designated position, classified under Section 12 Special Measures of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010.
• Do you identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander?
• Why are you interested in applying for this position?
• Do you understand and accept that this role is a fixed-term position until June 2028?

To help fast track investigation, please include here any other relevant details that prompted you to report this job ad as fraudulent / misleading / discriminatory / salary below minimum wage.