The Australian Refugee Association Inc. (ARA) is a community-based organisation providing settlement, migration, and other forms of assistance to refugees, migrants and other people of concern.
As a member of our team, you will be supporting new arrivals in South Australia to achieve their social, economic, cultural and community participation goals. You will be making a difference in the lives of individuals and families as they re-establish themselves in a new home.
The Community Capacity Building Project Officer will be responsible for resourcing, developing, and implementing new initiatives that build the capacity of new and emerging communities to successfully settle in Australia. This may be achieved by developing individuals and/or Management Committees through structured governance training and professional mentorship.
The Community Capacity Building Project Officer will also be responsible for participating in key community events, forums, and partnership meetings. The Project Officer is also responsible for increasing awareness to the wider community of the issues faced by refugees when settling in a new country.
Community Capacity Building - Community Leaders Run number of Community Consultations to inform Capacity Building Workshop Engage with relevant presenters and workshop facilitators Advise Community Leaders on available resources and training. Provide referral pathways to relevant allied organisations. Support leaders to link community members with social engagement opportunities. Develop training initiatives for Community Leaders in collaboration with allied organisations. Maintain an up-to-date leadership database. Consult with ARA team and Community leaders providing an opportunity for program evaluation and feedback Community Cultural Events Work closely with Community Development team and Community leaders to organise ARA annual events including but not limited to:
Harmony Day Women's international Day The Souk- Refugee week event Seniors Iftar Dinner Stakeholder Engagement Attend meetings with other service provides as relevant. Develop and build on relationships with relevant agencies and service providers for the purpose of furthering the project and developing cross referral pathways. Establish and strengthen connections with community leaders to ensure leaders have knowledge, skills, and a point of reference to support their community's positive engagement and settlement in Australia. Participate in expos, forums, and conferences as appropriate and relevant to promote ARA service. Participate in internal team and staff meetings for the purpose of sharing information and reporting on new opportunities. General Conduct Employ effective internal communications, keeping others up-to-date on client needs and related trends. Make internal referrals for relevant programs in accordance with established procedures. Provide services in accordance with organisational policies, procedures and service models. Assist senior management staff with special projects as requested. Work closely and collaboratively with other staff and volunteers as appropriate. Keep accurate and timely records of services and case notes. Take responsibility for own time management, planning and organisation of work and any staff under supervision. Seek continuous improvement to ensure services are provided efficiently and effectively. Maintain confidentiality and privacy of client information. Ensure services are culturally sensitive and appropriate. Qualifications: A relevant tertiary degree is a prerequisite unless the equivalent knowledge has been attained through lesser qualifications and/or significant experience gained from previous appointments. Current Australian Driver's licence. Experience and Knowledge: Experience in the preparation, development and implementation of projects in the community services sector. Experience with leading, supervising, mentoring and supporting staff. Experience with establishing and maintaining internal and external relationships. Experience with developing and maintaining inter-agency partnerships. Experience working with volunteers and clients from a variety of backgrounds. Experience with preparing written reports. Experience with public speaking and meeting facilitation. Experience working within a multicultural service environment. IT literacy and proficiency in Microsoft suite of software programs. Knowledge of casework practices and procedures. Knowledge of refugee service delivery practices. Knowledge of current SA settlement services and projects relevant to refugees. Knowledge related to the needs of people from a refugee background. Awareness of government policies and contemporary service models relevant to community services. Understanding of multicultural and cross-cultural issues. Personal Capabilities: Ability to manage own time, set priorities, plan and organise work as well as those under direct supervision. Ability to deliver outcomes in accordance with ARA policies and funding requirements. Effective 'lateral thinking' problem solving and decision-making. Ability to exercise judgement and initiative in the establishment of new procedures to ensure requirements are met. Highly developed interpersonal, public speaking and presentation skills. Exceptional ability to establish build and maintain internal and external relationships. Ability to handle difficult conversations and situations. Ability to provide specialist expertise or advice in regards to clients' social needs and relevant services. Ability to work in cooperation and consultation as a member of a team. Strong ethical practices with a specific commitment to:
ARA Service Principles; Equal Opportunity and Anti-discrimination; Work Health & Safety; Client-oriented service provision.