Organisational Values:

• Professional Integrity – We treat all our people with dignity and respect
• Quality – We always strive to do our best and improve the way we do things.
• Responsibility – We commit to the actions we take to achieve the best possible outcome for our clients.
• Client Focus – We work toward improving the health and wellbeing of our clients and community.

Key Responsibilities:

The Best Start Facilitator facilitates and builds effective working relationships between a range of senior cross government and community sector partners to secure the delivery of identified work priorities. The Facilitator responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
• engaging and networking effectively with Aboriginal and mainstream services.
• Build relationships, gain commitment from partners and work to keep commitment levels high
• the review of data, evidence and local knowledge with the partnership to identify community needs and then to develop key strategies and actions to respond to those needs
• leading local data collection plans and transferring data to the Best Start central data repository
• identifying learnings and opportunities for improvement
• supporting the Best Start monitoring and reporting framework.
• Demonstrated leadership, building relationships, ability to analyse and interpret data and networking skills will be essential to success in this role.
• Respond to the needs of community members, providing support to individuals and families as required including:
 information and referral to other services;
 advocacy;
 transport.
• Understand and promote the philosophy and need for an Aboriginal health/family service.
• Work as a team member in conjunction with Family Services, Health and Administrative staff.
• Support Berrimba Early Years
• Attend and participate in Unit staff meetings, general staff meetings and health planning team meetings.
• Represent the organization and/or community in forums outside the agency (e.g. at court, on panels, on Committees etc.).
• Participate in ongoing training and development.
• Ensure the confidentiality of client information at all times.
• Maintain appropriate data and program and client records.
• In consultation with the Manager, monitor and evaluate program delivery.
• Other duties as directed.
• Act, at all times, in a professional manner in accordance with the policies and practices of the Corporation.

PROGRAM DUTIES

It is expected that the Best Start Facilitator will:
• Support and facilitate the Best Start Partnership to achieve their stated outcomes for children in greatest need
• Engage and build partnerships with key stakeholders
• Facilitate the review of data, evidence and local knowledge with the Partnership to identify strategic actions for trial
• Lead the implementation of local data collection plans, including collection (i.e. surveys) and transfer of data to repository for review and analysis
• Facilitate the review of the trialled strategic actions and the decisions to adopt, abandon or adapt further.
• Communicate improvement cycle outcomes, supporting the scale up and replication of strategic actions within and between Best Start sites.
• Carry out relevant research, and map current service delivery to identify strengths and gaps in provision.
• Participate on relevant committees and facilitate community consultation and focus groups to identify community needs.
• Convene/participate in a range of forums with key stakeholders in the community to facilitate collaborative approaches to local issues.
• Assist in building partnerships and strengthening networks within the Aboriginal community and agencies to improve the capacity of the community to become self reliant and able to set priorities and direct services.
• Assist with the development and coordination of a range of strategies to raise awareness of the objectives of the Best Start project.
• In collaboration with key stakeholders coordinate the development and documentation of the Best Start action plan for endorsement by the Partnership.
• Work in partnership with key stakeholders to implement the recommendations of the Best Start action plan.
• Provide executive support to the Partnership, act as note taker and provide regular reports and recommendations.
• Participate and contribute to Regional and Statewide Best Start forums as directed.
• Contribute to the ongoing evaluation of project outcomes to ensure continued relevance and modify plans as appropriate.
• Participate in the local evaluation of the outcomes of the Best Start Action Plan.
• Assist mainstream services providers to understand Aboriginal culture and lifestyle.

Key selection criteria:

• A proven Knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal people and Aboriginal Culture.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of issues relating to the needs of Aboriginal families in the area.
• Understanding and commitment to Aboriginal community controlled medical/family/early childhood services.
• An ability to communicate effectively with Aboriginal people and handle issues in a sensitive manner.
• Demonstrated skills in community development
• An ability to work collaboratively and effectively with a range of relevant service providers.
• Demonstrated skills in project management, including highly developed, facilitation, consultation, networking and research skills
• Demonstrated enthusiasm, drive, commitment and capacity for sustained effort and hard work individually and as a team member
• Demonstrated flexibility creativity and innovation in working with the Partnership and community to achieve the determined Best Start outcomes
• Sound negotiation skills.
• An Ability to advocate on behalf of individuals and families.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• The Ability to maintain records and manage time effectively and efficiently.
• Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively and effectively as part of a multi-skilled team.
• Basic computer skills.
• Current driver’s license.

Highly desirable
• Sound knowledge of Early Childhood Development, Networking and Communicating
• A commitment to participant empowerment and community involvement in planning and decision making.
• An ability to apply community capacity building principles in the achievement of projects.
• Understanding of and practice in working with community, government departments and community agencies.
• An ability to work collaboratively and effectively as a key change agent across a broad community sector, acknowledging the diversity within communities.
• A knowledge of the local Aboriginal community, well developed communication skills and a capacity to develop effective links with a broad range of families creating an environment of trust.
• Ability and willingness to learn on the job.

In addition it is expected that the incumbent will:
• Seek opportunities for personal and professional development which will add to Berrimba’s overall capabilities.
• Undertake travel as required

Other relevant information:
Conditions of employment
• This is an ongoing, part-time position comprising 3 days per week. In order to perform the duties of this position effectively you may be required to work additional hours or vary your working times, on any day of the week, as appropriate and necessary from time to time. There is no paid over time, however, time in lieu arrangements will be negotiated as required.
• The position is currently based at 94 Hare Street, subject to change, based on strategic and operational needs of the organisation and program.
• Terms and conditions of employment will be included in an Employment Contract.
• The successful applicant will be required to undergo satisfactory pre-employment checks, including providing at least three (3) professional referees, completion of a medical declaration, Police Records Check, Working With Children Check, Victorian Driver’s Licence, and proof of identify and qualifications.
• The successful applicant must have and continue to hold a full Victorian Driver’s Licence.
• The successful applicant will be required to disclosure any pre-existing injury/injuries and/or medical condition/s, which could be aggravated by the type of employment they are applying for. The existence of an injury/injuries and/or medical condition/s will not preclude the applicant from employment, unless they are unable to perform the inherent requirements of the position. However, failure to disclose any relevant information may affect a claim for Worker’s Compensation.
• Njernda Aboriginal Corporation has a smoke-free workplace policy.

Written applications should include a covering letter.

All applicants must address the Key Selection Criteria and include a recent resume

Address your application marked: “Private & Confidential”.

Please check the closing date to ensure your application is received within the specified time. Applications may be posted, emailed, hand delivered or faxed (provided that a hard copy is posted on the same day).

Applications may be posted, emailed, hand delivered or faxed (provided that a hard copy is posted on the same day).

Please include the names and telephone contacts of at least two referees and forward to:

Human Resources
Njernda Aboriginal Corporation
51-55 Heygarth Street,
Echuca Vic 3564
(PO Box 201)
Echuca Vic 3564

Email jobs@njernda.com.au

Applications close 5pm Tuesday April 2, 2024

All applications close: 2nd Apr 2024